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Basil WREN Obituary
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38 Entries
Don-Lois Leggett
October 29, 2017
MR. Wren gave so much of himself to the students with direction and kind words. We will always remember him with admiration.
Rob Thomas
October 27, 2017
Kelly, Krista and Kathleen,
It was a real privilege to spend so much time with, and feel so welcomed by, your family all those years ago. Your parents were a big part of that. Your dad, in particular, took a real interest in my life and in getting to know me, as I'm sure he did with so many other people. He was a real model of fatherhood. I know there is little I could say to you by way of consolation. The loss is a big one. I hold very fond memories of him. My thoughts are with you.
All the best,
Rob
Jessie + Derek Morin + Amyot
October 27, 2017
Krista, Kathleen, Kelly and family, our deepest condolences.
- Jessie Morin and Derek Amyot
Dianne (Diz) Nel (Dezell)
October 26, 2017
What a wonderful influence and mentor to the students at Kemptville and beyond. Cherished memories for sure.
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Lynn Noel
October 26, 2017
One of the finest human beings I've ever met. Krista, Kelly and Kathleen my thoughts and prayers to all of you as you grieve your deep loss and at same time celebrate the gift of having the most wonderful parents any child could ask for. Kathy and Basil welcomed everyone with such grace and love and I was so fortunate to have been at their wedding and they at mine (both of them lol). I remember Basil watching and laughing as his boy ran around the farm in his Superman Cape and Krista the smiles you brought to your Mom were remarkable and little Kathleen your laughter and singing voice could be heard throughout the farmhouse. Heaven just got brighter as your two shining lights are once again together !! Sending you hugs from my family to all of you. Lynn (Brophy) Noel
Kathleen Forbes
October 26, 2017
My sincere condolences. Uncle Basil was an important link to my connections with my Wren family. I always loved to hear his voice and laugh. I am sure Kathleen Kelly and Krista are so proud of all his accomplishments and devotion. I hope you can find peace and joy as you celebrate his life. Kathleen (Wren) Campbell Hayley and Clare
Laura Fromow
October 26, 2017
Dear Krista, Kathleen, Kelly, and family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your lovely Dad. He was such a gentle and sincere man and made all those around him feel at ease.
I remember being a bundle of nerves, writing one of my first University exams at Carleton and looking up to see him there, working as a proctor. Him simply being there helped me so much.
Sending you love and keeping you all close in my prayers,
Laura (Reasbeck) Fromow
Basil in Jericho by the Zachaeus tree, modelling Palestinian headgear!
October 25, 2017
Basil, you were a great participant in that trek to the Holy Land in June of 2016. He took it all in with great enthusiasm, and said "I wish I did more theology and not as much farm" There is one continuous stream of his magnanimity from Douglas to the Oblates, to Kemptville, Waupoos, and St Joe's. With sadness I will not be able to continue with him, his journey at our Lady of Fatima, Thursday and Friday! He must have been in Barcelona trying to bring peace to Catalonia! Paul H
Jack English
October 25, 2017
My sincere condolences. I had the great pleasure of travelling with Basil on pilgrimage to Israel last year. We had some great conversations. I am so honoured that I got to meet Basil. I wish I could get to Ottawa for Friday.
Jack (fellow pilgrim)
Amy C
October 25, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Basil's passing. I knew Basil from St. Joe's at the 11:30 am mass. He would say hello to me if he saw me and he always remembered that I'm a teacher. He always had kind words and encouragement to share. My condolences to his family and friends. Blessings, Amy.
Pat Royds
October 25, 2017
Our sympathy on the loss of your father
We knew both your Mother and Father from St Joe's
Kaye and Pat
EVE YANTHA
October 24, 2017
Sincerest sympathy to the Wren family on the passing of Basil. He will be greatly missed.
The Cunningham family.
Barbara Burton Newman
October 24, 2017
Dear Basil Wren family,
We are so sorry to hear about Basil's death. We are so fortunate to have had him in our lives. He was always there at any of our gatherings. Loved his stories and his wise words. My life is so much better because our lives crossed at Kemptville College and continued on. God bless all of you. With heartfelt sympathy, Barbara Burton '67.
