Father Thomas Valiquette

Rev. Thomas M. Valiquette, SJ died suddenly on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at the residence of the Jesuit Community of Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colorado. He was 75 years old. Although he had been in declining health in recent months, his death was unexpected. Fr. Tom was born in Rock Island, Illinois, on April 13, 1933. The son of Vincent and Veronica McClain Valiquette, he is survived by one brother, David, and three sisters, Diane Valliquette, Sr. Mary Baptista, VHM and Sr. Marjorie Valiquette, OSF. Fr. Tom entered the Jesuit novitiate at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Missouri, at the age of 18 and was ordained June 16, 1964 at the Gesu Church in Wisconsin. Fr. Tom earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Louis University and his master's degree from the University of Illinois. Both degrees were in physics with a minor in mathematics. He also held licentiates in both philosophy and sacred theology from Saint Louis University. Fr. Tom went to teach physics, math and science at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1958 to 1961, St. Louis University High School from 1968 to 1981 and Cardinal Ritter Prep, also in St. Louis, from 1981 to 1991, before traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa for a sabbatical. He remained in South Africa following his sabbatical doing pastoral work until 1997 when he returned to the U.S. He spent the last nine years of his ministry at Regis Jesuit High School working as chaplain for faculty and staff and promoting the Christian Life Community with the students in the Boys Division. Known as ""Vali"" to students and colleagues, Fr. Tom was best know for his relentless cheerfulness, bursting into spontaneous song and answering the question, ""How are you today, Father?"" with an exuberant, ""Why, I think I'm wonderful!"" Services for Fr. Tom will be held Thursday, July 24 at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 23rd Avenue and York Street, Denver with Visitation from 4:00-7:00 pm and a Funeral Mass to follow at 7:15 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fr. Thomas M. Valliquette, SJ Memorial Scholarship Find, Regis Jesuit High School, 6300 S. Lewiston Way, Aurora CO 80016.