Father Gary Ostler 

Brother of Father David Ostler

- Gary Ostler was head altar boy at St. John Bosco church, Cornwall, Ontario.  

- After ordination Father Ostler first served as associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales church. 

Pastor was Fr. Rudy Villeneuve. 

 - He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus in both St. Columban’s and St, Francis de Sales in Cornwall 

19 September 2000:  Cameron et al v Bateman et al:  Lawsuit initiated by former Alexander-Cornwall Diocese Bishop Eugene Larocque and  Fathers Bernard Cameron, Ranald Roderick MacDonald, Kevin Joseph Maloney, Donald Bernard McDougald and Gary Ostler.30 May 2008: Ostler's work went beyond Church

07 June 2008:  Priest's passing loss for community: Gary Ostler was the quintessential poster boy for ecumenicalism and comments 

29 May 2008:  Father Gary Ostler Obituary

30 May 2008: Ostler's work went beyond Church    

07 June 2008:  Priest's passing loss for community: Gary Ostler was the quintessential poster boy for ecumenicalism and comments

Fr. Rudy Villeneue remembers Father Gary Ostler (external link):

http://audio.ccrso.org/mp3s/MsgrRudyHomilyTribute.mp3 

Major The Reverend Gary Ostler
(Died May 29, 2008)

[Obituary on Wilson Funeral Home website] 

MAJOR THE REVEREND GARY OSTLER CD2

- Reverend Gary Ostler at the Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus on Thursday May 29, 2008 age 62 years. Dear son of the late Allen Ostler and the late Frances Gaudet. Beloved brother of Gail Lee (John), Calgary, Alberta; John Ostler (Teri), Pickering; and Reverend David Ostler, Arizona. Sadly missed by his nieces and nephews Tim and Kerry Anne Lee; Kevin, Andrew, and Cheryl Ostler. Resting at the Wilson Funeral Home 822 Pitt Street, Cornwall from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Saturday May 31, 2008. Solemn Translation to St. Columban's Roman Catholic Church for the Liturgy of the Word Sunday June 1, 2008 at 2:00 PM. Thence to lie in state from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Sunday, and from 9 AM until the funeral rite on Monday. The Mass of the Resurrection with Commendation and Farewell will be celebrated at St. Columban's Roman Catholic Church 36 Fourth Street, West, Cornwall on Monday June 1, 2008 at 10:00 AM, His Excellency the Most Reverend Paul-André Durocher, D.D. Presiding. Rite of Committal to follow in St. Columban's Parish Cemetery, Cornwall. If so desired contributions to the Vocation Fund of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, or the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

Fr. Gary Ostler - Obituary from St. Columban’s Bulletin

June 04, 2008 By: frbobco Father Gary Ostler

April 5th, 1946 - May 29th, 2008

Prior to ordination he headed public relations for the diocesan synod and had the synod Mass aired on national TV.

Fr. Gary was Fr. Rudy’s Associate Pastor at St. Francis de Sales in 1972. While there he organized a folk group of 70 young people for Saturday afternoon Mass, which drew a large turnout. He also led them on a successful tour of Western Canada. He launched the diaconate program in the diocese.

At Nativity Parish he became chaplain of La Citadel High School. He started the Neumann Club at St. Lawrence College and also taught the student nurses.

Navivity Co-Cathedral Parish

His first parish was at St. Raphael’s where he launched the annual Galaramas. He also started the Shalom Retreat House and Mount Carmel alcohol treatment centre.

In 1983 he became Pastor of St. Columban where he oversaw the parish purchase of Notre Dame Convent as a Ministry Centre base of operations for collaborative lay and clergy ministry. He and Fr. Bob MacDonald arranged a three year Christian Leadership certificate program to be offered here in the parish to laity from across the diocese with courses offered by Wadham’s Hall Seminary. Fr. Gary also provided leadership to re-establish a parish Knights of Columbus council. He also led us through reconstruction after the church arson of 1992. Under his tutelage an historical society published a history of the parish. Sponsorship of refugees and establishment of the parish St. Vincent de Paul Society were all a part of Fr. Gary’s tenure here. 

ST COLUMBAN’S PARISH

In 1993 he became Pastor of St. Francis de Sales where he increased lay participation in parish life. During a violent windstorm, the church roof shifted, necessitating the rebuilding of the church on the existing foundation. He met the challenge by rebuilding the church, increasing handicap access via an elevator and increased the overall comfort by installing air conditioning.

