Remembering Father Anderson

It is with deep sadness that Seattle University announces the passing of Dave Anderson, S.J., well-known and beloved by the campus and greater community for his warmth, empathy and gentle nature.

At the time of his passing on September 5, Father Anderson was working at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in the Diocese of Spokane and was part of the Della Strada Jesuit Community at Gonzaga University. Prior to joining the Della Strada community in 2024, Fr. Anderson served for 17 years as Seattle University’s chaplain for alumni and for many of those years also as chaplain for the men’s basketball program. Always a caring presence, often greeting friends and strangers alike with a broad smile, Fr. Anderson was deeply beloved by colleagues, alumni and all with whom he came in contact.

Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver asks the campus community to join him in prayer for Fr. Anderson, his family, friends and Jesuit brothers. President Peñalver also shared a message from Gonzaga University President Katia Passerini on Fr. Anderson’s passing. President Passerini wrote, “We hold our Jesuit community and Fr. Anderson’s family in our prayers and extend our deepest sympathy to all who are mourning. In moments such as these we are reminded of the power that comes from shared compassion, prayer and care. We invite you to join us in supporting our Jesuit colleagues and one another during this difficult time.”

 A Mass of Remembrance for Fr. Anderson will be at the Chapel of St. Ignatius, 7 p.m., Thursday, September 18. All are welcome. Fr. Anderson’s classmate, Thomas Lamanna, S.J., will be the principal celebrant and homilist, and SU Chancellor Stephen Sundborg, S.J., and Gilbert Sunghera, S.J., Jesuit Superior at Gonzaga, will concelebrate. Fr. Anderson’s funeral mass will take place at St. Aloysius Parish in Spokane, 10 a.m., Saturday, September 20.

Dave Anderson, S.J., (right) presiding over an Advent Mass with former SU President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., at the Chapel of St. Ignatius.