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Robert Bedard Obituary

FR. ROBERT J. BEDARD, CC Passed away peacefully surrounded by the prayers and presence of the Companions of the Cross, Servants of the Cross and friends at Carlingview Manor on October 6, 2011 in his 83rd year. Fr. Bob was born in Ottawa on July 17, 1929, attending primary school at Corpus Christi and high school at St. Patrick's College, graduating in 1948. He attended St. Augustine's Seminary in Toronto from 1951-55 and was ordained to the priesthood June 6, 1955 at his home parish of Blessed Sacrament. His first parish assignment was at Assumption Parish in Vanier from July 1955 until September 1958. His first teaching assignment was at St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary in 1958. He was made the principal there in 1961 and continued teaching at St. Pius X High School for twenty years. Fr. Bob was appointed official Ottawa Archdiocesan Liaison to the Charismatic Renewal by then Archbishop Plourde from 1975-78. He founded the Ottawa Renewal Centre and launched the Lamplighter newsletter from 1982-84. He spoke at many conferences on topics such as parish renewal and the Blessed Virgin Mary from 1982-84. In the fall of 1984 he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Parish, Ottawa. In May of 1985 he founded the Companions of the Cross, a community of priests and seminarians. The Companions were established as a Society of Apostolic Life by decree of then Archbishop Marcel Gervais in May 2003. In May of 1990, Fr. Bob began devoting himself full-time to the leadership of the Companions of the Cross. In 1992 he began co-hosting the television program Food for Life. On September 28, 1997 he was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross by Archbishop Gervais in the name of Pope John Paul II. Fr. Bob was a pioneer in parish renewal and the new evangelization. He will be greatly missed by the community of priests and seminarians that he founded, as well as the Servants of the Cross and the many lay associates of the Companions of the Cross. He is predeceased by his parents Henry and Eileen Bedard and by his first cousin Jean Starrs. He is survived by his first cousins Catherine Starrs, Shirley McKenna (Gerroid), Audrey Kost and Elizabeth Coughtrey (Bruce). The Companions of the Cross community would like to thank the staff at Carlingview Manor and Fr. Bob's personal care team. Visitation at St. Mary's Church, 100 Young St., Ottawa, on Tuesday, October 11 from 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and again from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. The wake will include the prayer of the Rosary at 12:00 p.m., Divine Mercy devotions at 3:00 p.m. and a Vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral-Basilica, 385 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, on Wednesday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m. Committal to follow at Hope Cemetery, 4660 Bank St. Donations to the Companions of the Cross in lieu of flowers, 199 Bayswater Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Y 2G5. www.companionscross.org www.kellyfh.ca

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Published by Toronto Star from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bedard

Sponsored by God Bless His Tireless efforts.

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44 Entries

Carson Loveless

June 1, 2025

Condolences to his family

A. W.

August 14, 2012

Father Bedard was revered at St. Pius X High School as the best teacher and most honorable by all students who knew him. His reputation was widely known. My brothers and sister and I were honored to be his students even during the time of crisis in 1975. He is fortunate to have led such a good and influential life.

Jim Hargrave

October 31, 2011

Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord; and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the soul of all the faithfully departed, rest in peace. Amen.
.....started to learn from Fr. Bob in 1977 and it kept on....thank you Lord for such a wonderful teacher for so many of us

Jennifer Hartley

October 15, 2011

Fr Bob is the priest from my earliest recollections. He was always a loving example of Christ. His message and life were consistent and he was a man to be aspired.

Bob O'Connell

October 13, 2011

October 13, 2011

Fr. Bob,

You had such an impact on my life for the past 51 years. I am so blessed to have known you and been a student of yours.

Since 1960, you have made an indelible impression on my life. I have followed you and your teachings from place to place.

You are in my prayers each day.

God bless

Diane Picken

October 12, 2011

Thank you God for the gift of Father Bob, his life, his priesthood and his founding of an amazing community.

