Fr. André Dion
Volume 30 Issue 7, 8 & 9 | Posted: October 11, 2016
DION, Fr. Andre October 17, 1923 – August 01, 2016 Father André Dion in his own memoir entitled “Tapestry” weaves a story of his life in 6 letters: “W D R F U L”. These letters came to be his personalized car license plate, as well as an expression of the gentle, loving man and pastor that he was. André Dion was born in Montmagny, Quebec, on October 17, 1923, the 6th child in the family. Young André was full of wonder in his early life, particularly when it came to readiness to try all manner of occupations. He received Officer’s Training in Trois-Rivières, from 1938 – 1944, and used skills to fill a variety of roles – teacher, accountant, photographer, writer, and tech wizard. André was drawn to the monastic life, and entered the Franciscan Novitiate in 1944, received a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Laval University in 1948, and continued to study Theology in Montreal and Edmonton, and was an instructor at the college level. André was ordained a Franciscan priest on June 21, 1953 in Montreal. Fr. Andre’s desire to learn English led him to study in Edmonton, and then ministry to the bilingual community of Maillardville (BC) from 1958-1962. In 1962, he was transferred to Port Alberni, where he served for 2 years, until being called to leadership in his Franciscan community for 4 years. Fr. André returned to the Diocese of Victoria and became the first “worker-priest” in the North Island parishes of Port Hardy, Port Alice and Port McNeill, where he was employed as an accountant and an electrician, and served as pastor until 1977. A sabbatical to review the nature of ‘charismatic renewal’ in Canada and the US for a year followed. Upon his return, Fr. Dion was incardinated in the Diocese of Victoria in 1980. He went on to serve St. Jean Baptiste parish in Victoria for 4 years, followed by St. Rose of Lima in Sooke, where he served concurrently, as the chaplain at William Head Institution until 1986. Father Dion then returned to downtown Victoria where he served at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and chaplain to St. Ann’s Residence. He completed his pastoral ministry at Trinity parish in Nanaimo, and retired in July 1993, to Victoria, yet still in the service of the faithful when called upon. Fr. André was considered a beloved member of the Ravai family, and had many devoted friends in the Franciscan communities and diocesan parishes he served. Father André Dion passed away peacefully in Victoria, after 92 years of life filled with ‘wonder’. May he rest in peace.