August 13, 1962 – December 13, 2020
Ordained: December 12, 1996
Father Owen was called home to his eternal rest on December 13, 2020 at the age of 58.
Father Owen is survived by his siblings, Treva (Marcel), Susan and Jim, numerous nieces and nephews, his best friend Father Robb and his beloved dog Binky. In addition, Father Owen leaves countless parishioners and friends to grieve.
He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Clara (Nee Cure), his brothers Jack and Bill, his sister Marilyn, and his beloved dogs, Franklin, Clara and Colin.
Owen was born on August 13, 1962 in Selkirk, Manitoba and was raised in Lac du Bonnet and Winnipeg.
Owen entered the workforce at the age of 12 and after school, worked at KFC and Shell. In his graduating year of high school, he received an award for the highest marks in Mathematics. Earlier in his life, Owen studied and graduated a course in massage therapy. He also worked as a funeral director at Green Acres in Winnipeg and Connelly-McKinley in Edmonton. Owen graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (with a major in Catholic Studies) from the University of Manitoba and then on to a diploma in Specialized Pastoral Education, and a Masters of Divinity Degree in Edmonton, Alberta.
Owen, being deeply spiritual and a realist, was attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and responded to a call to study and to become an ordained priest. He attended seminary through the Archdiocese of St. Boniface, completed his internship and was ordained on December 12, 1996 at Christ the King Parish in St. Vital.
Father Owen ministered for a year as Chaplain at the Prince Albert Penitentiary. Upon his return to Manitoba, he was appointed assistant pastor at Christ the King Parish and Catholic School, ministering to the families and community. Being very creative and effective, and sharing his gifts for the good of others, he participated in the renovations of the church and was available to serve the needs of all who came to him.
On August 1, 1999 – 2005, Fr. Owen became pastor at St. Mary Parish in Beausejour and Our Lady of Hope in Anola.
Father Owen had a special gift for bringing his parishioners together under common causes. He also had an undeniable talent for capturing the essence of a person during his funeral homilies. At regular Sunday services, his parishioners would leave being fed from the word of God and inspired to welcome the Lord into their hearts and to be better people.
Father Owen was a beloved priest and cared deeply for the communities which he served. He had a remarkable presence with people, down to earth nature, and a mischievous grin. His deep faith touched the lives of all who knew him. He connected easily with all people and his preaching brought the Gospel into his parishioners’ lives in meaningful and relevant ways. He invigorated and revitalized the parishes which he had stewardship over. While at St. Mary’s Parish in Beausejour and Our Lady of Hope in Anola, he restored priceless Leo Mol murals and renovated the interiors of both parishes. He loved to decorate the churches for all liturgical seasons with Sheri and Tim.
Father Owen organized numerous events such as the yearly pilgrimage for Our Lady of La Salette, garage sales, Chase the Ace, and other fund-raising events.
He could always be found in the church with his beloved dogs at his side; he would greet you with a laugh and a hug.
While at the parishes, he undertook and completed major upgrades. He revitalized the church basement, giving much needed space to the CWL and the Knights of Columbus. This also provided an overflow for wedding and funeral attendees and gave parishioners a place to enjoy pancake breakfasts and other church events. Other improvements included the installation of furnaces, air conditioners, a new roof, new windows, new carpets, new front doors and the list goes on.
Following this appointment, he became pastor at Blessed Sacrament parish in Transcona where he served the community for several years from August 2005 until 2009.
While ministering there, he along with his good friend Deacon Jim Frater had a new roof installed, new carpets throughout the church, a decorative iron railing with two gates put in for the baptismal font, a niche built in honour of Mary, mother of Jesus with votive candles, the entrance doors replaced, new washrooms built, the interior of the church repainted, and the parking lot repaved.
Fr. Owen enjoyed and was a great supporter of the Blessed Sacrament Players dinner theatre fund raising group as participator and active member.