Thank you God for the thousands of ways you manifested your presence,love, mercy and compassion through Father Bob.

Forever grateful,

Doug McLeod

October 12, 2011

In my years at Pius X, Fr Bob personified those values a "good" person should emulate. His guidance was tempered by humour, his humour tempered by wisdom and understanding. He was perfect for a teacher in all the best ways, particularly for teenage boys. He had the presence of mind to add a dash of fun to life even when he spoke of serious issues. So many, myself included, are far richer for knowing him. Rest well, my friend, and take my thanks and admiration on your journey. 2 Timothy 4:7

Jim Daley

October 12, 2011

I was a student & later a teaching colleague of Fr. Bedard at St Pius X. His impact on thousands of people will never be lost. He was a great teacher and an even better person. We were lucky to have time with him.

Dale Pegg

October 12, 2011

My condolences to those who were closest to Father Bob, particularly those who were part of St. Mary's parish and lived in community with him in the Companions of the Cross. From his conviction as a preacher (including at St. Martin de Porres parish in Bells Corners, early in his vocation), his very patient and insightful commitment as a teacher and basketball coach at St. Pius X. and his efforts within the Catholic Renewal movement, he has touched so many lives in such a positive way. It has been an honour to know him. Thank you Lord, for the life and legacy of Fr. Bob!

Linda R

October 11, 2011

Fr. Bob

You leave an enduring legacy of faith, love, hope and inspiration. Carried out in so many ways. Like making each person you met along the way feel like you were there just for them. The gift of taking the time for anyone who wanted to speak to you after mass each Sunday at St. Mary's, especially for remembering our names as you wrote them down on your note pad so you could pray for each intention. Thank you for your legacy of spreading insight of the Holy Spirit and being an example of the love of God the Father where ever you went. Thank you for showing us what a beautiful gift the Priesthood is to our Church and for the Spiritual Sons you leave to help us continue our journey.

Thank you Father Bob, I love you. Santo Subito!

Don & Maureen Hall

October 11, 2011

We are thankful to Fr. Bob and the Companions of the Cross for their powerful witness over the years. Fr. Bob Bedard had a wonderful wit, a dry sense of humour and a gift for teaching and preaching. He had a great charisma. Fr. Bob loved hockey and was one of the first to sign up as an Ottawa Senator season ticket holder. "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

October 11, 2011

Words cannot express the sadness of losing a man as instrumental and faithful as Fr. Bob. A man of great integrity, faith, and commitment - one of the most interesting and insightful priests I have ever met.
Truly,
Captain (Fr.) Jim McKay M.S.M
Candadian Forces

Fr. John Stopa

October 11, 2011

I am grateful to God for Fr. Bob Bedard's ministry to the church catholic, in proclaiming the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was truly a faithful servant, devoted in faith and love to God. Fr. Bob touched my life at a crucial time - God used him to guide me and to counsel me. Fr. Bob has now gone on to form that great cloud of of witnesses, and to take on that room that his Saviour has prepared for him. God bless you Bob!
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the soul of all the faithfully departed, rest in peace. AMEN!

Pax et bonum!

Jack & Shirley Byrne

October 10, 2011

Father Bedard's first convert instruction was to my wife in 1956 at Assumption Parish and, on April 7th 1956, we were married by Father Bob.
This was followed by him performng the Sacrement of Baptism on our first 2 children.
Needless to say we have fond memories of Father Bob and want to express our deepest sympathies to his family.
Jack and Shirley Byrne
Killam, Alberta

Louis Clement

October 10, 2011

Fr. Bob Bedard and Fr. Joseph Guiho were the most influential men in my life. I consider them to be perfect examples of Christians embracing the Christ on the Cross. Upon meeting them, you could feel that they were both given completely to God.... My life is changed since I met you. Thank you for your everyday devotion to Jesus... I will never forget you, my friend... Glory to God.... Amen.

