Fr. Walter Joseph Bracken, SVD, was born April 25, 1945, in Belle River, Ontario, to the late Bertha Mary (Derdaele d.1986), and Edward Joseph Bracken (d.1991).  He was the youngest of two children and attended primary school at St. John the Baptist in Belle River, Ontario. Fr. Bracken departed this life July 1, 2022.

After attending primary school, Fr. Bracken entered Divine Word Seminary in Perryburg, OH in 1953, Miramar Junior College in 1963 and Epworth in 1967.  He began his novitiate in Bay St. Louis, MS, in 1967 and pronounced his first vows September 8, 1968.  He studied theology in Techny, IL in 1968, took his final vows September 8, 1971, in Gogebic, MI.  He was ordained a priest on December 18, 1971 in Techny, IL.

Following his ordination, he served in the following capacities: Associate pastor at Holy Ghost Church in Jackson, MS, from 1972-1974; teacher at St. Stanislaus Preparatory College from 1974-1979; Associate Pastor at St. Rose de Lima Church in Bay St. Louis, MS, from 1974-1976; Associate Dean at St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, MS, from 1976-1979; Vocation Director at St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis, MS, from1979-1985; Nemi sabbatical 1985; Pastor at St. Bartholomew Church in Little Rock, AR from 1986-1994; Teacher at University of Notre Dame Hesberg Continuing Education in 1994; Montreal Pastoral Work from 1995-1996; Techny, IL – Superior Delegate 1996-2002; Rector and Land Office 2002-2008; Land office and Associate Novice Director 2008-2009.

In 2009, Fr. Bracken transferred to USS – Southern Province.  In 2010 he began Co-op speaking engagements; William J. Kelley Retreat Center Director 2012; USS Provincial Council member 2014-2017; Facilitator for Novices 30-day retreat 2012. In 2017 Fr. Bracken retired due to his health condition, COPD.

Fr. Bracken is preceded in death by his beloved parents and older brother Charles (d. 2011). He was a devoted uncle and spiritual mentor and leaves to cherish his memories Catherine (Cath) Bracken (Kevin Antaya) and Craig Bracken (Rondell Frith) and great nephews, Anthony and Jaiden.

He loved and spent many happy times with Bracken and Derdaele cousins and their extended families from Belle River, Tecumseh and Stoney Point, ON; as well as in Michigan, Illinois and California, USA. He was a beloved friend and former classmate to many throughout Ontario, Canada, USA and abroad. He was instrumental in his leadership of Retrouvaille Retreats and helped many couples and families through his council and ministry.

Fr. Bracken was an avid Toronto Maple Leaf's fan. When he visited his family home in Belle River, ON., his most favorite times were walking on the Bracken farm, reminiscing with family while playing euchre and sharing stories and jokes, which were much anticipated and enjoyed by all. Fr. Bracken lived his life with humility, love for God and for all people. He emulated the importance of keeping it simple, living life on life's terms and sharing in the company of those whom he loved and loved him.

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