In August 2009 – 2018, Fr. Owen returned as pastor to St. Mary in Beausejour and Our Lady of Hope in Anola. He continued in building the community and parishes, including upgrades to the St. Mary Cemetery. Under his care, both parishes were left financially secure. Perhaps his greatest gift, however, was his unconditional welcoming of anyone seeking acceptance and spiritual growth. In the communities he served, all were welcome and blessed by Fr. Owen’s invitation to share our faith.
Father Owen had many creative and administrative abilities and created the logo for the Gerald McDougall Memorial Foundation Inc. as member of the board. He served as Chaplain to the Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, as well as the Catholic Women’s League.
On August 1 until December 13, 2020, Fr. Owen was appointed to Holy Redeemer Parish in North Kildonan. Sadly, his time was short with the members of the parish.
Filled with deep sorrow and sadness, Fr. Owen suddenly passed-away on December13, 2020.
There is so much more to share with you, his friends, and a Celebration of his Life will take place for you at a later date, when the pandemic ceases to ravage this world.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private vigil service was held for immediate family on January 3. A funeral Eucharistic Mass of the Resurrection presided over by Albert Legatt Archbishop of St. Boniface was celebrated January 31/21.
A Graveside Service will be held at Green Acres Cemetery at Our Lady of Hope Mausoleum on Sunday, February 14 at 2:00 pm.
If you wish to attend, please abide by Covid-19 restrictions. Tune your car radio to FM 98.1 to listen to the service. Everyone is required to remain in their vehicles at all times, unless regulations are lifted. There will be an opportunity to drive by and pay respect to Father Owen’s casket before entombment.
Rest in Peace faithful servant and best friend Owen.
Offer Condolence for the family of Reverend Father Owen Steeves
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Alfred C Chorney
Condolences to Family and the large number of people touched by Owen Steeves.
May he rest in Peace
Bob and Veronica Osiowy
Although Reverend Father Owen Steeves was not our parish priest, we had the opportunity to listen to his messages at many funeral masses. His sermons were so heart-felt and meaningful. May he rest in peace. He will be very difficult to replace.
Cindy Matychak
A wonderful Reverend who touched many lives within and outside of his parish. Prayers are with this family and all those whose path he has crossed. God bless his spirit.
Hannah Belinski
You made a huge difference in my Faith and my life. You will be so missed
Gerald and Pamela Hawranik
We are so sorry to hear about Father Owen. He was one of a kind!!! We loved his sermons. He was always so concerned about his parishioners in St. Mary’s. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace….
Patrick Lachance
RIP my friend
Melvene & Lorne hachkowski
Gone but not forgotten.
Robert and Ida Zebinski and family
Our heartfelt deepest sympathy to his family. We are very saddened by this loss. Fr Owen
was a dear friend and Priest to our family. He married both our kids and christened 3 of our grandchildren. He was also the Priest at my two brothers funeral. May he rest in peace.
Stan & Dianne Kruk
Stan and I are so saddened by the passing of Father Owen , a very special man, always there when one needed some advise. We will miss the smile he had, his voice that made everything more comforting.
He will be missed. May you rest in peace Father Owen .
The Weselak’s
Sincere condolences from our family.
Sheri and Tim
True friends come around once in a lifetime . He was one of the best.
Our deepest condolences in the loss of your brother.
May his memory be a shining light in your heart. Today and always.
Sheri and Tim
Terry Lori and Allysa Baker
My condolences to the family of Father Owen, a good man and good friend. Rest In Peace!
Will miss you and your visits with us.
Natalie Stanger
I was there when he was ordained and Father Owen married my husband and I. He will be missed. Sympathies to the family
Andy & Kathy Urban
My fondest memory of Father Owen happened in 2010 when the ring tone on his cell played a bit of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” song. I had just been made aware of a new Christian “Easter Story” version by Canadian Kelly Mooney. When I informed Father Owen of this he contacted Mooney and obtained her version in print copy and her approval to perform her version.