Paul Adamson

October 10, 2011

Fr. Bedard was a great teacher and an excellent orator - and a significant influence in my life. Deborah and I very much appreciated that he graciously officiated at our marriage ceremony 30+ years ago.

Fran McKay

October 10, 2011

I had the privilege of meeting Fr. Bob and was deeply touched by his inspiring homilies, and compassion for all. I am praying that God will grant him eternal rest. The world is a better a better place because of Fr. Bob. Fran McKay

Paul Hamilton

October 10, 2011

Dear Bob - We've known one another for over 35 years. By the time we met, you had already lived some 20 years of your priestly life. Through the years, you have listened and learned, suffered and sacrificed, talked and taught, joked and journeyed with so many of us. Well done good and faithful servant. May you now enter into the joy of your Lord. Please pray for me and for all of us whose way to the Father is not yet complete.

Paulette Campeau

October 10, 2011

God grant you eternal rest.

Norman and Marissa Sanchez

October 10, 2011

Our deepest sympathy and prayers to his immediate family and to the Companions of the Cross.

October 10, 2011

God grant him eternal rest! Bud & Pat Semchuk.

Bernadette Tanks

October 10, 2011

I didn't have the opportunity to meet Father Bedard but I have heard great things about him. I would like to thank him for bringing to our community the Companions of the Cross, and for inspiring us to do extraordinary things for our neighbors and for our Lord. We will continue to include him in our prayers. Bernadette (Ottawa)

Grace@Claude Brule

October 10, 2011

YOU HELPED SO MANY PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE HERE WITH US, NOW YOUR ARE HOME, GOD BLESS!!!
GRACE

Bernadette McRae

October 9, 2011

In 1976, during Grade 13 Religion class, Father Bob invited us to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and my life has never been the same since. He touched so many of students at Pius X, by what he said and who he was. That same year he was very present to me and my brother and sister as we dealt with the sudden death of our mother. Our paths crossed many times now and then in the following years, but when Father Bob walked into the wake of my father in 2003, I knew that his love prayerful thoughfulness for the students he had taught and encouraged in their faith was constant and deep and lasted years. I am grateful, and know that love and prayerful thoughtfulness continues still, but now from the Lord's heavenly throne!
Bernadette McRae (nee Puccini)
Cornwall, Ontario

Deacon Lee and Claudette Winchester

October 9, 2011

To the Companions of the Cross and Bedard families. we have had the distinct prividge and honor to know and Love Fr Bob.. we will miss this ordinary man who did extraordinary things. he WALKED THE TALK...Thankyou Fr Bob.. Rest in peace.

Jerry Howland

October 9, 2011

knowing Fr. Bob was a rare privilege - working with him was always an uplifting experience and a call to follow Jesus. Thanks to God for the gift of Fr. Bob.

Julie Foran

October 9, 2011

Thanks Fr. Bob for the love and concern you showed me at a difficult time in my life - you were a shining example of Jesus' love. Love, Julie

John Zwicker and family

October 9, 2011

In gratitude for his personal and lifelong sacrifice as a Catholic Priest, we offer our condolences along with our promise of prayer for the repose of his soul; for likely, the most encouraging and affirming individual I have ever known.

He is in Our Blessed Mother's care and it is easy to imagine him now enjoying the company, within the Wedding Feast, of those whose robes have been washed in The Blood of The Lamb.

Thank you Father Bedard!