A few years later he returned to St. Columban although he was hesitant because he knew that needed changes would be unpopular. Due to a priest shortage, the number of weekday and weekend Masses had to be reduced. Recognizing the financial burden the parish hall caused the parish, he found a way to sell it and still maintain a place for parishioners to gather for fellowship. He improved liturgical services and formed a vibrant pastoral team. Even though he didn’t always live here he performed a good deal of parish work from his home in Long Sault, often arriving at the parish offices at 6:30 a.m. He loved his people and did his best to serve them in spite of failing health.

For more than 25 years he was head of vocations in our diocese, directing and encouraging most of the young men who became priests. Because of his commitment to ecumenism, he was appointed head of the ecumenism committee by the bishop and also served as President of the Cornwall Christian Council and was at the fore in promoting the annual Good Friday ecumenical Way of the Cross. Each month he offered a Padre Hour to the soldiers at NavCan & at one time was chaplain to 4,000 soldiers. Fr. Gary provided 42 years of service to the army.

Among his many talents Fr. Gary was a specialist in understanding and explaining the Holy Scriptures. He built his life on the Word of God, the key to eternal life.

May he hear: “Well done good and faithful servant!” 

Ostler's work went beyond church

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

30 May 2008

Posted By Greg Peerenboom

Rev. Gary Ostler is being remembered today as a Catholic whose Christianity extended far beyond his own parish.

Alexandria-Cornwall Diocese Bishop Paul-Andre Durocher saw this immediately in Ostler, who passed away Thursday from a massive stroke at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

"One of the first times I met him he invited me to supper. He loved preparing a wonderful meal, and taking the time with the people around the table," Durocher said. "This was true in his ministry. He was a man who really loved preaching, for explaining scripture, for making it come alive."

Ostler's humanity also made him a mentor for the younger generation.

"For many years he would direct the vocations of young men in their personal journey, to help them shape themselves for this ministry," Durocher said.

Ostler served most of his priesthood in the city and area after his ordination in 1972.

While many Catholics hearkened to his ministry, his faith also touched thousands of Christians of other denominations as a longtime Canadian Armed Forces chaplain.

"In a sense, (the parish) was half of his life, the other half was the armed forces," the bishop said. 

"He was a real stand-up guy," said Master Warrant Officer Jim Devine of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.

"He was never afraid to get dirty with the troops; he had a knack of making the troops feel at home," Devine said. "I judge all other padres by how I know Gary."

Devine said Ostler, who retired as a major, wasn't content to just say Mass. "He screened a lot of us for overseas service: he was the psychologist, the social worker, the psychiatrist, the marriage counsellor.

"If your head space wasn't right you'd talk to Ostler, or he'd talk to you."

Ostler eventually became the head chaplain for 4,000 Ontario-based soldiers. 

It is expected that about 50 chaplains from across the country will attend the funeral. Ostler endeavoured to extend Christianity beyond the church, believes Rev. Stephen Silverthorne, who succeeded him as chair of the Cornwall Christian Council.

"He was good at stressing that it was a church's responsibility and privilege to be serving the community," said Silverthorne, the pastor at Christ Church Anglican Parish in Long Sault. "It can be easy at times to focus inside the church walls, but there's a whole world out there to serve and love as well."

Silverthorne said his colleague recognized churches can work hand-in-hand with secular organizations. "Churches raise issues with secular leaders and provide service if people don't want to access it (from government sources). 

"Some people feel a stigma around their poverty so they won't get assistance."

A Cornwall native, Ostler was born in 1946 to the late Allen Ostler and Frances Gaudet.

He studied at the University of Ottawa and St. Paul's University, graduating with a Masters in Education. Ostler's first posting was at St. Raphael's in 1976. It was there he started that parish's Galarama, now one of summer's most anticipated country festivals. He then served his first of two stays at St. Columban's from 1983 to 1994. He served at St. Francis de Sales from 1994 to 2005, when he returned to St. Columban's.

A quick scan of the Standard-Freeholder during the past few years alone clearly exhibits Ostler's community involvement:

Earlier this month, he led a memorial service for Battle of the Atlantic merchant marine servicemen He commented last March on the new sins proclaimed by the Vatican, including abusing the environment. He said this awareness should provoke people to think about issues in a moral context. "That's the worst thing in the world: to have a conscience that no longer tells you what's right and wrong."

Ostler spearheaded the recognition of two local priests with the unveiling of a plaque on Remembrance Day 2006. Msgr. Donald Kerr and Rev. John R. Donihee had been inadvertently left off the St. Columban Roll of Honour for Second World War veterans.

In March 2005, Ostler organized a special service at St. Francis de Sales to help people cope with massive job layoffs.

