RIP Herb

Herb O’Driscoll was a treasured mentor, colleague and friend when we served together in the Diocese of Islands and Inlets (British Columbia). He wrote two hymns for my installation as Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kamloops in 2016. We worked together a number of times during summer programs at the Sorrento Centre. He gave me many tips on ministry, music and hymn writing. He lived a long and very full life in the service of God, church and family. He now rests in peace with a twinkle in his Irish eye. The following announcement shared with thanks to Alicia Ambrosio of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the Rev. Canon Thomas Herbert O’Driscoll passed away on Thursday, July 25, in Victoria. B.C. surrounded by family. 

Known as Herb  to family and friends, he was born in Cork, Ireland on October 17, 1928. He was ordained a priest in 1952 at Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral and immigrated to Canada in 1957. Before moving to the west coast, O’Driscoll served in several parishes in Ottawa, and as chaplain to the Royal Navy. 

In 1968 he became Rector of Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver and Dean of the Diocese of New Westminster. His preaching inspired many and caught the attention of the church far beyond the Lower Mainland. 

In 1982 he left the Cathedral to become Canon and Warden of the National College of Preachers and the National Cathedral of St. Peter & St. Paul in Washington D.C. He retired from active ministry in 1993 and moved to Vancouver Island, where he served as honorary assistant priest at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria. 

O’Driscoll was known for his Narrative Preaching style and was sought after as a conference speaker, pilgrimage leader, and homiletics instructor. 

He was also a prolific writer. During his career he published over 50 books on a variety of theological and spiritual topics. From 1966 to 2002 he also wrote hymns. His hymns are collected in a book entitled, “Praise my Soul.” 

In 2022 the Vancouver School of Theology launched the O’Driscoll Forum, an annual multi-day forum offered during the summer semester as “A Celebration of Preaching, Teaching and the Liturgical Arts.”

Herb was a personal friend of many in the Diocese of New Westminster and well beloved by many more, both near and far. His work was an inspiration to those who longed to hear the story of the Good News told in new ways for the 21st Century.

He is survived by his wife Paula, and his family.  

Funeral details will be shared in the days ahead.  

Rest eternal grant to him O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him+. May the Word eternal greet him, and grant him peace.