McANENEY, Rev. Father Wilfrid James Gregory - On Thursday, December 14, 2017, at Providence Healthcare, Toronto, Ontario, in his 92nd year and 63rd year of Priesthood, our dear uncle, cousin and friend passed into the arms of his Beloved God.
He was predeceased by his father Joseph and his mother Margaret (Artkin), his brother Joseph (Annette (Leonide) Rivet), sister Helen (Frank Oster), brother John (Helen Smith) and brother Tom (killed in WWll and buried in Hungary).
Father Wilf was raised on Brock Avenue, in St. Helen's Parish, educated at the University of Toronto, St. Augustine's Seminary and Laval University and he was ordained at St. Michael's Cathedral on June 5, 1954.
To be a Priest was such a joy in his life; he ministered in the Diocese of St. Catharines as well as the Archdiocese of Toronto and had a few opportunities to act as a Chaplain in High Schools, in Toronto, as well as in Walla Walla, Washington. He loved and was greatly loved in return by the parishioners in each and every parish where he was privileged to serve and he thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of the staff and students in the high schools. His spirituality was simple: to live the Gospel.
He enjoyed many hobbies; in his early years he played hockey with his brothers and their friends and he spent time with his sister and her beau at the baseball diamond, which fueled his future love for the Blue Jays!! His adventurous spirit was on display on his first solo trip, via bus, to New York City as a teenager, when he was surprised to run out of money and was forced to hungrily, hitch-hike back to Toronto.
After a good home cooked meal and while his dear mother helped him to unpack, low and behold, they found, wedged deep in a pocket, a wad of cash!! His adventurous spirit continued as he later flew his bright yellow Cessna to many parts of North America, rode his motorcycle, parachute jumped (69 times, no less), skied, curled, golfed and rode his 10 speed bike (yellow again!) across Canada, from coast to coast over a period of several summers.
Of course, he would regale anyone in his company with humourous stories of his adventures.
In fact, he was a true 'People Person' and he saw humour everywhere; he enjoyed just going to a park, a mall or the CNE to sit and watch the world go by!!!
He was always learning something new; he spoke 4 languages, English, French, Italian and Spanish and a bit of Chinese, which he hoped to also master.
Father Wilf enjoyed travel and immersed himself in the language, culture and customs wherever he was, in Europe, Asia, South America and beyond. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and Sudoku and was very proud of his extensive library, not only of liturgical and spiritual materials, but also history, art, travel, reference books, music and most especially anything to do with flight.
He was particularly fond of attending family outings and meeting up with relatives and friends, bringing back memories and stories of the Good ol' Days!!
He will be greatly missed by all who know and love him, including 3 generations of nieces and nephews and countless cousins and friends who remember his wonderful smile and his enthusiastic: "Hot Ziggety"!!!
(In fact, both of these characteristics are memorialized in family songs!) The family wishes to thank the Archdiocese of Toronto and the doctors, nurses and support staff of Providence Healthcare, where he 'felt at home', for the wonderfully compassionate care and love our dear uncle and cousin received.
He had the blessing to Concelebrate and then to attend, when he was able, daily Mass and to him: "This is everything". Visitation at R.S Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street, Toronto, south of Steeles Avenue, Sunday, December 17th, from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Monica's Roman Catholic Church, 44 Broadway Avenue, Toronto (Yonge Street, north of Eglinton Avenue), Monday, December 18th, at 10 a.m. Reception to follow the Funeral Mass, courtesy of St. Monica's Parish.
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