CURRIE, Father Hamish Currie

With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the unexpected passing of Father Hamish on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the age of 73.

Father Hamish was known and loved in countless ways. To some, he was the shepherd of a flock, leading liturgy with a steady hand, an open heart, a thoughtful mind, moving music, and a spiritual calm that steadied others. To others, he was a violinist in the Sault Symphony, the potter at the wheel, the painter with a careful brush, the pianist whose notes lifted a room, or the actor who delighted on stage. To his brother priests, he was a mentor and guide; to his friends, he was a well of laughter, loyalty, and kindness. And to those struggling with addiction or recovery, he was a gentle companion who embraced them without judgment, meeting them in their humanity.

At family gatherings, Hamish was a beacon of light. Funny, thoughtful, dependable, and always ready with a tale, he could turn a simple dinner into an evening of shared laughter and belonging. He loved to entertain, but more than that, he delighted in making people feel seen and included, whether through a mischievous joke, a perfectly timed story, or simply his attentive presence.

Hamish lived his values not as appearances, but as actions. He was grounded in humility, choosing presence over pomp, service over spotlight. Many whose lives he touched never even knew he was a Catholic priest; they only knew the grace and kindness of a man who walked beside them in their struggles and joys.

Hamish is survived by his sister Maureen and her husband Joe DeJong, his nephews and niece Michael (Olga) and Iain DeJong (Ciara), Andrea (David) Caroffino and Mark Trudeau (Kim), his cousin and dear best friend Jean Scott, and other cousins in Canada and Scotland who cherished him deeply. He now joins in eternal rest his parents James and Mae Currie and his younger sister Sarah and her husband Brian Trudeau. His family and friends will carry not only memories of him, but also the lessons he wove into their lives.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Precious Blood Cathedral (778 Queen Street E.) on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the Vigil Service (which begins at 7:00 p.m.). Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Precious Blood Cathedral on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Journey at Precious Blood Cathedral would be appreciated.  Honour Hamish in the way he lived: by quietly practicing kindness. Help a neighbour. Write a note of thanks or encouragement to someone who needs it. Make peace where there has been hurt. That was the way Hamish gave himself to the world, asking for nothing in return.

May his life be not only remembered but emulated. In his memory, let us choose love, hope, and kindness, and in doing so, carry forward the light he so freely shared with us all.

A special thanks to the paramedics, firefighters and city police.  Your thoughtfulness and compassion were very much appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).

Father Hamish embodied love as a verb. He saw people before labels. He lifted spirits, soothed hurts, shared wisdom, sparked joy, and inspired hope.