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RAYMOND OLIER ROUSSIN
Born: Jun 17, 1939
Date of Passing: Apr 24, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRAYMOND OLIER ROUSSIN, S.M. Archbishop Emeritus Archdiocese of Vancouver Marianist brother, priest and bishop. Beloved uncle. Teacher, chaplain, wilderness paddler and camper. Lover of the arts. Man of faith, humour and humility. Revered shepherd and cherished friend. Born June 17, 1939 in St. Boniface, Manitoba. Died April 24, 2015 in Winnipeg from complications related to Parkinson's disease. With deep sorrow and faith-filled joy combined we announce that our beloved Ray has gone home to God, whom he loved and served throughout his life. Until recent weeks he still ministered to those around him, mostly by the simplicity and gentleness of his spirit. Ray was the first child of Marcel and Germaine Roussin, growing up with his sister Lucille and brother Gerry in their family home on St. Mary's Road in Winnipeg. During a grade nine exam at Provencher School, Brother Louis Reile, SM, approached and asked quietly, "Have you ever thought of becoming a Marianist?" Ray was startled, and in coming weeks haunted by the question. It soon became clear that God had spoken, and Ray went to St. Louis, Missouri where he finished high school as a Marianist postulant. Ray then moved to Levis, Québec to continue his studies in the novitiate. There he professed final vows on August 29, 1957, becoming a Marianist brother. He had several notable anniversaries - birthday, ordination to the priesthood and later his ordination as bishop - but it was always the date he became a member of the Society of Mary that meant most to him. In 1970 Ray was ordained to the priesthood following studies at the Marianist seminary in Fribourg, Switzerland. Returning to Canada he taught English at St. Boniface Diocesan High School, where he established Christian Life Communities as a way of encouraging students to live their lives centered on the Gospel. The movement was so effective that students continued meeting after they had graduated, under the banner of The Family of Mary. Several groups are active to this day. Ray then joined the staff at St. Benedict's Retreat and Conference Centre north of Winnipeg for several years before returning to the high school as rector. In 1991 he was appointed chaplain for St. Paul's College at the University of Manitoba, where he greatly loved being with energetic university students. It was during this joyful assignment that Ray received the call he had never expected - to become a bishop. He was ordained June 15, 1995 on a sweltering evening at St. Boniface Cathedral. Three assignments followed: the dioceses of Gravelbourg, SK; Victoria, BC; and then Vancouver. All three presented difficult issues, but Ray greeted each day with courage and handled every challenge with unfailing grace. He was supported at all times by the warm and caring people he served. Many became close friends. By 2005 Ray's health was beginning to fail. Following treatment for depression he was commended by the Canadian Mental Health Association for bringing light and increased understanding to this common affliction. He retired in 2009 and returned to Winnipeg. Within a year Ray needed the support of a personal care home. He spent the first four months in St. Norbert, MB, where he received excellent care. For the past five years he lived at Foyer Valade in Winnipeg, where the level of care was deeply compassionate and highly professional. Ray's family members are grateful to all the staff at Foyer Valade, in particular to the one-on-one aides from Real Care who gave him love, support and companionship during his waking hours. We are especially grateful to Yosef, Shar-Len and Easter, who ministered with loving compassion to Ray during these past two years. Ray will always be remembered for his simplicity, his gentleness and his humour. He loved children, and they loved him. Some took to calling him "Papa Ray". Others called him "Father Uncle Ray." Friends and their children often joined him for restful holidays at the remote Marianist cottage on Falcon Lake, MB. Here Ray cooked on the wood-burning stove, read long books in the sun on the deck, gained a deep tan and piloted boatloads of visitors and groceries back and forth to the marina. He often said Mass at the dining room table. His simple but powerful homilies seldom extended more than six or seven minutes, a pattern that was sometimes observed even after he became bishop. He loved opera, ballet and live theatre - and every so often a good drink of single malt Scotch. Ray traveled extensively before he was ordained bishop, visiting many countries as he provided simultaneous translation during Marianist conferences. He fell in love with the people of India especially and would have happily served them the rest of his life. Ray will forever be missed and deeply loved by his extended family: Lucille (Patrick) Lang, and Gerry (Diane) Roussin; nieces and nephew Jill Roussin, Chris (Ashley) Roussin, Jocelyne (Murray) Lang, Alix (Glen) Hersh and Natasha Lanthier; and great-nephews Jackson and Matthew Hersh, Avery and Easton Lang, and Jacob Roussin. Ray will also be held forever in the hearts of his many colleagues and friends with whom he shared this time called life. Please help us say good-bye to Ray and pray him into heaven during vigil prayers on Friday evening, May 1 at 7:30 p.m, and then during his funeral Mass on Saturday morning, May 2 at 10:00 a.m. Both celebrations will take place in the St. Boniface Cathedral, Taché Avenue at 190 avenue de la Cathédrale. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Parkinson Society Canada or the Canadian Mental Health Association. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2015
