Roger Patrick Brennan

1944-2026

We lament the passing of Fr. Roger Patrick Brennan, SFM, who died on June 26, 2026, at Michael Garron Hospital, in Toronto, Ontario. He was 82 years of age. Fr. Roger was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, on April 24, 1944, the son of the late Clyde and Genevieve (née Claireaux) Brennan. He is survived by his sisters Joan (late Ronald) Wilmshurst, Victoria, BC, Marlene (Robin) Falconer, Halifax, NS, and Genevieve (Dennis) Richards, Dartmouth, NS. He was predeceased by his sisters Patricia (late Ronald) Brown, Whitby, ON, and Carol Ann (late John Drapeau) Brennan, Halifax, NS, and nephews Christopher Richards and Alexander Falconer. Fr. Roger is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews across Canada.

Fr. Roger graduated from St. Mary’s University, Halifax, and St. Augustine’s Seminary, Toronto. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society by Archbishop James Hayes at St. Paul’s Church, Dartmouth, on May 23, 1970. After ordination, he was assigned to the Philippines where he spent ten years in parish ministry with a two-year break for post-graduate studies at St. Paul’s University, Ottawa. In 1993, Fr. Roger was assigned to the People’s Republic of China where he taught at various universities for seven years.

Interspersed in his overseas service, Fr. Roger also served the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society in several administrative posts over the years, including Director of the Formation-Education Dept., and Director of the Mission Information Dept. He was also elected to serve on the General Council as Vicar General in 1987. He retired from overseas assignments in 2009 and returned to Toronto where he helped in a number of local parishes.

After spending a sabbatical year in Kamakura, Japan, at the San Bo Zen Centre, in 1986, Fr. Roger continued a dedicated practice of Zen and participated in meditation groups in Toronto. His practice of Zen meditation inspired many lay missionaries and seminarians to learn about Zen.

Fr. Roger is remembered for his generosity and kindness, his knowledge of Scripture and gift of preaching, his deep spirituality, and his keen wit. In recent years, his constant companion was his beloved dog, Kip, who provided his master great joy.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to the staff of Michael Garron Hospital (I.C.U. and Palliative Care), Presentation Manor, and Canadian Religious Stewardship for their compassionate care for Fr. Roger. May God bless you in your health ministry of comforting the sick.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be held on July 6, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. at Presentation Manor, 61 Fairfax Crescent, Scarborough, Ontario. Parking is available nearby at the Scarborough Soccer Centre, 45 Fairfax Crescent.

If you are unable to attend the Mass of the Resurrection in person, but would like to view the livestream, for your optimum viewing, please use Google Chrome and clicking the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/EyZolDoQpbo?feature=share

Following the Mass, Interment will take place at Queen of the Clergy Cemetery on the grounds of St. Augustine’s Seminary, 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Presentation Manor.

Rest in peace, Fr. Roger.