Date of Birth: December 24, 1928
Date of Death: September 5, 2023
Most Rev. Adam Exner, OMI, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 at his home in Grayson, Sask. Archbishop Exner was born Dec. 24, 1928 in Killaly, Sask. on the family farm. He was baptized and had his first communion at St. Mary’s in Grayson. He always thought of himself as a member of both Grayson and Killaly communities.
He was ordained to the Priesthood in the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate July 7, 1957 in Roviano, Italy.
Archbishop Exner was the Bishop of Kamloops (1974-1982), Archbishop of Winnipeg (1982-1991) and Archbishop of Vancouver (1991-2004). After retirement he spent three years at St. Benedict in Humboldt, Sask, then from 2008-2022 resided with his Oblate Community in Vancouver before returning to Grayson, Sask. He was glad to be home in Grayson again.
He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Frances Exner (nee Gelowitz) of Grayson, Sask; four brothers and three sisters all of Saskatchewan.
He is survived by two sisters-in-law, friends and several nephews, nieces and their families.
Prayer services were held on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. from St. Elizabeth’s Roman Catholic Church, Killaly, Sask. officiated by Father John Mock. Elizabeth Tolentino did the Reading and the Prayers of the Faithful were by Sr. Hilda Gelowitz and Sr. Josephine Gelowitz.
The funeral mass was celebrated on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Grayson, Sask. with Rev. Fr. John Mock as the Celebrant and the Con Celebrants were Clergy Confers. Fr. Mark Schwab did the Gospel Reading and Annette Bossenberry and Audrey Bogdan did the Readings and Michael Exner did the Prayers of the Faithful. The gift bearers were Leon Exner and Deb Kohen and the cross bearer was Gerry Flegel. Juli Sastaunik, Lorette Miller, Cheryl Ellis gave the eulogy and St. Mary’s Choir did the music for prayers and the mass.
The interment was in the Mariahilf Cemetery with Randy Exner, Aaron Exner, Herb Exner, Cal Ottenbreit, Joe Flegel and David Dogdan as the pallbearers.
Many thanks to Dr. Eshawesh, Dr. Houshmandi, Melissa Manum and Kim Rutzki and the neighbours in Grayson – all of whose kindness and compassion is greatly appreciated.
Memorials in memory of Archbishop Exner may be made to: Open The Door, Vancouver Archdiocese; AMMI Lacombe Canada MAMI or St. Mary’s RC Church, Grayson.
Arrangements were by Bailey’s Funeral Home, Melville.