Donald Hill

October 9, 2011

Our family has had the privilege of knowing Father Bob since 1976. We consider him not only a wonderful priest but also a great friend. We thank God for taking Father Bob to Himself. Though we will miss him, we know that he is safe in the arms of his loving Father. Don Hill and family

Bob O'Connell

October 9, 2011

To Family and Companions of the Cross:

My deepest sympathies on the passing of Father Bob. He coached and taught me at Pius X. I fondly remember the dry sense of humour and his many wisdom's that he freely shared with all. A great mentor and friend - he will be missed

Bob O'Connell

Greg & Joanne Toner

October 9, 2011

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

John Allan Shaw

October 8, 2011

It is with deepest sympathy to all the members of The Companions of the Cross in the loss of your beloved founder. I was a resident Student at St. Pat's College while Father Bob was a Day student at the same wonderful School. Father Bob left for St Augustines Seminary and I left for the Novitiate with the Oblate Fathers. IN 1955 I was ordained the day before Father Bob. My Ordination took place at St. Josephs. Although I have been laicised for a number of years, my last personal contact with Father Bob was in May of 1991 when Iasked him to see that my sister had a proper Christain Burial which he promised to do. I know that Father Bob is safely in Heaven now enjoying the company of Our High Priest Jesus Christ. He is in my prayers REQUIESCAT IN PACE Pater Roberto. Allan Shaw Northbay On tario

Ann-Marie Martello

October 8, 2011

Deepest sympathy's go out to Father Bob's family and friends. He will be remembered by all those whose lives he touched - especially his former students from St. Pius X.
Ann-Marie (Galla) Martello

October 8, 2011

My deepest sympathy to Fr. Bob's family and all who mourn his passing. He is a Saint. All who knew him and loved him, knew of his beautiful heart of mercy and his love for all God's creation. I will miss his presence around my dinner table and his awesome sense of humour. He was generous beyond belief and was a father figure to many children. May God bless his soul and welcome him with arms wide open. He wears the crown of glory now!!

October 8, 2011

A life well lived Fr. Bedard. As a Pius X lad I benefited muchly. Go in Peace.

Finlay MacDonald
Victoria BC

Gabrielle Atkinson

October 8, 2011

In thanksgiving for the countless blessings received through his ministry. We thank you Lord for his generous yes to your Holy will
through the varied seasons of life. We rejoice in Thanksgiving that he has returned to Our Father's house.
Terry and Gabrielle Atkinson and family

Dorothy Clarke

October 8, 2011

To Father Bob's Family and Companions of the Cross. We were deeply sadden to hear of Father Bob's passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Brian & Dorothy Clarke

Victor Tolgyesy

October 8, 2011

Thoughts and prayers to Father Bedard- Best English teacher EVER! and most understanding and fabulous guy ever, who set me on the right path when I needed it..... You're in Heaven now, enjoy your reward!

Robert Drapeau

October 8, 2011

God bless his soul. A great holy priest, a teacher to many he will be missed

Johanna Mathieu

October 8, 2011

My sincerest sympathy to Father's family and the Companions of the Cross. I have met Father several times and his message has been a great source of inspiration to me. R.I.P. Father Bob

Denyse Baizana

October 8, 2011

My thoughts & Prayers go out to the Companions of the Cross. I Had the Pleasure of Meeting Fr. Bob during a
Healing Mass. I will Always remember this Inspirational Memory. We have not lost a true Friend but We Have Received aPowerful Guardian Angel & Teacher to Look Over Us All & Guide Us Through Our Journeys of His Teachings.

Suzanne ozorio

October 8, 2011

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Christina Lange

October 8, 2011

To Fr. Bob's Family & Companions of the Cross,

Words cannot express the depth of pain at the loss of Fr. Bob. He was a great gift to us, bringing us closer to God by not being afraid to speak the truth which all our hearts yearn to hear. He was also a blessing to us on a personal level over the years.
May all who loved him experience peace.

Thank you Fr. Bob! We know you can hear us and pray for us all.

With love and gratitude,
Christina Lange & son Jonathan Lister

October 8, 2011

Our deepest synpathy's go out to the Companions of the Cross
and all who have been touched by Father Bob in some way. Father Bob was and always will be in our Prayers. You are most cherished in
our Home and Thank You for being part of our Lives.

With Love and Blessings Donna & Mario Beauchamp

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