Obituary of Fr. Gerald Rousell

We regret to announce the passing of Fr. Gerald Rousell in St. Martha's Hospital on October 13, 2016. Fr. Roussell was a priest of the Diocese of Antigonish, having served in that capacity for many years. Fr. Roussell was born in New Aberdeen, N.S., on June 29, 1925, son of George and Christena (MacDonald) Rousell. After having received his early education in St. John's School there, and in St. Anne's School, Glace Bay, he proceeded to St. F. X. University where he received his Diploma in Engineering and his Bachelor of Science Degree. He went on to Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax, and on June 7, 1952 was ordained to the priesthood. For the two summers after ordination, Fr. Roussell served first in St. Ninian's Parish, Antigonish and then in St. Mary of the Angels Parish, Glendale. Meanwhile, he entered the graduate studies program in Fordham University, New York, and in 1956 graduated with a Ph.D. in biology. He began teaching at St. F. X. In 1956 and continued through to retirement in 1991. While there, he was a great supporter of the athletic programs and for some years was President of the Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association and Vice-President of the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union. He was as life member of the President's Club at St. F. X. and made significant financial donations to the University. Fr. Gerald was always generous with his time and spent many of his weekends helping out in parishes throughout the diocese. From 1984 until 2003 he also spent time assisting in parishes in the diocese of Nassau, Bahamas. Fr. Gerald's favourite pasttimes were golf, skiing, enjoying time with his dog, Tasha, and doing crossword puzzles – a daily occupation. He also enjoyed a good game of bridge, and early in his time at St. F. X. spent many evenings playing bridge with other priests, including Dr. Moses Coady and Fr. Dan MacCormack among others. Father Roussell was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Pat and Robert, sisters Babe (Jim Patten), Carmelita and Georgina, the latter two deceased in infancy. Fr. Rousell will be waked in Morrison Hall (former priests' dining room) on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., whence the remains will be transferred to the St. F. X. Chapel for the Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. Faculty members are invited to form an academic procession. Burial in St. Ninian’s Cemetery. www.MacIsaacs.ca