Fr. Bernard J. Tyrrell, SJ

Father Bernard J. Tyrrell, SJ, 91, professor emeritus at Gonzaga University, died February 5, 2025.

He was born to Bernard J (Ben) and Mary Koreski Tyrrell in Yakima on May 10, 1933 and grew up in Selah. Fr. Tyrrell attended St. Joseph's grade school and graduated from Marquette H.S. After graduating he discerned a vocation to the Jesuit priesthood. His studies included degrees from Gonzaga University, Alma College and a doctorate at Fordham University. He was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1965.

Fr. Tyrrell taught, was a counselor and a spiritual director at Gonzaga University until 2015. The last 10 years of his life were spent at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, CA.

Fr. Tyrrell suffered from health problems his whole life, including multiple sclerosis. Despite his infirmities, he taught until age 81 and continued writing and counseling until his passing.

His disabilities informed his writings and ministry. His best known work "Christotherapy", published in 1976, was considered a theological best seller at the time. The book was published in six foreign languages and touched the lives of many.

He authored four additional books as well as numerous contributions to scholarly books and journals.

Fr. Tyrrell is survived by his only sibling, Catherine (Kay) Dodson (Ron); his five nieces, Cathi Dodson, Sue Zender (Mark), Margi Dodson, Teri Judkins (Mike) and Jennifer Stowell (Brendan); seven grandnephews and nieces and many cousins, including Fr. Mike Tyrrell, SJ and Sr. Clare Lentz, SP.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:15 a.m.

For the livestream of Funeral Mass use link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watchv=kb81vECzCUs&list=PLpplNfJuEo9aRoMS8wReTJBNRPY5nxZuS

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the house chapel of the Jesuit Community at Gonzaga University in Spokane, followed by inurnment at Mt. St. Michael Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Fr. Tyrrell may be made to the Jesuits West Province of the Society of Jesus, P.O. Box 68, Los Gatos, CA 95031.