A short time later my Mom passed away. In preparing for her funeral, Father Owen encouraged me to sing Mooney’s version of “Hallelujah” and gave me a copy of her song words.
In my mind I can still hear the beautiful reverberations off the walls and ceiling of St. Mary’s Church as this song was sung. An invisible angelic choir appeared to join the Pinawa Church choir in what then became a spiritually uplifting prayer in song. “Hallelujah”.
Today as I reflect on this and remember Father Owen, I dedicate this prayer in song to you Father Owen. Dear Shepherd, rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. Job well done.
Our sincerest sympathy to his family and friends. Father Owen will be greatly missed.
Andy & Kathy Urban
Reinhard Kazmierczak
It is with great sadness to read the passing of Father Owen Steeves, he was a remarkable gentleman that had a gift to help and guide mankind, Rest In Peace
Gerald Martin
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a friend and father and a man the same age as myself has left us. I have known Father Owen since 2000 and was a great help to my family after our move to Manitoba.
Rip in peace my friend.
Greg Rosa Crognali
You made us laugh so many times with your humor during your sermons!!
Rest in peace Father Owen. You will be missed.
Koreen
My prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Father Owen. I give thanks for the many converstations we shared over the years of serving together and the gift of Owen’s yes to God. May perpetual light shine on Owen and eternal rest be granted to him.
Betty McDOwell
We were so sorry to hear of Father Owen’s passing. When it came to giving sermons, Father Owen was truly ‘gifted’! May he rest in eternal peace in the arms of our Saviour.
Sharon
Heartfelt sympathy to the family. He touched the hearts of many and will truly be missed. Rest in Peace.
Brian
Rest in Peace Father Owen.
You were a great inspiration and a friend to many.
Joyce Elvin Adam
Will never forget you in many ways. Will never forget the sing songs we had at our home.
That was one of the best laughs we ever had . That will always stay in my heart. Al & Joyce Adam
Till we meet again
Rick Stefansson and Family
Very rarely do you meet a person who by giving of themselves can bring about so much change. That was Father Owen, or as we affectionately referred to him, F. O.. For those of you who knew him, that reference would draw out that spark in his eyes and his sheepish grin. He could be a force to be reckoned with, the roof needed to be repaired to save an artistic treasure of a Leo Mol fresco on the ceiling adorning St Mary’s church in Beausejour. His sermons always had some little piece of gold that everyone could identify with, think about and elevate you if you were feeling down. Music was always somewhat of a passion for him in the church and that is how my wife Debbie was inducted into the inner circle, she and my sister in law Bonnie. He integrated their voices into his Saturday sermons and we were all richer for it. He will be missed but not forgotten, we were very lucky to be able to call him our friend. I am sure that it will be a great reunion with Clara and Colin.
Bob & Nancy Baranoski & Family
Father Owen will be forever be in our hearts. He was a genuine part of our lives and St Mary for many years and we will miss him. Our deepest sympathy to his Family and Friends.
Megan
Dear Jim, Suzie, Justin, Lianne, Pam and families, I was heartbroken to read of the loss of Dear Owen, I know he meant the world to you, as you did to him, and he touched the lives of so many, many people.
I met Owen through Jim and Clara, and from the first moment on he had me in stitches. His wry sense of humor, his great intellect and his total authenticity was only surpassed by his sweet heart. The degree of love he expressed to me for his mom, siblings and nieces and nephews, was only matched by the love he had for God and undoubtedly the people he served. He was so proud of all of you, and you were always front and center in his thoughts and concerns. In true Owen style he could say in a few short words what mattered most (and would!), and he held himself to an impossibly high standard with great humility. Never once did I hear him speak of his own accomplishments or talents or strengths, but they were there in spades (including making The World’s Best Cherry Cheesecake which he brought me the next day just hearing I loved it). That was Owen- his kindness and generosity was beyond measure, and he did so much for so many silently behind the scenes. He had a heart bigger than Manitoba; I think that is a ‘Steeves” heart, definitely a golden one. I feel Blessed to have known such an awesome, courageous and tender-hearted man and dedicated priest. My heart and prayers go out to each of you. He did so much for so many and I am sure the lives he has touched are beyond what can ever be imagined. An amazing man who will be greatly missed.
