Father Christopher Paul Rushton, OMI

Died peacefully on July 30th, 2018, surrounded by saddened members of his religious community, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Predeceased by his parents, Louis and Eileen Rushton, and two brothers, Norman and Brian, he is mourned by his remaining brother, Pat (Joan) of Almonte, ON, nieces, nephews and cousins. Father Chris joined the Oblates in 1966 and pronounced his Final Vows at Holy Rosary Scholasticate in Ottawa on September 7, 1970. He was ordained Priest on September 29, 1973. In 1974 he completed his education degree in London, ON, and taught at Labrador City Collegiate from 1975-1982. His assignment to serve the Innu community in Sheshatshits, Labrador, began a long and happy part of his life! He ministered in Labrador on and off for over 30 years! He served the Oblate community in many capacities over the years, being appointed Provincial Superior from 1996-2002. More recently he was Chaplain to the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Pembroke, ON, and finally Chaplain in Vancouver College until his illness in 2016. He moved to Hamilton, ON, in August 2016, where he was cared for at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, and subsequently at the Good Shepherd Ministry’s Emmanuel Hospice, where he constantly praised their professional and dedicated kindness. All who were blessed to have known Fr. Chris were touched by his kindness and his sense of goodness. He loved to tell stories and see the brighter side of life, full of boundless energy and joyous enthusiasm. His life was one filled with gentleness, grace and blessing! He will be missed by many people whose lives he touched profoundly. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to DeMazenod Door Outreach Ministry (c/o St. Patrick Parish, 440 King Street East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 1C6,) or Emmanuel House, (90 Stinson Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 1S2.) He will be waked at St. Patrick’s Church, 440 King Street East, Hamilton, on Friday, August 3rd, 2018 from 7 to 9:00 p.m., with prayers being offered at 8:30. His remains will then be transferred to Holy Canadian Martyrs Parish, Ottawa, for Vigil and prayers at 7p.m. Monday Evening, and Mass of Resurrection, on Tuesday, August 7 th at 11 a.m., with burial to take place at 2 p.m. at St Theresa’s Oblate Cemetery in Arnprior, ON. May he receive the reward due a good and faithful servant!