Victoria, British Columbia - BLAIS, Carl

Carl passed away on February 17, 2026, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, after prayers from his priest and a friend beside him.

His deeply loved twin sister, and both parents, died several decades previously. He is survived by his brother, Michael.

Carl was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on December 7, 1946, to French Canadian parents. As a young man, he lived as a boarder with the Dominican friars at the St-Jean-Baptiste convent in Ottawa. Described as kind, gentle and respectful by the friars, Carl later became a nurse. While living in Victoria, he became a Secular Franciscan.

Throughout his life, Carl was devoted to his faith. A long-time resident of Victoria, he served as an Acolyte at St. Andrews Catholic Cathedral and St. Joseph the Worker Parish. He became a Secular Franciscan during this time. In his last year, he served as a Reader at the Franciscan Friary, although his Parkinson's was already impacting many aspects of his life.

During the AIDS crisis, Carl's compassion for the suffering took him to Zimbabwe where he volunteered for a period of time, using his nursing skills to assist children with the disease. He also enlisted others to donate needed items at a centre there, upon his return.

After retirement, Carl was generally a quiet person who preferred to do things his own way. His faithful practice of meditation gave him great comfort throughout his life. But he also cherished being with friends, whether camping, sharing a meal, a drink at a pub or a special gathering within his faith community.

On May 21st at 11 AM, his Memorial Mass will be held at the Franciscan Friary, 1076 Joan Cres., Victoria, followed by a reception. His internment will be May 27th, at Our Lady of the Assumption Cemetery, in Saanichton. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to World Vision, Our Place Society, or a charity of your choice.