Rev. Patrick Joseph Hunter

Dear Pat: Thanks a million for all your kindnesses. Beyond the fun times during serious studies I want to thank you for your graciousness in visiting me here in my humble Pinconning home. Our e-mails became less frequent thereafter and then ended. I'm sorry for that. Rest in painless peace: Aldric

I also first came to know Pat when we were Jesuit seminary students at North Aurora, Illinois. He combined a wonderful passion for social change and justice with a great gift for fun and excitement. Who else could go from reading the Racing Form to reading sociology and theology tomes. He always had a vision of a changed, peaceable world, but he also knew what the next practical steps would be.

Pat, how could you do this to us. You cannot leave just yet. Already the memories are erupting: Old Crow, deal the cards, Texas Tech, let's do Pecker's papers. Your politics, your ethics, your spirituality I loved--though I know it was not shared by many fellow Jesuits, especially those "superior" to us. Have you gone to that big game in the sky? Could it be as good as the one in Russell Long's cabin. I miss you already. But the bonds will always be there and that is my definition of...

I met Pat during our Jesuit theological studies. Once you befriended Pat, you had a friend for life. He lived a passionate dedication to his priesthood. He was grounded in the sometimes mysterious basics of theology, but also in the always clear and specific basics of the Democratic party. His ministry was person centered in a context of social justice. He loved railroads, poker and his friends. We miss his presence in the world.

I just happened by chance to go to confession to him once. I did not know it would be him hearing confessions. That event changed my life. It was definitely God acting in my life in a profound way.

DURING A TRYING TIME IN MY LIFE MY DAD, REGGIE BAHLINGER, GAVE ME HIS COUSIN PATRICK HUNTERS' PHONE NUMBER. I CONSIDER THIS ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS THAT MY DAD HAS EVER GIVEN ME. PATRICK WAS VERY HELPFULL FOR ME AND IN THE PROCESS WE BECAME VERY CLOSE. I WILL MISS HIM GREATLY.

I owe so very much of my greatly improved life due to some brief and tough sessions with Pat. I refer to him often when talking about what turned my life around and led me to the happiness I have today. I loved that man.