Father William M. Addley, SJ, died peacefully on January 21, 2012 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, in the 69th year of his life and the 48th year of religious life.
Fr. Bill was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 16, 1943 to Gordon Addley and Margaret Tobin. He was educated at Saint Mary’s University High School and Saint Mary’s University (B.A. ‘64) in Halifax. He entered the Guelph Novitiate in 1964, pronounced vows two years later and studied Philosophy at Mount St. Michael’s of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He did a Master’s degree at Loyola University in Chicago in Sociology, 1969 - 1971. He was ordained a priest on June 8, 1974. Immediately after studying Theology at Regis College (1971 - 1975) he was appointed Socius to the Provincial of the Jesuits in English Canada Province, first to Fr. Terence Walsh and later to Fr. Bill Ryan.
Soon after in 1984, Fr. Bill was appointed Provincial by Father General. After a full term in Jesuit administration, he was appointed Superior of the Jesuit Pickering community in 1990. He remained there until he was appointed Pastor and Superior of Toronto's diverse parish Our Lady of Lourdes in 1999. He was still serving as Pastor when he died suddenly.
Fr. Bill was very gifted, intellectually and personally. He was universally loved, had unfailing good humour, charity and a great sensitivity to the lives and feelings of others. His generosity and hospitality were remarkable. Many people placed their trust in him and in his judgment. He was never too busy in his days of Jesuit administration to do pastoral work and care, particularly for those in need. His homilies were well worded and thoughtful. He served on many boards and committees, notably those of Regis College and The Jesuit Communication Project. During his years as Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish his devotion to his parishioners was reciprocated by their devotion to and appreciation of him.
Fr. Bill will be sadly missed by his sister Allana Addley-Mont, his niece Tarra Mont-Colgan, and his many friends and colleagues.
Visitation at Our Lady of Lourdes at 520 Sherbourne St. in Toronto, Jan. 26 and 27, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Jan. 28 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Jesuit Cemetery in Guelph.
For more on Father Bill please see The Catholic Register article here.