He will be resting at the Wilson Funeral Home 822 Pitt Street, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Saturday. The body will be transferred Sunday to St. Columban's, and lie in state from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and on Monday at 9 a.m., followed by funeral mass at 10 a.m. Presiding will be Bishop Durocher. He is survived by two brothers, John of Pickering, Ont., and Rev. David of Phoenix, Ariz. and sister Gail Lee of Calgary.

Article ID# 1050425  

Fr. Gary Ostler - Remembered by Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve

(Posted on Fr. Bob’s Corner: http://frbobscorner.com/2008/05/29/death-of-fr-gary-ostler/ a website operated by Father Bob MacDonald, Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, - St. Mary’s (Williamstown) & St. Williams (Martintown) June 06, 2008)

By: frbobco

Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve was born on Christmas Day 1923, and ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1947 to serve as a priest in the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall. After suffering minor stroke a few years ago, he retired as pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Lancaster, Ontario.

But, Fr. Rudy didn’t really retire. Ever zealous in his priestly ministry, he joined Fr. Gary Ostler, as Fr. Gary began his second term as pastor at St. Columban’s Parish, the largest parish in the Diocese, and situated in the downtown core of Cornwall, Ontario. Like all large inner-city parishes, the pastoral needs are many and perpetual, Along with Fr. Matthew Brunet, (ordained 2006), Fr. Rudy worked side by side with Fr. Gary and Fr. Matthew in responding to the spiritual needs of the parishioners.

It should be mentioned that Fr. Rudy was and inspirational figure and mentor in Fr. Gary’s life. As pastor,years earlier, he knew the Ostler family and the young man Gary. And, it was Fr. Rudy that inspired and encouraged Gary during his journey to ordination on September 9, 1972.

On Thursday morning May 29th, their journey together ended. Fr. Gary died at 3am in the morning from complications of surgery and a massive stroke. His brother, Fr. David Ostler was at his bedside at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

On Sunday, May 31st, Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve remembered his good friend and brother priest in his homily, and at 2pm, he and Fr. Matthew celebrated the liturgy that celebrated Fr. Gary’s return for visitation and prayer. His funeral was celebrated the next day at 10am.

Listen to Monsignor Rudy’s Homily on Sunday, May 31, 2008 at St. Columban’s in which he remembered the life of this wonderful priest .http://audio.ccrso.org/mp3s/MsgrRudyHomilyTribute.mp3 

The Canadian Forces Chaplain Branch

By Father Bob MacDonald, Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, St. Mary’s (Williamstown) & St. Williams (Martintown)(Posted on Fr. Bob’s corner: http://frbobscorner.com/2008/05/29/death-of-fr-gary-ostler/)

Death of Fr. Gary Ostler

May 29, 2008 By: frbobscorner  

( Major Reverend Gary Ostler)

April 5, 1946 - May 29, 2008

After suffering a stroke about a week ago, Fr. Gary Ostler, Pastor of St. Columban’s Parish in Cornwall, Ontario died of complications at 3:00am on May 29, 2008 at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. Fr. David Ostler, his brother was at his bedside at the time of his death. Although all the arrangements for his funeral have not been finalized, his funeral is scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2008 at St. Columban’s Parish at 10am. There will be visitation at Wilson’s Funeral Home   from 2-4 & 7-9 on Saturday May 31, 2008. His body will be transferred to St. Columban’s Church with prayer and visitation in the church from 2-4 & 7-9 on Sunday June 1, 2008. The official Obituary at Wilson’s is now available. I will update more information as it it becomes available. May he rest in peace - let us remember him in our prayers. I will definitely miss Gary who I have known as a friend for over 35 years from the time that we studied together at the University of Ottawa. Fr. Gary’s parents are deceased. He will be sadly missed by his sister, Gail, and his two brothers, John & Fr. David, and numerous neices and nephews, his many friends in the Canadian Armed Forces, and friends and parishioners at St. Columban’s, St. Francis de Sales, St. Raphael’s, Nativity, and across the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall.

