Fr. Dennis passed away peacefully May 15, 2022 at Vancouver General Hospital.
Fr. Dennis was born October 13, 1948 in Trail BC to parents Vernon Le Roy Alexander (Alberta, Canada) and Chiara Meiron (Italy). He is survived by his brother, Paul Alexander and niece, Belinda Alexander, both of Calgary AB.
Prior to entering the Noviate, Fr. Dennis was employed at St. Paul’s Hospital for several years where he developed his nursing skills and completed education programs related to his work. It was during this time, by caring for people’s physical needs, that he realized his vocation to care for people in need, spiritually and emotionally.
Fr. Dennis achieved a BA degree in Theology at Newman College in Edmonton AB and at Berkley CA, an MA degree in Applied Theology and an MS degree in Organizational Psychology. He entered the Noviate to become a priest in Godrfrey IL on August 29, 1973. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on September 13, 1978 in Edmonton AB.
Fr. Dennis’ Obediences included: Assistant Pastor – Church of the Resurrection, Fort St. John BC; Pastor – St. Paul’s, North Vancouver BC; Ministry to First Nations Indigenous People – Squamish Nation; Procurator – Peru Missions and Missionary, San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2005 he was appointed Prison Chaplain at Kent Maximum Security Federal Prison, Agassiz BC and in 2014 Prison Chaplain at the Federal Institution in Matsqui, BC. Prison Chaplaincy would be his most challenging ministry. He once wrote…“Prison Chaplains minister to the total institution, each person is our parishioner. Emotions are triggered daily in both staff and inmates. … Sights, sounds and smells within a prison are like no other place I have experienced.”
Fr. Dennis was a quiet, private person. A good listener, he could be relied upon for valuable insight and advice. He was sympathetic and compassionate to those in need, spiritually and emotionally. He enjoyed computers, photography, gardening and nature.
Funeral services- Viewing at 9:30 am and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 27th 2022, at 10:00 am at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 2028 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver BC. Following the Mass, a light reception will be held at the parish centre.
Interment of cremated remains at the Oblate Cemetery in Mission, BC will be held at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rev Dennis Wayne Alexander OI October 13 1948 May 15 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique