Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we continue to mourn the loss of our dear colleague and friend, Pat Howell, S.J., I wanted to follow up with information on his funeral arrangements, which are now finalized.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Chapel of St. Ignatius, there will be a vigil at 7 p.m. The viewing will begin at 3:30 p.m. with a short ritual to receive the body. A reception will follow the vigil in the Stuart T. Rolfe Community Room. The funeral will take place the following day, Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. at St. James Cathedral (804 9th Ave.), followed by a reception on campus at Campion Hall.

Over the course of his many years at Seattle University, and through a variety of roles, Father Howell has been a blessing in the lives of a great many students, faculty, staff, friends of the university, and members of the broader community. As a way to honor that legacy, we invite those who are so moved to share a very brief remembrance (just a few sentences) of their gratitude for Pat by sending an e-mail to thecommons@seattleu.edu. 

We will gather and post these contributions at “In Grateful Remembrance of Patrick Howell, S.J.,” between now and the funeral services and share them as well with the extended Howell family.

Please continue to hold in your thoughts and prayers all of Pat’s loved ones and the countless people, both in our community and beyond, whose lives he touched.

Sincerely,

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
President

November 29, 2019

Dear Faculty and Staff, 

It is with sadness that I write to let you know that Fr. Pat Howell, S. J. passed away last evening, Thanksgiving night, at about 5:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. 

Pat learned around six weeks ago that he had lung cancer. He began treatment but it proved to be ineffective. 

Pat taught theology at Seattle U for several decades, was a Full Professor, Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry, Rector of the Arrupe Jesuit  Community, Distinguished University Professor, Assistant and Interim Director of the Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture, author of three books, and carried out a special ministry relating to mental illness. This year he has been serving at Gonzaga University in support of its Jesuit mission and ministry. 

Though we do not yet know specific dates and times of services, we are planning to hold a vigil in the Chapel of St. Ignatius and the funeral Mass at St. James Cathedral. 

Let us join in gratitude for Pat’s friendship and service and in celebration of his new life in God. 

Fr. Steve