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Fr. Ray was my grade 12 English teacher at St. Boniface Diocesan High School in 1973-74. I remember him very well. He was a wonderful teacher, caring of his students, and he struck me as very intelligent and diligent. Even now, decades later and in my old age, I think of him with fondness, pride and admiration. I miss him to this day. - Posted by: Howard Martyn (student of Ray's, St. Boniface High School 1973-74) on: Feb 09, 2024
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I was at Vancouver General Hospital recovering from a near-fatal illness when dear Archbishop Roussin paid me not one, but two pastoral visits. He shared with me very briefly how horribly he was treated by certain priests in the Archdiocese of Vancouver and that that was the real cause of his awful depression he suffered. I experienced Archbishop Raymond as a gentle and humble man, truly not deserving of such dreadful treatment. God give him peace and eternal rest. - Posted by: Peter Andersen (One grateful recipient of Archbishop Roussin’s ministry) on: Jul 10, 2019
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We were very saddened to learn of the death of our beloved friend and spiritual adviser. Bishop Ray was a great man who always conducted himself as a simple man with a deep love for humanity. He was instrumental in helping us settle in Winnipeg from Africa 30 years ago. He baptized both our children who always referred to him as Uncle Father Ray. Uncle Father Ray, we will miss you terribly. Rest in peace good friend. Peter & Elizabeth Luzige, Winnipeg Canada. - Posted by: Peter Luzige (Friend) on: May 29, 2015
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We are especially grateful for Ray's friendship with our daughters, Mary and Christine. Paul enjoyed exchanging letters with him. We will always remember him in our prayers. - Posted by: Paul and Louise Mazur (Friends) on: May 19, 2015
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My sincere sympathy to your family. I had the privilege of working at St. B when Father Ray (as he was known then) was the rector. He was one of the kindest, most sincere and down-to-earth men I have ever known and he was such a positive influence on the students, staff and community. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Sharon McRae (Former Teacher at St. Boniface Diocesan High School) on: May 02, 2015
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Heartfelt sympathy to Lucille and family at the loss of her dear brother. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Barb Macdonell (Skinner). - Posted by: Barbara Macdonell (Skinner) (School friend of Lucille ) on: May 01, 2015
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We share your sorrow at the passing of our beloved priest, friend and mentor, Bishop Ray. Ray officiated at our wedding as well as baptizing our 3 children even after we moved away. We will cherish the beautiful memmories of Ray's visits with us whenever he happened to be in Edmonton, the Christmas cards and birthday cards he sent us for years even after the children were grown up. Although he did not quite remember us when we last visited him, his kindness and gentleness shone through. Ray enriched the lives of everyone he befriended. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: The Marcinkow Family (friends) on: Apr 30, 2015
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Father Ray was a wonderful teacher, priest, and confidant during my teenage years and young adulthood. I'm profoundly sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathies to his family. - Posted by: Jacqueline Ratte Kohut (Former Student) on: Apr 30, 2015
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Such a wonderful humble man whom I will never forget! Sincere sympathies dear Lucille to you and all the members of your family. - Posted by: Jeannine Vermette snjm (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2015
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Dear Lucille & Patrick, we are saddened by the loss of your brother & brother-in-law. We have never had the pleasure of meeting Archbishop Roussin but have heard many accolades of his caring nature and support for the many persons entrusted to his care and guardianship. May you always treasure the memories that you have made and shared with him. They will become the treasures of your heart. - Posted by: Claudette B. Moquin & Harm Bouwman (Church friends of Lucille & Patrick) on: Apr 29, 2015
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We have lost a treasured mentor, spiritual guide, and beloved family friend. He was and always will be "Papa Ray" to our five children. He was equally at home playing Legos on the floor as he was celebrating a simple Eucharist around the coffee table. Ray was a true servant leader with a deep love for God and all of God's people. We were blessed to have known this great man, and will miss him terribly. Rest in peace, dear friend! - Posted by: David and Isabella Moyer and family (friends) on: Apr 29, 2015
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I've met Father Roussin a couple of times, because he was the nephew of my Uncle Claude and Aunt Yvonne Champagne. I found him to be very nice and interesting to talk to. Mes sympathies a la famille Roussin. - Posted by: Richard Girouard (no relation) on: Apr 29, 2015