Rev. Thomas Francis Healy S.J.

Fr. Tom Healy, SJ, died January 8, 2015, at the Jesuit Infirmary, Spokane. He was 86. A dedicated high school administrator and parish priest, Fr. Healy drew people towards God by his clear convictions, infectious smile, and joy of life. Whether in an academic setting, church liturgy, or a potluck dinner one knew that he was both a man of God and a man for others, especially those in need of kindness and hope.

The eldest of three siblings, Thomas Francis Healy was born in Butte, MT, on March 31, 1928, to Francis D. and Margaret Ann (Nolan) Healy. Upon graduation from Gonzaga High School in 1946 Tom entered the Army and served in Japan as a pharmacy aide. His interest in medicine led to a Bachelor of Science degree from Gonzaga University in 1951 and one year at Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago. Tom’s interest in medicine was trumped by the call to religious life and priesthood. He entered the Jesuit Novitiate at Sheridan, Oregon in August 1953 and followed the regular course of studies and training. Fr. Healy was ordained a priest on June 12, 1965, in Spokane.

Showing great skill in high school teaching and administration, Fr. Healy was assigned to Jesuit High School, Portland, for six years (1966-72) and then to Seattle Preparatory for 20 years. In this latter posting he and other Jesuits and lay colleagues created and implemented the Matteo Ricci Program, an innovative and accelerated high school and college program for advanced students.

Ready for a new and different challenge, Fr. Healy transferred to Missoula, MT, and immersed himself in the parish world at St. Francis Xavier Church. He served as the superior of the Jesuit Community and as a parish priest; one of the key programs he started was the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL), a nine month program of prayer and reflection calling people into a deeper relationship with God and pushing them to share their lives and gifts to further God’s kingdom. This program continues today and is run by lay colleagues of the Jesuits.

Fr. Healy is survived by his brother Con (Virginia) Healy, and his sister Margie Healy. He also leaves a nephew Timothy (Erin) Healy, a grandnephew (Timothy Healy, Jr.) and his brother Jesuits of the Oregon Province. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, friends, former students, and parishioners.

A vigil service will be held Friday, January 16, at 7:00pm in the Jesuit House Chapel on the Gonzaga University campus. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30am, Saturday, January 17, 2015, at St Aloysius Church. The interment will immediately follow at Mt. St. Michaels Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall (302 E. Boone Ave) at the conclusion of the burial. Contributions in honor of Fr. Healy may be sent to: The Senior Fund, c/o The Oregon Province Society of Jesus (PO Box 86010, Portland, OR 97286), or Hospice of Spokane (PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210).