Obituary of C.r. Brunning Vern Brunning C.R

<h1>Rev. Vern Brunning C.R.</h1> 1924 - 2007 It is with sadness that the Congregation of the Resurrection announces the death of Fr. Overend Gerard Brunning, who died peacefully at Lisaard House on Friday, January 26th after a lengthy illness. He was in his 83rd year, and his 48th year of priesthood. Fr. Vern was the son of the late Joseph and Monica (O’Neil). He is survived by his brother, Vincent and his wife Iris of Hamilton, his sister Patricia McGrinder and her husband Patrick of Waterloo, and their families. He was predeceased by his brother Lawrence, sister Jeanne Belanger and nephew Matthew Brunning.. Near the beginning of World War II, Vern felt a call to serve his country and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, at the tender age of 16. By 1944, Vern was flying as a tail gunner on the Lancaster, the best bomber in the allied fleet. When the war ended, Vern felt another call, this time to the religious life and priesthood. In 1955 he professed first vows in the Congregation of the Resurrection and on May 30, 1959 was ordained to the priesthood. He served in pastoral ministry for most of his priesthood, including St. Mary’s Parish, Kitchener (1959-61); St. Louis Parish, Waterloo (1961-65); St. Joseph’s, Parish, Hamilton (1965-66); St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Hamilton, Bermuda (1966-67); St. Joseph’s Parish, Bermuda (1967-69); St. Cecilia Parish, Louisville, Kentucky (1969-72); St. Agatha Parish, St. Agatha (1978-84) and St. Anthony’s Parish, Bermuda (1984-97). Fr. Vern also served as a teacher at North Bay College from 1974-77. In 1997 Fr. Vern retired and returned to Waterloo. In his retirement he continued his pastoral ministry at various parishes and nursing homes. From 1963 to 2002 he served as padre to the 404 K-W Wing of the RCAF Association. For the past three years, Fr. Vern struggled with pancreatic cancer, a disease that he faced with the same indomitable spirit that he showed throughout his wartime service. He accepted his illness with dignity and courage, fortified by his deep trust in God. He will be remembered as a quiet man with a dry sense of humour, a loyal friend and an efficient administrator. He was a compassionate man, particularly concerned about the disadvantaged and marginalized. As a pastor, Fr. Vern supported the laity and encouraged them to share fully in the ministry of the parish. The Congregation of the Resurrection and Fr. Vern’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Lisaard House for their incredible patience and loving care. Visitation will be held at the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo today (Monday) from 7-9 pm and on Tuesday at St. Agatha RC Church, St. Agatha from 2-8 pm where a prayer service will be held at 3 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Agatha RC Church on Wednesday January 31, 2007 at 11 am. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Kitchener. A reception will take place at St. Agatha Parish Hall following the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lisaard House or the Resurrectionist Missions can be arranged through the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com In living memory of Father Vern, a tree will be planted through the Trees for Learning Program by the funeral home.