Obituary of Father MACLELLAN

FATHER JOSEPH MACLELLAN It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father and grandfather, Father Joseph MacLellan on July 28, 2010. Father Joseph was born on July 17, 1936 in Falconbridge, Ontario. He leaves to mourn Psa Martha, his wife of 52 years, his children Tamara (Paul), Timothy (Colleen), Mary (David), Angela (Lorne), Andrew, Naomi, Natalie (Norman) and 15 grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn his brother James (Christene) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Father Donald, sister Anne and brother -in-law Bruno Bedard. Father Joseph first ventured west as a young man to attend flight training school with the RCAF in Moosejaw and Portage La Prairie. It was while stationed in Portage La Prairie that he met Martha, a school teacher who eventually became his wife. Although the RCAF did not become Fr. Joseph's career path, flying was his hobby for many years. Fr. Joseph was an employee of the Greater Winnipeg Gas Company for 34 years. While working for GWG, Fr. Joseph attended St. Andrew's College at the University of Manitoba part time, graduating with a degree in Divinity. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1984 under the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America. He served as parish priest on loan to St. Savas Serbian Orthodox Church for five years before becoming the parish priest for numerous rural parishes in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Father Joseph was committed to his parishioners and spoke of them with great love and respect. Due to failing health, Father Joseph retired from his pastoral duties in 2003. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Prayers will be held on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at St. George Orthodox Church at 121 Harvard Ave. East. Hierarchical Liturgy and Funeral Services will follow on Tuesday, August 3, at 9:30 a.m. at the Church with Archbishop Nathaniel Popp, Fr. Mirone Klysh, Fr. Michael Lupu, Fr. Deacon Michael Ungrin, Proto Deacon Raphael Cole and other clergy officiating. Interment in Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens, 455 Lagimodiere Boulevard. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the St. George Orthodox Church elevator fund. Memory Eternal