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Rev. Michael M. Kelliher, S.J. died November 24 at the Sacred Heart Assisted Care Center for Jesuits in Los Gatos, California. He was born in Spokane, June 13, 1934, to Michael and Helen (Hager) Kelliher. He spent all his formative years on Capitol Hill. He attended St. Joseph's Grade School, Seattle Preparatory, and one year at Seattle University before he entered the Society of Jesus at Sheridan, Oregon, in 1953.
He was ordained in 1967 at St. Aloysius Church in Spokane. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminology from the distinguished program at University of California, Berkeley, and was perhaps the only Jesuit in the world trained to administer polygraphs. He co-founded Seattle University's pioneering program in Criminal Justice and was much beloved by his students. Twice he received the "Outstanding Teaching of the Year" for Seattle University. Under his leadership the department received the "Outstanding Achievement Award" from the Washington State Council on Crime and Delinquency in 1990.
He was a strong advocate of restorative justice, rather than punitive justice. And during an academic sabbatical year, he explored programs in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Northern Ireland to investigate their approach to reconciliation.
His brother Pat preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother Tim (Shoreline, WA), nieces and nephews, and his Jesuit brothers in the Society of Jesus.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, December 1, 2016, 10:00am, in the Jesuit House Chapel at Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. Burial will be at Mt. St. Michaels Cemetery in Spokane. A memorial service will be celebrated at Seattle University at 3:00 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 in the Chapel of St. Ignatius. Donations in honor of Fr. Kelliher may be sent to the Senior Fund, Oregon Province, Society of Jesus, P.O. Box 86010, Portland, OR 97286, or the charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
March 17, 2018
Vickie Chriss-Rea
Many years have past but I remember you, young and such a wonderful Father in the priesthood. So bright and kind to this young girl at the time. You were so loved and appreciated. Maybe you and Mom have met again in heaven. Our family so loves you. ❤
December 5, 2016
I went to St. Joseph's, Seattle Prep and Seattle U. with Mike, who was also my neighbor. He really excelled after he went into the Jesuits. I saw him once when he was at Berkeley and at our Prep reunions. I last saw him at the Attic in Madison Park in 2012 before he moved to Los Gatos. We should all be proud of his accomplishments in life! May he rest in Peace.
Gerry Welch
November 29, 2016
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time Psalms 29:11
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