Obituary of Father Roy James McParland

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and pastor, Father Roy on Monday, December 12, 2022 at the age of 93. Father Roy was raised in North Bay, Ontario and is the youngest son of the late Jack and the late Pearl McParland. Brother of the late Gordon (Phyllis), late Maurice (Eleanor), late Harold (Lorette), late Doris Milligan (Frank), late Norman (Marie), Rita (late John) and late Ernie (Yvonne). He was the proud uncle of 42 nieces and nephews and 62 great nieces and nephews.

Father Roy was educated at Scollard Hall in North Bay and entered St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, Ontario at the age of 19. He was ordained a Catholic Priest on April 9, 1955. He served at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Sault Ste. Marie as the assistant pastor from 1955 to 1962. He was then transferred to Blessed Sacrament in Sault Ste. Marie and was there from 1962 to 1964. This term was followed by one year at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sudbury. In 1967, he was called to serve at St. Gerard Majella Church in Sault Ste. Marie from 1967 to 1976. Then he was on to St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Sudbury from 1976 to 1984. In 1984 he came back to Our Lady of Good Counsel and stayed until his retirement in 2004. 

He enjoyed many years of travel with his friends the late Msgr. Ray Farrell, late Father Phil Theriault and the late Father Angelo Santa Marie. Father Roy always looked forward to family and friends visiting. He was a true inspiration to many including parishioners and friends. What he had, he shared with all. In the words of one parishioner, “He taught us how to pray and led us in forming community and deep friendships with each other.”

Friends and family are invited to visit at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (114 MacDonald Ave) on Monday, December 19, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass to follow on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Paul Conway officiating. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial donations to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).

May Perpetual light shine upon you and may you rest in peace.