GARY WOOLSEY, B.A., B.Th., D.D.

 

Gary Woolsey was born in Brantford, Ontario in 1942, and graduated in Theology from Huron College in London, Ontario in 1967.  As a priest-pilot, he ministered to 25 remote native villages in northern Ontario and Manitoba; as a teacher-priest, he ministered and taught in Norway House Manitoba; he was priest in Churchill, Manitoba, then Program Officer for the Diocese of Keewatin, working out of Kenora, Ontario. In 1983, he was elected Bishop of Athabasca, and moved to Peace River, Alberta. For 8 years he oversaw 20 parishes in northern Alberta. His final move was to Calgary, Alberta, where he served as a parish priest/Bishop at St Peters, Anglican church. After his retirement in 2002, he continued to lead conferences and retreats as well as being the National Director of the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer.

 

For 15 years, motorcycle touring had also been his passion. Along with his wife, Marie, he travelled from coast to coast in Canada and throughout the mid and western United States.

 

On December 27, 2012, Gary was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. After surgery, he was immobilized on his left side and confined to a bed. On Feb 17, 2013, Gary moved to a hospice, not knowing how long he had to live out his life. He wrote all the meditations for 'On A Wing and A Prayer' and 'Meditations From a Hospice Bed' on his iPad, using one finger on his only good hand. Gary passed away on October 18, 2013.

 

But there was one project that Gary didn't have time to complete - a collection of his stories and parables. 'Stories, Parables and Preachings' is the fulfillment of the promise Marie made to Gary, that his writings would be published. Marie has augmented this collection with reminiscences of their life journey. So, come fly with him through white-out conditions, early freeze-up, medical emergencies and heart-warming encounters. Let him entertain you, challenge you and strengthen your faith. Travel with him on the journey that was his life!

 

Gary and Marie were married for 46 years. They have four children, six grand-children and four great-grand-children. Marie lives in Calgary, Alberta.