In Memoriam: Rev. Thomas M. Valiquette SJ

20 Jul 2008

by: Michael G. Harter SJ, Socius to the Provincial

Father Thomas M. Valiquette SJ died suddenly Sunday afternoon, July 20, 2008, at Regis Jesuit High School Community in Centennial (Denver), Colorado. He was 75 years old.

Born in Rock Island, Illinois, on April 13, 1933, Tom entered the Society of Jesus at Florissant, Missouri, on August 17, 1951. Following the usual course of studies, was ordained on June 16, 1964, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Continuing his studies after ordination, he earned a Master’s Degree in physics and mathematics at the University of Illinois and immediately put the degree to good use teaching math and physics at St. Louis University High School where he was assigned in 1968. Tom served as the rector of the Jesuit community from 1975 to 1981. During his years at SLUH, he established a close relationship with Cardinal Ritter Prep, a newly established school in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He developed a program in which students from Ritter Prep and SLUH took science classes and labs together. In 1981, Tom was assigned to Ritter Prep where he taught science full time. In the early days of personal computers, he scrounged together a set of Commodore computers to introduce the students to the basic elements of computer science. Following a 10-year stint at Ritter Prep, “Vali” decided to take some sabbatical time to immerse himself in the cultural roots of his students and headed to South Africa where he ended up doing pastoral ministry for seven years in the poor black townships of Johannesburg. When he returned from Africa, back problems and hearing difficulties prevented him from teaching with his former vigor. But he devoted the last ten years of his life to Regis High School in Denver where he served as chaplain for the faculty and staff and promoted Christian Life Communities.

Warm and friendly by nature, Tom loved to converse and joke with students. He took delight in the odd turn of phrases and was known for overloading his conversation with puns. His natural curiosity was contagious; he took delight in prodding and cajoling his students into intellectual exploration. Tom, who was a Jesuit for nearly 57 years, and a priest for 44 years, donated his body to the Colorado State Anatomical Board.

Messages of condolences or memorial contributions in honor of Rev. Valiquette's faithful service and ministry may be made to support the works of his brother Jesuits and their colleagues. Please use our secure on-line donation form, or mail your gift to:

Jesuits of the Missouri Province
4511 West Pine Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108-2191

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