Obituary of Friar Louis Geelan O.F.M.

July 23, 1934 -Edmonton, Alberta

April 16, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Franciscan Friar Louis Geelan, O.F.M., went to his eternal home on April 16, 2023 at the age of 88, after 66 years of religious life and 62 years of priesthood.

Born on July 23, 1934, the son of Lillian (nee Mercier) and Louis Geelan and a brother to Mary Jane. He grew up in the Black Diamond district.

Louis and his dad were charter members of the first Men’s Retreat at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre in 1949. A year later he moved to St. Anthony’s College in Edmonton for high school and philosophy. He began his Novitiate with the Franciscans in 1956, professing his first vows in 1957. In March 1961 he professed his solemn vows and on May 27, 1961, he was ordained.

He ministered in Regina, Winnipeg, Trail, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, St. Michael’s Retreat, Lumsden, SK and Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Cochrane. He also served as a chaplain to the Knights of Columbus and Secular Franciscans in several locations.

He was always pleased to tell he gave 252 units of blood and plasma over the years. He was known for his candle making, photography, story telling and his remarkable memory for names. His kind and gentle ways with his warm and welcoming smile are well remembered.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Cochrane, Alberta) on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Burial and Reception to follow at Mount St. Francis. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed  here.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Box 430, Cochrane, AB, T4C 1A6.

In living memory of Friar Louis Geelan O.F.M., a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.