Father Oscar Pauwels was born in Poperinge, Belgium to parents Maurice and Martha (nee Huyghe) Pauwels, He was second to the eldest of eight children. He is pre-deceased by his brothers: Gaston (Helene) and Bro. Bernard; and his sister, Sr. Marcelle Pauwels SFB. He is survived by his four sisters: Marie-Therese (Jacques) Gryspeert, Sr. Francoise, Lutgarde (Willy) Picarelle and Josephine. He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.
Fr. Oscar was educated in Gyzegem, Belgium, including the Scholasticate where he completed studies in Philosophy and Theology. In 1974 he graduated from St. Paul’s University in Ottawa with a Masters of Arts degree in Pastoral Councilling (Family Studies). Other studies included the Canadian Catechism and Documents of Vatican II.
Fr. Oscar professed his first vows September 8, 1946, perpetual vows September 8, 1949 and was ordained a priest in the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on February 24, 1952, all in Gyzegem Belgium.
Fr. Oscar’s ministry experiences were many and varied. In 1952, after a Stage of Transition at St. Charles Scholasticate in Battleford, SK., his first obedience was to the Vicariate of Whitehorse in the Yukon. Other obediences included: Provincial of Vice Province of Yukon, Chaplain, Assistant Pastor, Councillor, Teacher, Pastor, Canon lawyer and Treasurer, ranging from the Northern recesses of the Yukon to South-Eastern Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia. Fr. Oscar served as a Judge on the Vancouver Regional Tribunal, Archdiocese of Vancouver, for 20 years. He resided at Pandosy Place Residence from 1998 till his move to Kopernik Lodge in June of 2019.
Fr. Oscar can be described as “calm, cool and collected”. Always willing to accept a challenge, he would go to places where others would prefer not to go. He accepted people as they are. Anyone could approach him with their problems or concerns and he would listen, compassionately advise them and encourage them to do better. He was a gifted communicator. Fr. Oscar believed in the benefits of exercise particularly walking and yoga. He enjoyed listening to his favorite classical cassette collection. Fr. Oscar was a gentle, loving and spiritual man. He was a truly happy priest.
Fr. Oscar passed away peacefully on January 22, 2023 at Vancouver General Hospital at age 96.