Celebrating the Life of Fr. Paul Fitterer, S.J. Reception

Simply the best! I’m grateful for the gift of Paul!

We were blessed to have Father Fitterer preside over our wedding 22 years ago. Every meeting with him beforehand was filled with warmth and laughter, and his homily on our wedding day left us smiling from ear to ear. He had a remarkable gift for putting everyone at ease and radiated a genuine joy for life. His presence was truly a blessing to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

While playing golf with Fr. Paul (which he loved). If he hit an errant shot we heard “come back and all is forgiven!”

Fr Paul was my “Unc” who I loved dearly and did so many wonderful things for our family. Baptisms, weddings, funerals and many at home masses during the holidays. Always so warm and kind. He had a great sense of humor and the best smile. I will miss him so much. RIP my dear Uncle Paul. Your niece , Elizabeth

Witnessing all the weddings he performed.

Fr. Fitterer was the happiest most joyful priest and teacher. He exemplified the spiritual calling and grace with his zest for life and love of people.

He kicked me out of Religion class at Gonzaga Prep in 1973. Why? My memory fails me. Gonzaga Prep Class of 1975

Fr. Fitterer was a presence in our son’s education

Father Paul was one of the kindest, most caring people I knew I am proud to be related. I was very fortunate to have his mother and father as my godparents.

Paul was my master teacher 50 years ago had Gonzaga Prep. Together, we started the Search program there that still stand strong and has changed the school! Paul gifts to me that I couldn’t see and he launched me into standing with and loving young adults my entire adult life. I have stayed in touch with Paul over the years and had the great fortune of seeing him three weeks before he breathed his last breath. He is my hero, my saint, my friend. How grateful I am to have known such an honorable, gentle soul.

The holiest priests are the ones who see the divine in the rest of us and call us to our best, rather than exalting themselves. Paul has been this light for me for 60 years as student, colleague and friend.

Why does the bird sing? Simply because he has a song in his heart.

In memory of Hilda Elouise Shepherd Gray

Always enjoyed and valued a conversation with Fr. Fitterer.

He was the cool priest in the Hawaiian shirts.

When I showed him the song “Fish and a Whistle” by John Prine and he said he “loved the theology” in it.

I enjoyed hearing Paul analyze dreams. I also loved hearing his recollections of Ellensburg, which is close to my heart, too. He was a true cowboy at heart. RIP, Paul. You were the best!

An incredible man with the most genuine heart and joyful personality. He exuded LOVE to all Blessed to be around him.

His kindness and compassion,

Fr. Paul taught theology of the human course at Seattle University in the late 1980's where I met him. He and I developed a very close relationship that extended to my husband; Paul officiated at our wedding and was present to us through different celebrations in our lives. We had regular contact with one another, and my husband and I not only consider him as a cherished family friend, but also a brother to us. He touched so many lives like this, for he was so present that when you were with him, it was as though to him you were the only ones in the world in that moment. I miss him terribly, and so does my husband and everyone who was so blessed to know Paul. But he was prepared for his final journey in this life. The last time we spoke - about a month ago, he told me he was packing his bags. He was ready, and I know he is praying for all of us as we too complete our pilgrimages here on this good earth. My husband's and my hearts are with the many family members of Paul's and with his brothers in the Jesuit community.

What a blessing to work on retreats with Fr.Paul when I was a student at Seattle U and then again years later at Seattle Prep. He brought wisdom and such kindness and love to us all. Plus, he was just really fun. His life truly impacted and improved the lives of countless people, including mine.

Has been a part of my life since 1980 at Seattle U. He was my "Comparative Religions" teacher; my college counselor; my 5 a.m. running partner; my lifelong spiritual director; my friend. He connected so beautifully with my sons and helped me to raise them. I loved his smile and his compassion. He and my dad were so very much alike - what a blessing. Pharrell Williams' song, "Happy" will always remind me of Fr. Fitt. Will miss him deeply.

Fr Fitterer = The Best

Listening to Fr. Fitterer playing the guitar on the beach wearing our bandanas on our heads singing having so much fun! Love our favorite Fr. Fitterer♥️ I could send a picture!

He was an amazing priest, most importantly, an inspiration to students and a friend to all. He was a brilliant man. He married our son and baptized his children. He was amazing asset to Seattle prep.

Fr. Fitterer was a dear friend of my family (Bill and Carol Barber of Spokane and 5 children) throughout our lives. He was loving, kind and compassionate. It was so special that our Gretchen enjoyed her Seattle Prep years with Fr. Fitterer.

Always a smile!!!!

Father Fitterer had this magic way of making everyone around him feel loved and heard. He was kind, gentle, patient and loving. He was a positive role model to all the students.

The same day he had to move to Portland, Paul gave us the gift of a memorial to my father at a time when our Prep alumna daughter was home from college. His kindness continues to inspire all who knew him.

We shared so many moments together, both profound and grounded in faith: Kairos retreats, school and faculty liturgies, Book Club conversations, and dream interpretations. His wisdom remains burned on my soul.

He married both our children and it was so very special for our family to experience.

I was a Campus Minister at Seattle University. I "worked" with him for campus worship services and Search Retreats. He deeply touched the lives of students at S.U. as well as myself when I was going through difficult times. Sweet, sweet, empathetic Fr. Fitterer

Paul blessed all 4 of the Volleyball teams before they headed off to State in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2010. They all took home the First Place trophy. It was all in the Blessing(s). ... !

In honor of Kathy krueger

Keep up the good work of reaching out to all students

Father Fitterer would always hold my hand and look right into my eyes when he spoke to me. He once gave me wonderful advice on how to eradicate a bad dream. He was an exceptional, wonderful man. He spoke the truth. We all loved him so much.

Such a gift.

Once, after having Fr. Fitterer over for dinner with my family, I drove him home. Classic Seattle- we got stuck in traffic. It could have been awkward or frustrating but instead he took the opportunity to share with me about himself- his life and his journey in becoming a Jesuit. It meant so much to me, I hold that memory close. I am grateful to have known him and to have spent time with him. -Mitch Fanning ‘12

Paul & I taught together at Gonzaga Prep. He was my mentor, spiritual director & dear friend. I was witness to his connection with the students, the parents & fellow faculty. He was inspirational for the entire GPrep community.

I appreciated those homilies where Fr. Paul would, using hand and arm signals, teach the fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control. We still use this technique of prayer with our staff and students today.