Death Notices (11/03/04) DELANEY, Reverend John James A priest of the diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, and during his retirement, a resident in the Diocese of Pembroke. Father Delaney died on the Feast of All Saints, November 1, 2004, at the Pembroke General Hospital, Pembroke, following a brief illness, in his 90th year. Father Delaney was born in Chapleau, Ontario on February 14, 1915, the only child of the late John Patrick Delaney & Mary Ellen Mullin. Having completed elementary school studies at Sacred Heart School, Chapleau (1921-1923) and at St. Mary School, North Bay (1923-1927), he then attended North Bay Collegiate (1927-1931) and Scollard Hall (1931-1934). He then pursued philosophy studies at St. Jerome's College, Waterloo (1934-1935) and at the Seminary of Philosophy in Montreal (1935-1936) before continuing with his theological studies at St. Peter's Seminary, London (1936-1940). His Excellency, Ralph Hubert Dignan, then Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie, ordained him to priesthood at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption in North Bay, Ontario on May 18, 1940. Following Ordination to the Priesthood, Father Delaney offered devoted service, first as curate at Sacre-Coeur Parish, Sturgeon Falls, and then as parish priest in twelve parishes in the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, beginning with St. Elizabeth Parish, Temagami (May 1942 - Nov. 1946) and concluding with St. Ambrose Parish, Thessalon (Sept. 1979 - Aug. 1983). During his term as parish priest of St. Stanislaus Parish, Copper cliff, Father Delaney was elected by his brother priests to serve as Dean of the Nickel Belt Deanery. Father Delaney retired from fulltime ministry in September of 1983. Since his retirement, "Butch", as many knew him, was a welcome presence in the Diocese of Pembroke, residing in Cobden & Osceola and Marianhill (Long-Term Care facility), Pembroke. Father Delaney generously served as priest and friend, not only in these parishes, but also in many others in the diocese, offering assistance to his brother priests. Those who have listened to him preach, have always appreciated his excellent talent of raconteur. Many will miss his stories and his ability to share them in such an entertaining fashion. His passion for life was most especially seen in his defense of the pre-born. He frequently wrote to politicians and newspapers, advocating the importance of the Pro-Life movement. During his retirement years, Father Delaney even began another "career" as a gentleman farmer and was often known to leave rectories in the early hours of the morning to tend to his other "flock". In recent years, Father Delaney resided at Marianhill, where his presence was deeply appreciated. Father Delaney is mourned by his first cousin and close friend Marnie Walsh, Cobden, and numerous relatives, his brother priests, religious sisters and many of the lay faithful. In keeping with Father Delaney's wishes, visitation to St. Pius V Church, Osceola, on Thursday, November 4, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 5, 2004. Concelebrated Mass of the Resurrection with Most Reverend Richard W. Smith, Bishop of Pembroke & Most Reverend Robert Harris, Auxiliary to the Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie, Friday, November 5, 2004, at St. Pius V Church, Osceola, at 11:00 a.m. Interment at St. Pius V Cemetery, Osceola. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Pius V Parish Memorial Fund or to Marianhill, Pembroke. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Fraser-Morris, Heubner Funeral Home Ltd., Cobden. The Ottawa Citizen, Area Code 613 Mail this ad to a friend