Rest in Peace – David Leigh, S.J.

Dear Seattle University Community,

With great sadness I share that Professor Emeritus of English David Leigh, S.J., passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, CA, where he had been living since 2019.

After entering the Society of Jesus in 1955, Father Leigh taught English Literature at Gonzaga University and served as rector of Saint Michael’s Institute. He came to Seattle University in 1983 and for more than 35 years was a beloved teacher, mentor, spiritual companion, and intellectual interlocutor for many at the university and in the wider community.

Wholly committed to the success and growth of his students as learners and people, Father Leigh’s own academic journey was unending. He authored two books, Circuitous Journeys: Modern Spiritual Autobiography and Apocalyptic Patterns in Twentieth-Century Fiction, as well as more than 40 chapters in books and articles in scholarly journals. He served in an editorial role for the journal Ultimate Meaning and Reality for more than two decades and published in numerous journals ranging from Modern Philology to Religion and Literature.

Always generous with his guidance and wisdom, Father Leigh held many leadership roles at SU. Among others, he chaired the English Department, directed both the University Honors Program and Core Curriculum, and served as president of the Academic Assembly.

Many in the Seattle University community owe their formation in mission to Father Leigh. He co-created and co-facilitated the Arrupe Seminar until his retirement, brought faculty together to learn more about the university’s commitment to justice by studying Catholic Social Teachings through the Justice Seminar, and for years, welcomed alumni back to campus by offering them opportunities to engage SU scholars through the Alumni Seminar. Many a graduating student was able to step back to reflect on their time at SU and discern their path forward through a Senior Retreat he coordinated.

In the years prior to his retirement, he joined the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life where his gentle and quiet presence as a spiritual director buoyed the community and those he accompanied.

Father Leigh’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center at 11:15 a.m., Monday, February 16, and will be livestreamed here. A Memorial Mass will be held at the Chapel of St. Ignatius, 2 p.m., Thursday, February 26, with Stephen Sundborg, S.J., presiding.

Please join me in a prayer of thanks for Father Leigh and his enduring impact on our university.

Respectfully,

Eduardo M. Peñalver
President