At the Prince Edward Home on Monday, August 10, 2015 Gerald Joseph Steele, Charlottetown, age 82 years.
Beloved husband of Maureen (Hubbard). Dear father of Nick (Tess), Adam and Daniel (Jessica). Loving grandfather of Indira Steele. Brother of Erma Arsenault, Peter, Anne MacIsaac and Roy. Predeceased by his brother Percy.
Gerald Joseph Steele was born at home on January 30, 1933, son of Percy Steele and Julia DesRoches, Miscouche, P.E.I. The sisters of Notre-Dame de Montreal provided his primary and secondary education in the local convent-school where he graduated in 1950 with the Governor General's Gold Medal. He was a dedicated altar-server in the St. John the Baptist local church and in the convent-chapel for a number of years. Gerald was accepted at St. Dunstan's University in 1950, graduating with a BA with honours in 1954, S.D.U.'s centennial year, and was chosen as class president. At. St. Dunstan's he contributed to national and international students organizations, rewarded with a summer long seminar and travel in India in 1953; participated in drama productions on campus under the direction of Father Ed Roche; and contributed to the college magazine, The Red and White, becoming editor in his senior year. He financed his education and contributed to his family through summer work in Ontario and Quebec. He followed his dream of entering the Grand Seminaire de Quebec in 1954, earning two degrees in theology, acquiring proficiency in French and receiving ordination to the priesthood in 1958. He served in the pastoral ministry in Summerside, Charlottetown and Alberton and as chaplain at Carleton University in Ottawa. United Church minister, Reverend David MacDonald and he pioneered the ecumenical movement on the island.
In 1972, the Pope granted Gerald's request for relief from his priestly duties before his marriage to Maureen Hope Hubbard in Ottawa. Gerald always considered becoming father to his sons Nicholas, Daniel and Adam as God's greatest gifts to him, along with his Faith, study of Theology and Scripture and Acadian ancestry.
He earned a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Ottawa, under an EMHC scholarship, before joining the federal public service, working for over 20 years in Ottawa, Alberta and Charlottetown, in the departments of Regional Economic Expansion, Indian Affairs and Veterans Affairs. While he was Executive Director of the Canadian Council on Rural Development he represented the council at the F.A.O in Rome and travels in Southern Italy, Holland and Sweden. In 1986 he was asked by Premier Joseph Ghiz to lead intergovernmental affairs in P.E.I. and assist as advisor, negotiator and speech writer for the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords. He also served Premiers Callbeck and Binns as speechwriter and advisor on Quebec and constitutional matters. Under Premier Binns, he brought about the completed bearings in the Provincial Coat of Arms. He served in the Office of the Attorney General responsible for policy development and management of the day-to-day conduct of Aboriginal Affairs.
Resting at Belvedere Funeral Home until Thursday at 9:40 a.m. then to St. Dunstan's Basilica for funeral mass at 10 a.m. Interment in St. Eugene's Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday 4-7 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Pat and The Elephant.
www.belvederefh.com

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