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Francis James CONKLIN

1925 - 2016

Francis James CONKLIN obituary, 1925-2016, Spokane , WA

FUNERAL HOME

Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory - Division Street

2203 North Division Street

Spokane, Washington

Francis CONKLIN Obituary


CONKLIN, Francis James

An extraordinary man passed peacefully from this life March 12, 2016. Francis James Conklin was born to Hobart F. and Nellie (Burke) Conklin on June 3, 1925 in Butte, Montana. He attended Butte schools and after graduating from Boys Central High in 1942, he entered the Jesuit Novitiate in Sheridan, Oregon, taking vows as a formal member of the Jesuit Order in 1944. Five years later he received his Master's in Philosophy from Gonzaga University. While teaching at GU Prep in the early '50s he coached an undefeated football team to two championships. In 1956 he received a Licentiate of Theology, and another licentiate from the Sorbonne, Paris, France the following year. He was first in his class and earned his Juris Doctor (LLB) from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. in 1961, the same year he became the first Jesuit admitted to the Washington State Bar. Master of Law (LLM) and Doctorate of Law degrees from Yale followed in 1962 and 1963 respectively. He served as Dean of Gonzaga Law School from 1964-1966 and from 1973-1976, and was responsible for its accreditation from the ABA, beginning publication of the GU law review, and fostering the school's phenomenal growth through a variety of programs. But Frank was much more than an impressive list of academic achievements. He was a passionate defender of civil rights, marched on Selma, successfully argued for legal representation for all, and volunteered to argue appeals in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans in the mid '60s. He earned his private pilot license so he could serve in the 9th Circuit of Appeals and continue to teach at Gonzaga, and never missed a class. Ever practical, he enjoyed running the backhoe that dug the ditches for the GU's buried power lines, so it was not unusual for his hard hat to decorate his lectern. He began and administered GU's Work Study program so more students could enroll. In more than 50 years of legal practice he never charged a former student or charitable organization for legal services, and did the majority of his work pro bono. Though he demitted from the Jesuit Order more than thirty years after taking his vows, he remained committed to serving the underprivileged and impoverished. He helped Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest grow from seven stores to twelve with the highest annual sales revenue. Always more interested in the substantive and essential rather than appearances, "Read the Wall Street Journal," was his reply to a student who queried how to best understand our legal system. He maintained his dry wit and laser sharp powers of observation to the end of his days. He enjoyed fine wines, all things horticultural, especially orchids, and outrageous neckties. He was a loving husband to his wife Audrey for the last thirty-five years. A dear friend observed that if Frank were to have a family crest with a motto, it would be "esse, quam videre," meaning" to be, rather than to seem." Services will be held at 11 Saturday morning, March 19 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes. Please direct memorials to your favorite charity. Online condolences at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Mar. 16 to Mar. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Carla Nuxoll

March 19, 2016

I knew him as Father Conklin, my professor in Constitutional Law, and as my boss on the GU Work Study Crew. In both roles, he was an extraordinary teacher and leader. We young women drove dump trucks, carried irrigation pipe, and built concrete sidewalks in the late 60s and early 70's, because he knew we could do it and it needed to be done. He expected us to do it and not give excuses either because we were "girls." I always appreciated his high expectations, his insights into life and law, and his sense of justice. Thank you, Frank Conklin. You made a huge difference in my life by helping me develop confidence and perseverance. With respect and sincere condolences to his family, Carla Nuxoll

kay anderson

March 18, 2016

Frank was an extraordinary person and a fascinating friend. He took our daughter around Gonzaga Law School and talked with her when she was considering going into law. He was a very special friend to Ken.

Our Granddaughter in Bellevue is using his obituary to give a report in her civics class today.

Christopher Herman

March 16, 2016

I was fortunate to have him as a professor. He will be missed.

Lynn Mydland

March 16, 2016

This was a great man, especially after reading his obituary. I didn't know him well, but he made a positive impression on me. In the 1990's, I was a paralegal in the same building as his office; we ran into each other occasionally there and at CLE's. He was always so nice and respectful, to me. Not all attorneys treat non-attorney staff that way. I'm glad I got to talk to him at a CLE just a few years ago.

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Memorial Events
for Francis CONKLIN

Mar

19

Service

11:00 a.m.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes

WA

Funeral services provided by:

Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory - Division Street

2203 North Division Street, Spokane, WA 99207

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