Sheila Reesor
October 24, 2017
Krista, Kathleen and Kelly,
We were so saddened to hear about your dad. At least you can say he was out there, traveling the world and doing what he loved. When we close our eyes and think of Basil, we both instantly remember that great smile and those laughing eyes.
Our thoughts are with you guys!
Sheila & Roger
Noreen Wren
October 24, 2017
So sorry to hear the sad news of Basils passing. My thoughts and prayers to Kelly, Kathleen, Krista and Wren families. I have so many memories of Basil and appreciate him keening in touch with our family over the years.
October 24, 2017
To the Wren Family: Basil was a true friend and gentleman. He will surely be missed by all. My deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers are with at this sad time of loss.
Forever a friend, Monique Cazabon, Windsor Ontario
Lorraine Gravelle
October 24, 2017
Dear Kelly, Krista and Kathleen...My deepest sympathies to all the Wren family. Your Dad was so proud of you and your families. You gave him such joy. We here on earth have lost one of the very best. He was such a breath of fresh air. His kindness, wonderful sense of humour, boundless faith and love of mankind will be sorely missed. Greg and I enjoyed the pleasure of your Dad and Mom's company on so many occasions. Basil, rest in peace.
Love and God Bless.
Fr. Reginald MacNeil
October 24, 2017
To Basil's family members and friends,
Today we mourn a great man loved by everybody and whom everybody loved. Basil Wren was a close friend of mine who gave everyone good advice and who knew how to share.
His laughter is still ringing in my ears. His sense of humour was legendary.
He lead by example and served in many ways with humility and care. He is now with his beloved Kathy. The two of them were a wonderful couple that brought to the world capable children that follow in their footsteps.
Thank you Basil for all you gave to this world. You are an example worth following.
Fr. Reg
Fr. Reginald MacNeil
October 24, 2017
To Basil's family members and friends,
Today we mourn a great man loved by everybody and whom everybody loved. Basil Wren was a close friend of mine who gave everyone good advice and who knew how to share.
His laughter is still ringing in my ears. His sense of humour was legendary.
He lead by example and served in many ways with humility and care. He is now with his beloved Kathy The two of them were a wonderful couple that brought to the world capable children that follow in their footsteps.
Thank you Basil for all you gave to this world. You are an example worth following.
Fr. Reg
jennifer Penafiel
October 23, 2017
We're sharing your sadness at this time. Although it was only every couple of years our visits with Basil were always a pleasure.We'll try to try to continue some of his goodness and donate to the downtown mission through our church. Love always Aunty Jenny, UncleChristian,Julie,Meg,Shawn,Mateo,and Gabriela
Robert Drapeau
October 23, 2017
Our condolences on the passing of Basil. I have known Basil for many years. He and Kathy were friend with my parents (Leo and Marie). We as a family spent great times with Waupoos and Cursillo. RIP Basil.
Colleen Barrett
October 22, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you Krista, Kelly and Kathleen and I am so sad I won't be there in person this week. I remember your parents so well and have so many wonderful and formative memories from the early days of Waupoos. I will always remember Basil, his smile, his horses and how he really was the one who put the "farm" in Waupoos Farm. So lovingly and joyfully committed to that place was he, even many years after you lived there.
Heather Stewart
October 22, 2017
Basil was, is, and always will be a man for the ages. He lives on in the hearts of so many as 'The One' to whom we looked for guidance, patience and love. May all who knew him carry forth his ideals.
Having worked with Basil in his later career at Kemptville Agricultural School/ K. College of Ag. Technology/Kemptville Campus, I could not have wished for a more kind and supportive mentor - thank you. Peace surrounds you.
Roger & Diane Derenzis
October 22, 2017
Sympathies to all the Wren family. We came to know both Basil and Kathy many years ago when we first arrived in Ottawa and shared many happy times. A wonderful personality and truly "one of a kind". Rest in Peace, Basil and may the good Lord welcome you with open arms.