Fr. Gary had an extensive career, as a chaplain, in the Canadian Armed Forces. He served in this capacity for 40 years, and retired as a Major in 2006. Bob Kilger MP presented him the ‘Jubilee Medal’ on behalf of the people of Canada, and at the time of his retirement he was decorated with two bars. Locally, he was chaplain to the Royal Canadian Legion in Cornwall, Chaplain to the Air Force at Nav Canada, and Chaplain to the Stormont-Dundas Glengarry Highlanders. (I am gathering some information on his Military career, and will soon do a post on his years of military service)

3 Responses to “ Death of Fr. Gary Ostler ”

1. # 1 Rev. Uche Godwin Iheke, smmm Says:
   May 30th, 2008 at 9:02 am

It is just unfathomable to read and accept that Fr. Gary whom I knew too well, one of my very first friends and mentors in the Diocese from the day I arrived Cornwall in 1999 has passed on. I experienced among other things Fr. Gary’s kindness, examplary and edifying personality and leadership acumen. These touched and influenced me in diverse ways. They would definitely keep his memory alive in me and the many others who crossed paths with him during his services as God’s priest and messenger to his flock and to his country. Fr. Gary, may God give you serenity and rest you peacefully in his bossom! My condolence to Bishop Durocher, the entire Presbyterium, the parishioners of St. Columbans and the people of the diocese and in a very special manner Fr. David Ostler and his family.

# 2 katherine Says:
May 31st, 2008 at 3:14 am

1. # 3 Rev. Sean Says:
   June 15th, 2008 at 7:59 am

Fr. Gary Ostler - Tribute To His 40 Year’s Of Military Service

Chaplain General’s Award

Tribute to Major Rev. Gary Ostler

Awarded: March 2006

by Chaplain General Ron BurkeThe Chaplain General’s Commendation is given in rare instances to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Chaplain Branch over an extended period of time. This year’s recipient has distinguished himself with over 4 decades of service and his allegiance to the Canadian Forces through his constant efforts to support and minister to CF members and their families are indisputable. Since enrolling in the University Reserve Training Plan in 1966, he subsequently served as a Reserve Chaplain in many capacities over a period of 40 years. 

In 1970, at the request of the Chaplain Branch (RC), he spent a year establishing the Religious Education Programme for DND Schools in Lahr Germany. He served as chaplain (RC) to the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, from 1976-84; as Area Chaplain(RC), for Central Militia Area Headquarters, from 1984-87; as District Chaplain (RC) for the Ottawa Militia District, from 1988-91, as Area Chaplain (RC), Land Forces Central Area, from 1991- 94; and as Deputy Area Chaplain, Land Forces Central Area, from 1994-2006. Since 1974 he has served Branch 297 of the Canadian Legion, as their chaplain, and he has also been, and continues to be, chaplain to Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations. 

In 1989-90 he was employed as the deputy Command Chaplain at St. Hubert, while continuing to be pastor to the largest parish in his Diocese. In 2000 he accompanied veterans and their families to Vimy as their pilgrimage chaplain. He has also been a valued member of the Chaplain General’s Operational and Strategic Councils and the Reserve Planning Working Group. 

This chaplain is the epitome of what servant leadership is all about. In 1995 when the Branch restructured, this chaplain was asked to accept the position of Deputy Area Chaplain even though he had been responsible for all chaplains, Regular and Reserve in the Area since 1990. Being the consummate professional, he accepted this demotion in a spirit of humility and welcomed his new Regular Force supervising chaplain with warmth and a renewed commitment of duty.  

He has remained tireless in his drive to recruit new chaplains, and constant in his commitment to provide superb mentorship to those he was called upon to lead. He was a strong advocate for increasing Reserve chaplain accountability and professionalism, and for developing a team approach to the delivery of Chaplain Services, within his Area and beyond. 

Since his ordination to ministry, this chaplain has also been the pastor of 4 large and vibrant parishes within his Diocese. In two of those parishes he has undertaken extensive renovations due to a natural disaster and a fire. Completely bilingual, he has served as Episcopal Vicar to the English sector of the Diocese, and is the Diocesan Vocational Director as well as the President of the Ontario Association of Vocational Directors. He has been a member of the Military Ordinariate Ecclesiastical Council and served on the committee for Episcopal ordinations. 

It is not easy to gauge the number of lives that have been touched and shaped by the ministry of care and leadership that this chaplain has offered over the past four decades, both within our Canadian Forces, and within the larger fabric of our nation. What is clear, however, is that the example he has set for those with whom he served, and the pattern he has laid down for those who will follow in this ministry, are truly and unquestionably outstanding. 

His contributions to the Regular and Reserve components of the Canadian Forces, and to the congregations and communities he has served so faithfully as a priest, are indeed worthy of recognition. It is with great honour that the Chaplain General’s Commendation for 2006 is presented to Major (Ret’d) Gary Ostler. Well done, good and faithful servant! 

Chaplain General Ron Burke - March 2006

One Response to “ Fr. Gary Ostler - Tribute To His 40 Year’s Of Military Service ”

1. # 1 Richard E. Ruggle Says:
   June 2nd, 2008 at 6:52 am