Lou &Rita Hutlet
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Father Owen. He will be remembered forever. May he rest in peace!
LeBlanc Family
Oh how I will miss your amazing homilies 🙂
I always felt amazing after I left Mass, ready to share the word every chance I got. Fr. Owen would always be able to keep our whole family engaged during the homily.
Fr. Owen, you are missed 🙁
Deloris and Tom
Our dear friend Father Owen has sadly left us. We are left with fond memories of Owen. It was an honour to have been at his ordination 24 years ago and all the fun times since. We are blessed to have known and loved him. How sorry we are that he left us too soon.
Father Owen was very open minded and helped so many young people. Someone so special will never be forgotten.
To his family, we share in your sorrow with love and friendship.
Deloris and Tom
Randy/Florence Mamrocha
Our condolences to Father Owen’s family. He will be missed. The Mamrocha Family
Arley Corbett
Reverend Father Owen C. STEEVES – Spiritual Leadership and Shepparding of Parishioners of St. Mary Parish in BEAUSEJOUR and Our Lady of Hope Parish in ANOLA, Manitoba.
Father Owen came to our parish in AUGUST of 1999, shortly before his birthday at the age of 37. The parish quickly learned that we had a young man of spiritual insight and futuristic ideals among us. This was due in large part to his no-nonsense approach to the challenges of operating a parish and the cultural diversity of the makeup of our parishes in Beausejour and Anola.
Father Owen spoke often about the “gifts” that every person has; though different in many ways by their uniqueness, combined together, all things were accomplished to the betterment of the parish communities and the personal feeling of each individual. This in no small part was accomplished by the simple act of angling the church pews, so that parishioners at St. Mary would feel included in the Mass. The total outlay of the church at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Anola was changed by having the alter central to the surrounding parishioners and this brought about the feeling of inclusiveness and welcoming to all who attended.
Father Owen had many “gifts”; mentioned here are a few that will live long after his departure. First and foremost, was his personal and caring approach to the conduct of the celebration of a parishioner’s life at their funeral. From his personal input in consoling the families to his personal reflections on the life and contributions of the deceased at the Mass, was and will always be remembered by the many who attended the numerous funerals held at St. Mary and Our Lady of Hope.
One such celebration of life occurred when Father Owen celebrated a Funeral for an elderly man of the Anola area. After the Mass, he was approached and questioned about how long he had known the man, as he had spoken of him in such familiar terms, to which he replied that he had never met the man and had been requested by the family to celebrate the funeral Mass.
Shortly after his arrival in Beausejour, Father Owen was invited to do the Homily at the annual Remembrance Day service on November 11th. After his address to those assembled; which were in excess of 400 people, he was given a standing ovation.
Father Owen had the talent of reciting the Mass without aid of notes or texts. His homilies were brief, to the point and always had a “today” message about how everyone should strive to do their part in making our families, communities, country and indeed the world a better place.
As mentioned in another part of this tribute to Father Owen, he had a talent for mastering the administrative duties of our parishes. Upon his departure, he left these parishes in a position of being financially sound and spiritually blessed for having him as our Pastor.
Christine (Marek) Hemminger
Wonderfully said Uncle Arley! He was a blessing for our family during difficult and happy times. There was not a family event that he did not attend and pray over. He was a fantastic person and an even better priest. He is and will be sadly missed.
mc
That is an awesome tribute to Ownen, Arley Corbett; he loved these parishes so so much. It broke his heart to leave. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this record.