Roger and Diane Derenzis
Beverley Olivastri
October 22, 2017
I had the privilege of knowing both Kathy and Basil. They were both an inspiration on how to live their faith. Basil was such a wonderful friend. His smile, his laughter and his compassion will be missed so much. My sympathy to all the family. May he rest in the peaceful arms of Our Lord.
Nancy O'Connor
October 22, 2017
I want to say to the family that I am so sorry to hear this news of Basil. He is a very impressive and lovely man.I met him on the trip to Ireland in 2014 and we became friends.He was always happy, laughed a lot and shared his interest in Ireland and places he hoped to visit.He talked about his family and the interests he had in Ottawa such as Curling and his time spent with family at the Waupoos Farm.He was very kind to me and helped me a lot .I had just lost my husband in April before the trip. I am sure he will be greatly missed and like me he enjoyed Daniel O'Donnell very much and the concerts in Kilarney. God bless you Basil from Nancy
Roger Pommainville
October 21, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family suffering from the loss of Basil.
I keep very positive memories of this good man.
He had a lot of faith in God and many times he gave a lift to the catholic church in Kemptville when I attended Kemptville College.
Roger Pommainville KCAT 1968
Pamela Hyatt
October 21, 2017
I had the privilege of meeting this loving, laughing gentle man just a few times when he visited Kathleen, Jon and their super trio of lads. He radiated compassion, great humour, immense peace. Deeply missed he is and will be. My heartfelt condolences to all of Basil's cherished family at this painful time.
Ron Burgess
October 21, 2017
A man with a tremendous ability to remember people and their history. Never lost his roots in Renfrew County. To his family my condolences. KCAT Class 68
Jean Farrell
October 21, 2017
It deeply saddens me that I cannot visit or attend the funeral as I have recently had a stroke. First met Basil when we were match making he and Kathy. They were God parents to my daughter Erin in 1974. We shared many dinners, parties, outreach projects and supported them in starting the Waupoos family farm. So many memories shared with an amazing man who lived life to the fullest. Love to Kelly, Krista, and Kathaleen. Jean Farrell
Jane Donahoe
October 21, 2017
Dear Kelly, Krista and Kathleen, I was so very sorry to hear that your Dad has passed away. Both your parents were such good friends to me...loved them both. Basil shared my big 70 th b'day with me a few years ago and seemed a contented man who mentioned how happy he was with his children and grandchildren...
He had a wonderful sense of humour and was very generous with his time to help others in so many ways. He will be missed!
I will have a Mass offered for him at my church and keep you all in my prayers....
With love and sympathy, Jane Donahoe
PS...I actually sang at Your parent's. wedding...was their at the beginning. Now they will be together again.
Oonagh and a Michael Burke Phillips
October 21, 2017
Love this pic of Basil having a laugh...he was so much fun, so many things...a wonderful man who was so kind to me when I came to Canada first. We had good times together, Kathy and himself a couple of gems....he was a great dad. He visited us in Ireland twice. So many good memories. I wish Michael and I were there to celebrate his life with you next week, be with you in spirit in Dublin, with love.
Clare Hayes
October 21, 2017
I am very sorry to hear of Basil passing.
I have great memories of Basil when I attended K.C.A.T. (Year 68)
He was a true gentleman.
Jim Dukowski omi
October 21, 2017
You can take the man out of the Oblates, but you can't take the Oblate our of the man.
Christina, Rob and Collins Bourgeois
October 21, 2017
His warm smile will live on in all our memories. So lucky to have met and spend many special occasions with Basil. Love to all of the family.
Hubert and Paulette Frenken
October 21, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Wren family on the loss of their loved one. We have fond memories of Basil and Kathy from the early days of the Cursillo movement. I Hubert was also involved with Basil on the Days of Awareness at Joyceville and Collins Bay penitentiaries. Basil was a man of deep faith who left a lasting impression on us.
May the legacy that he left you help carry you through the difficult days ahead.
Sarah Newell
October 21, 2017
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I remember your dad as such a kind man, driving us around, taking us to the farm. He will be remembered fondly by many I'm sure.
Matt Neuheimer
October 21, 2017
Love you Basil!
Thanks for all your wisdom over the years!
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515 Cooper Street (between Bay & Lyon), Ottawa, ON K1R 5J1
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