Our Namesake

  Monsignor Fee Otterson is a graduate of Edmonton Catholic Schools. He entered St. Joseph Seminary upon graduating from St. Joseph High and, on February 8, 1948, was ordained into the Holy Priesthood by the Archbishop of Edmonton, John Hugh MacDonald. Monsignor Otterson devoted the next 60 years serving the Catholic people of Edmonton and, in a very particular way, serving the young women and men in three of the high schools in the District.

  He spent six years teaching at St. Joseph High School, six years as principal and teacher at St. Mary High School, and 22 years teaching at Austin O’Brien High School.

  Monsignor Otterson was a teacher/administrator with Edmonton Catholic Schools for over 30 years. He had a tremendous impact on the students he taught. He was well respected and loved by staff and students.

  Of equal significance is the reality of the profound Christian influence he exerted by being present to the students through his involvement with them in their cocurricular activities – most particularly in athletics and drama. His impact was poignantly captured by a graduating student from Austin O’Brien who referred to Monsignor Otterson as the “Greatest Crusader of All.”

  After his retirement from teaching, Monsignor Otterson spent the next 10 years continuing to work for Catholic Education as the Alberta Bishops’ representative to the Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association. In addition, during these same 10 years, he was first Associate Pastor and then Pastor at St. John the Evangelist Church. As the Parish Priest, he was very well liked and respected by the congregation.

  Monsignor Fee Otterson died on September 9th, 2012 at the age of 89. He was a proud Edmontonian who will be remembered as an individual who enriched the lives of youths, as well as those of his many friends, family and colleagues. He will forever remain in the hearts of our staff and students.