Robert (Bob) Baranoski
This is a exert from our 100 Anniversary Banquet booklet dated May 23.2009. Father Owen came to our parish August 1999. Under his leadership volunteers and trades people worked together to accomplish much needed repairs and remodeling of the church building and grounds. A new metal roof was installed in 2000 to help protect ceiling paintings of Leo Mol. For the 50th anniversary of the Beausejour La Salette Shrine , the Shrine was repaired and repaired and re-landscaped . The walkways were made more easily accessible, especially for the elderly or handicapped pilgrims. The statues repaired and the outdoor Way of Cross stations were spread out over a large area of the church grounds. The interior of the church was rejuvenated . The Alpha-Omega Memorial Wall was installed on the south wall of the sanctuary. A baptistry area was built to include a baptismal font that could accommodate adult baptisms. With permission and direction from Leo Mol, his ceiling paintings were cleaned and damaged areas repaired by artist Bev Bedford of Dove Designs who also added some pictures to the walls at the entrance to the church. The wood floors and pews were refinished. In the bac sement ,the kitchen area was expanded and new cabinets installed. The hall area was also
renovated with a coat of white paint and one of the side rooms was made into a small chapel. The sound system was updated and now included a video projection system which is allowed viewing of the services on a screen in the basement. This has been very useful at large funerals as well as Christmas and Easter Services. A wheelchair ramp was added to the east entrance of the church and an area for wheelchair seating was made available. The front steps were reconstructed and the church entrance redesigned in 2004.
Renovations were also done to the rectory to provide an upstairs apartment for resident priest and a downstairs office and reception space. Realizing the importance of maintaining the cemetery to honour the memory of deceased parishioners who contributed to the life of the parish, Fr Owen led the organization, computer cataloguing and expanding of the St Mary Cemetery . This work led to the placement of a columbarium in the new section of the cemetery .
Father Owen first term in 8 years he accomplished 16 major improvements to St Mary church and rectory and cemetery that no other residing priest did since Father Jaworski back to his coming to Beausejour 1941.
Father Owen returned to our Parish August 2009 to October 2018 . and again Father Owen completed a
number of major up grades .
1) New cement runs for cemetery plots.
2) A new St. Mary corner stone and plaque monument at the cemetery
3) Extended complete circle drive around the cemetery
4) An area set aside for the unborn
5) 3 furnaces installed 2 in the church and 1 in the rectory (the 2 in the church will be needed to be replaced in the future as parts are no longer available)
6) Air condition installed in the church and rectory
7) Church re-carpeted
8) Church painted and some repairs to the walls and balcony
9) Cabinets in stalled in the church basement to give extra storage for CWL & Knights
10) The all the windows and front doors cement casesments were repaired
11) New front doors were installed
12) The eve troughs were replaced to improve our drainage to prevent leaking to the roof above the balcony
13) We added a custom storm windows to help in saving heating cost and protection of our stain glass
windows
14) The upgrading all our snow removable tractors and the grass cutting equipment for our church grounds and cemetery
15) Repair church parking lot and prepare for foture paving
16) Upgraded the of the church sound system
Father Owen accomplishments has proven his love to our parish. We always had a healthy bank account every month and when he left our Parish with $80,000 in operating and savings and after doing these projects to October 2018. We know that from this the repairs and projects and donations that he orchestrated for St Mary’ would have exceeded more than $750,000,
I believe the Holy Spirit has guide Father Owen to give us all these gifts to our parish and we should be thankful to him and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Respectfully Robert (Bob) Baranoski Member of St Mary Parish
Lucille Chay
Father Owen was pastor of the parish of Our Lady of Hope from August, 1999, until August,, 2005, and again from August, 2009, until October, 2018.
During that time he performed his apostolic duties of celebrating Mass, performing the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist (first communion), Marriage, Penance, Sacrament of the Sick, funeral liturgies, as well as taking part in community gatherings, and group and personal meetings.
Father Owen’s first major task was to plan the change from traditional seating in the Church to inclusive seating. This involved moving the altar from one end of the church to the middle so that the congregation faced the altar from all sides. The intimate setting made the ministries of music and Eucharist more meaningful.
