In Memoriam

List of 5 news stories.

• Dr. John J. Ahern

  5/13/2024
  Dr. John J. Ahern, father of Trey '13, Mark '16, Anna '20, Luke, Sara Jane and Mary Grace, passed away on May 8, 2024.
  
  "John was born in Chicago, IL, to Marilyn and John ‘Jack’ Ahern on January 16, 1966. He grew up in a faith-filled and fun-loving household. John was an active child often found studying the mechanics of a toaster or building a backyard fort and bicycle ramp out of pallet wood. He attended Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish School in Park Ridge, IL, through the eighth grade and attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL, for high school. John received a biology degree from Creighton University in 1988. It was at his alma mater that he met Jan, who quickly became the love of his life. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Creighton in 1992. John and Jan were married on December 22, 1989, the coldest day in Omaha history! In their 34 years of marriage, John and Jan welcomed their six greatest blessings, their children. John was the ultimate family man, he authentically lived his God-given vocation as a husband and father every day. He enjoyed all things family, especially when all 13 were gathered around the table, squished into one pew, or cheering each other on at sporting events. He adored his devoted and faithful wife, Jan. In his own words to his oldest granddaughter, he proudly said, ‘Mimi [Jan] is my favorite person, next to Jesus.’ John was an accomplished dentist, who served his patients alongside an esteemed and deeply valued team, with great skill and even greater compassion. John ended his dental career just four weeks before his passing. Dentistry was his passion, and truly a way in which he served the Lord through his talents and gifts. John was the most tender and caring dentist, oftentimes more regarded as a confidant and a friend than a skilled clinician. He served while always offering a smile from the other side of the dental chair. While not serving as a dentist, John loved traveling with his wife and family, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, playing with his grandchildren, serving as a lector at Mass, and volunteering at the soup kitchen. John was a proud parishioner at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and active in the wide-reaching Denver Catholic community. In February of 2023, John was diagnosed with stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. One of John's first responses to the diagnosis was, ‘If my illness brings just one person closer to Jesus, then my mission is complete.’ John's cancer journey started with complete embracement of the Lord's will and radical acceptance of the suffering that was sure to come. He always had radical hope for a miracle cure. With this Christ-centered attitude, John endured a fourteen month battle that included eighteen rounds of chemotherapy, three months of a clinical trial, and three more rounds of chemo. His cancer journey eventually led to a radical acceptance of God's will: God brought many back to Himself through John's suffering and death. Mission complete. In the last months of his life, John suffered with great purpose. He truly united his pain with that of Jesus on the Cross as well as offering it up for others. He suffered silently without complaint, and with great and selfless courage. John was overcome with gratitude by the love and compassion that The Body of Christ showed him, often bringing him to his knees. We would be remiss if we did not end with John's own continuous words, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you’." Click here to view the full obituary. 
  
  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, May 14 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. 
  
  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of these charities that were very close to John's heart, Emmaus Catholic Hospice or St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Please add a comment that your donation is being made in memory of John Ahern. 
  
  We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of John's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

• Jacqueline Origlio

  5/10/2024
  Jacqueline Origlio, wife of David '66, and mother of Anthony "Tony" '98, passed away earlier this year. Click here to view the full obituary.

   

  We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Jacqueline's soul and the consolation of her family and all those who loved her. May she rest in peace.

• Brenda Gayle Wright Scaife

  5/8/2024
  We are saddened to inform you that Brenda Gayle Wright Scaife, mother of Destiny Scaife '16, passed away on April 26, 2024.
  
  A Celebration of Life will take place Friday, May 17 at 11:00 am at King Baptist Church. Click here to view the full service schedule. 
  
  We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Brenda's soul and the consolation of her family and all those who loved her. May she rest in peace.

• William Roley '49

  5/7/2024
  William Roley '49 passed away on May 3, 2024. Click here to view the full obituary.

  
  We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Bill's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

• Gary Powell '58

  4/29/2024
  Gary Powell '58, grandfather of Davis '17 and Chalmers '21, passed away on April 17, 2024.
  
  "Gary was born in Denver on December 9, 1940 to William and Helen (Phillips) Powell. He attended St. Louis Catholic School in Englewood, Regis Jesuit High School (class of 1958) and Colorado State University on a basketball scholarship (class of 1962). Gary met the love of his life, Judy Snow, also from Englewood, on the day he graduated from high school; they married on December 1, 1962. His extraordinary love for– and devotion to– Judy was an inspiration to all who knew them. The couple settled in Colorado Springs where Gary began his career as an accountant for RH Lester and Company. Opportunities brought them back to the Denver area where he spent the rest of his career, becoming nationally-recognized as a leader in the manufactured home industry. He retired as President of Equity Lifestyle Properties ("ELS") at the age of 60 after 28 years of service. While he had many pursuits, Gary's true passions were fly-fishing and golf. He grew up fishing the Gunnison River and golfed into his seventies until bad knees made both activities impossible. He and Judy had an extraordinary life together; they were fortunate enough to travel the world on several occasions. He was an avid gardener, a loyal fan and season ticket holder of the Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche and Rockies. He was a beloved youth baseball and soccer coach for many years. He loved to cook, spend time at his mountain house or on his deck in Centennial, and shared his time, talent and treasure with countless charities that were near his heart. His quiet generosity knew no bounds; there was no one he wouldn't help in any way that he could. He was a cherished friend, a valued confidant and a respected leader. He was an active member of Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, having served as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Knights of Columbus until mobility issues made attending services difficult. He was a lifelong supporter of his alma mater Regis Jesuit High School. Gary will be most remembered for his unending love and devotion especially to his wife Judy, but also their children Stephanie and Drake. He was always their loudest cheerleader and biggest champion. He was an amazing role model for being a spouse and father. One of his proudest moments was serving as Drake's Best Man in 1994. His family was the center of his universe- made complete by the birth of his grandsons Davis and Chalmers in 1999 and 2003. From coloring Easter eggs, to carving pumpkins to hanging hundreds of Christmas lights, he loved every sentimental tradition. He cried every time he heard the National anthem. He moved mountains to never miss a game, a performance, a birthday or an event. His grandsons Davis and Chalmers were his greatest joy and "Bapa" was his favorite title. He had a sharp wit, even sharper mind and a beautiful zest for life until the very end– defying the odds many times. His resilience was his hallmark. He was larger than life to those who knew him and the hole he leaves behind will never be filled." Click here to view the full obituary.
  
  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Gary's name to DignityFirst Health and/or Elevation Hospice for the phenomenal care and kindness they showed the family during Gary's final days.
  
  

  We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Gary's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.