Fr. Vince LaPlante was born in Ottawa, ON to parents Patrick LaPlante and Laura O’Connor.  He is predeceased by his brother, Gerald LaPlante (Joy) and sister, Rita LaPlante (Sr. of the Precious Blood).  He is survived by Gerald’s children:  Nieces, Madelaine Earl (Rick) Loretto ON and Margaret Freeman (Jim) Georgetown ON and Nephew, Noel LaPlante (Jill) Barrie ON.

Fr. LaPlante received his primary and secondary education at St. Patrick’s School in Ottawa.  He attained a Bachelor of Commerce degree at St. Patrick’s College, Ottawa, and a High School Teacher’s Certificate at the Ontario College of Education in Toronto.  He also spent a year studying Scripture in the Holy Land at “Ecce Home” in Jerusalem.  He entered the Novitiate in the Order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Fall of 1948. He studied at Holy Rosary Scholasticate for six years.  He was ordained to the Priesthood on May 29, 1954, in Ottawa and spent the following year in Theological and Pastoral studies.

Fr. LaPlante’s Ministries included:  Director of Resident Students – St. Patrick’s College High School, Ottawa; Pastor – Annunciation church, Edmonton AB.  His Ministry in BC included: Vicar General of Diocese of Prince George, Director of Frontier Apostolates (Founded by Bishop Fergus O’Grady) – Prince George Diocese; Principal/Administrator – St. Eugene’s Mission, Cranbrook; Principal – Marian High School, Burnaby; Fort St. James & Indian Villages of Tachie & Pinchi; Pastor – Dawson Creek; Vanderhoof & the Missions of Stoney Creek & Fort Fraser; Ucluelet/Tofino, Vancouver Island; St. Paul’s, North Vancouver.  He assisted at St. Augustine’s and Sacred Heart parishes & Kateri Mission, Vancouver; Administrator – Lejac Student Residence, Fraser Lake; Member – St. Paul’s Provincial Council; Superior – The Crescent.

Fr. Vince was a true gentleman, wise and humble with simple tastes.  Always the genial host at social gatherings, he showed care and concern for all present.  He was very supportive of his fellow Oblates.  Fr. Vince resided at the Oblate Pandosy Place residence in Vancouver and was known as the resident “Handyman”, a real “Mr. Fix-it”.  He was a master builder, enjoyed woodworking, metal-working and had a peculiar fascination with grandfather clocks.  When not in the workshop, he enjoyed gardening.  He had a “green thumb”, particularly with rhododendrons and roses.  Fr. Vince also enjoyed playing bridge with friends in a social setting.  He was an excellent player, always carefully planning his bids and precisely how he would play out a hand.  He had a very good memory.  He also enjoyed live theatre, good music (sing-a-longs) and swimming.  He was quick-witted; had a lively sense of humor.

Fr. Vince passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, at Vancouver General Hospital in his 100th year.

Funeral Services:  Viewing at 9:00 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Friday, January 26th at St. Augustine’s Church, 2028 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver BC.

Reception at St. Augustine’s following the service.

Interment at the Oblate Cemetery in Mission BC.