Father Michael Troy, a Spiritan priest for more than 60 years, died peacefully in his sleep at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta.

Father Troy was born October 1, 1917 in Dublin, Ireland. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Elizabeth and three brothers. He is survived by his two sisters, Mary and Teresa and numerous nieces and nephews. Father Troy entered the Spiritan novitiate in 1936 and made his first profession as a Spiritan in 1937. Perpetual Vows followed in 1940 and he was sent to Fribourg, Switzerland to completed his theological studies. In 1947, Father Troy was ordained to the priesthood in Fribourg. Returning to Ireland in 1949, he began teaching in Kimmage, soon becoming the Director of the House of Philosophy. Subsequently, Father Troy obtained his doctorate at University College Dublin.

In September of 1957 Father Troy was named Superior and Principal of Neil McNeil High School in Toronto, Canada and was considered the founding father of the school. In 1964 Father Troy left Toronto for Edmonton, Alberta where he became Assistant Principal of the Archbishop McDonald High School and where he opened the Spiritan Residence at McQueen Road.

1970 saw Father Troy move to St. Joseph’s High School where he was teacher, coach and Chaplain. Although the records show that Father Troy retired from teaching in 1983, St Joseph’s High School continued to be the centre of his life. He continued as Chaplain Emeritus until his death.

From 1983 – 1994 Father Troy served as Director of Spiritan Communications and Editor of Spiritan Missionary News, which received many awards under his leadership.

Father Troy lived life to the full and gave passionately of that fullness to countless people, especially the many people with whom he shared his life, his faith and his dreams. His great love of First Nations and Metis ministry is remarkable. Father Troy is still remembered as the founder of the first Edmonton Archdiocesan Native Ministry.

Father Troy’s involvement with the Knights of Columbus at local and state levels is legendary. He served for more than 16 years as State Chaplain of Alberta and the North West Territories. Father Troy served as a Chaplain of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves and of St. Luke’s College. He served as Director of the Edmonton Archdiocesan Holy Childhood Association and Propagation of the Faith Society. Father Troy was a Director of the Legion of Mary and a founder and member of various academic and sports organizations including many years of service on behalf of amateur soccer in Edmonton. Father Tory also published two books Riches to Rags, the story of the Spiritan founder Claude Poullart des Places, and From Tiny Acorn to Mighty Oak, on the history of the Congregation.

In 2003 Father Troy was recognized by the naming of an Edmonton school in his honour. He was a faithful and active presence in the early years of the Father Michael Troy Junior High School.

In September 2002 Father Troy took up active residency in Holy Spirit Parish Edmonton and then with failing health and eyesight he moved in August of 2008 to St. Andrew’s Centre where he continued his ministry and outreach to all.

                    Fr. Michael’s work is done..... May he rest in peace.