During the complete makeover, the sacristy was restructured into sacristy and office with a bolt down safe. The overflow area was enlarged to include the Tabernacle, an immersion Baptismal font, a small Baptismal font, a stand for the sacred oils, and a memorial wall for deceased parishioners. A new entry into the church proper from the narthex was built through there. Metal votive candle holders with built in stands and the statues of Mary and Joseph were installed on each side of the Cross. New carpets were installed and tile was laid in accented areas while the whole church was repainted to match the decor. An artist was hired to paint religious slogans around the cross, to paint a mural of the Good Shephard and his flock on the north wall, and paintings to enhance the Stations of the Cross around the perimeter of the church with each Station in memory of someone or a family. The insulation in the attic was enhanced and the lighting was upgraded to LED lights.
The artist painted a picture of Our Lady of Hope on the wall of the cloak room in the narthex welcoming parishioners upon entering the building. A semi enclosed cloak room was installed so as to be out of sight in the narthex.
A new double door was installed into the hall from the narthex. An acoustic ceiling was installed to suppress noise and the lights were replaced with LED lights. The storage room was rearranged and a mezzanine floor was installed. New kitchen cupboards, sinks and sink cupboards were installed.
Two storage sheds, two lawn mowers, and four picnic tables were purchased. Two signs facing each direction of travel were installed by the highway to welcome parishioners and travellers. A pathway with the Stations of the Cross and rose bushes to enhance each were installed in front of the church. The outside lights and the Cross lights were upgraded to LED lights.
Even though we knew that Father Owen was not a fan of committees, he sure knew how to recruit people to get a job done.
With Father Owen’s talent, intelligence, knowledge, insight, resourcefulness, research skills, attention to detail, and his gift of Evangelizing, he was able to increase attendance, increase youth participation, convert non-Catholics, and attract Non-Catholics and Catholics back to the Church, and was able to leave the parish financially sound.
Father Owen’s sympathetic treatment of families during their loss at funerals was unmatched. With his amazing oratory skill, he had a way of delivering a very inspiring and insightful homily and eulogy without the use of notes. He would talk from his heart and his memory helped him deliver a message that was completely related to the person.
Father Owen’s gospel messages at regular Masses were always related to our lives and what was happening today. Father Owen was a source of Hope for many.
Virginia Kubish
Sincere Condolences to the family of Fr. Owen. His passing came far too soon and we have all lost a very remarkable priest, and he will be dearly missed and never forgotten. May he Rest In Peace.
Ed & Joan
Father Owen will be missed. He was the best priest we ever had and a wonderful person. Rest In Peace friend.
Joe & Rosanne Bortoluzzi
Our condolences to your family during this time
Vern and Grace Decterow
With deepest sympathy to the family of Fr. Owen in the loss of a wonderful priest. We have known Fr. Owen since when he got ordained and were at his ordination at Christ the King church where we belonged to when living in Winnipeg. How wonderful he was in Beausejour for many years and had the most wonderful homilies. You felt you were spiritually lifted with his messages. He performed my brothers funeral two years ago and we were so happy he was still in Beausejour for the service. He met you once, remembered your name, always called my mom Babe face and always brought her big smiles. Rest in peace, always remembered to a wonderful man.
Anne Wolkenstein- CWL President
Father Owen, at Saint Mary Church in Beausejour left behind a more beautiful and enriched church with all the renovations and his presence. His sermons were amazing and though provoking and always from his heart and mind with no notes ever needed.
Some of his gifts were hidden- have you ever counted money with him and complicated calculations were done in his head, again without notes? What priest gives you a hand decorated candle to celebrate your 25th wedding commemoration? What priest brings the joy of dogs into the church so that you are welcomed by both?
Who can celebrate Our Lady of LaSallette Pilgrimage in September like Father Owen?
Liturgically, he gave me a real appreciation for the liturgical year.
He talked about The feast of Christ the King for months prior to prepare us and let this message sink in:
As a prophet, priest, and king, Jesus is the ultimate leader. He is whole and complete within Himself. He is our perfect authority figure, our guide, and the empathetic advocate that we need. He grants us forgiveness, grace, and access to a personal relationship with God.
Father Owen always encouraged us ALL to be a prophet, priest, and king taking on those qualities-and that is truly a gift that lasts.
Marlene Lestition
It is with deep sorrow that the Catholic community mourns the loss of a most remarkable priest.
Lise and Omer Curé
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Owen’s sudden passing. As members of his extended family, we were blessed by his presence at family events such as special family gatherings and funeral services. I personally was very impressed with his touching heartfelt homilies and his ability to relate to everyone. He made one feel good about oneself. He was a very special person and I will always remember him. He was truly God sent from the comments left by former parishioners and friends. He mirrored the qualities of our Saviour with a few added talents of his own. Our condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace with the Lord in heaven.
Lorraine Drewlo
Sincere Sympathy to All of Owen ‘s Family. He will be sorely missed, including his hugs.
He was the Best Priest Beausejour every had!
Jean Prowse, Joann & Rod (Mattern) & Johna, Paul, Tegan & Schale (Klan)
Words cannot express the sadness in the loss of a dear friend. Our family and those of St. Mary and Lady of Hope parishes mourn the early departure of a special person that was a part of us all. Our love and prayers go with you, Father Owen. We will never forget you.
Ron Chay
When Father Owen first arrived, he was very private, allowing no physical contact with anyone, but, as time passed after getting to know the parishioners and, feeling much more at ease, he eventually welcomed hugs.
Father Owen’s priestly life being mainly in St. Mary and Our Lady of Hope caused him to become very attached to both parishes and its parishioners. He ended up feeling as if this were his home and his family.
Having known Father Owen and, having worked with him since 1999, he and I developed a very close relationship. In fact I had him written down in my end of life instructions as being the priest who would preside over my funeral.
Christ was and is a sign of Hope. We must also be signs of Hope, just as Father Owen was a sign of Hope for so many of us.
We are taught to live the example of Christ in order to draw others to Him. Christ did not refuse service to anyone and Father Owen followed that example.
Jesus’ loving mercy excluded no one. We are taught to give to Christ the goodness of our hearts. At the beginning of January we celebrated the Epiphany, or the Light of Christ. My Epiphany, as well as for many other members of our diocese, was Reverend Father Owen Steeves.
Brenda Mcrae-Pearson
My condolences to Susan and the family of Reverend Father Owen.
Patsy Johnston
Suzie n Jimmie..My heartfelt sympathies go out to you n your families. I was so shocked to see that Owen passed away. I met Owen when he was only 11 yrs old. I was a part of your family for a short time butI was so impressed with this smart, inquisitive, sensitive n compassion young boy. I knew that he was going to go on to achieve great things in his life at that time. I spent a lot of time with him n I found him to be so wise beyond his years. After reading all the condolences, I knew he definitely had gone on to where he was meant to be. Patsy, Kris n Jason
Joan and John Plaetinck
We miss you so very much Fr. Owen. We miss your quick wit, big smiles, hugs and gifted homilies.
Our deepest condolences to your family and friends.
May you rest in peace in the arms of your loving savior.
Margreat Anderson
My deepest condolences to Treva Suzie Jimmy and families ❤️❤️ It was a great honour to know Owen. I will always remember his sense of humour. In the days when I first started going to Auntie Claras house to visit them all . What a beautiful caring family they all were to me & Terry. He was always joking around and being funny . I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him . May he rest in peace❤️
Clara Chongva
He was one of a kind. Our condolences to the family.
Frank and Clara
Marion Sloss
I was shocked to hear of Owen’s passing. I contacted the funeral parlour to contact Jim but unfortunately they were unable to provide me with any details. If you do see this, Jim, could you please email me – marion@marionsloss.co.uk
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to all his family, friends and parishioners – it was an honour to have been one of his friends.
Marion from Scotland