Fr. John Hynes '51 - A Treasured Friend

On April 4, 2018, the eastern Iowa catholic community lost a treasure. Fr. John Hynes '51 served so many with caring and compassion, wit and humor, and a devotion and faith that inspired all. Fr. Hynes had a strong Irish personality and loved being with people, learning about them and sharing stories of family and friends.

This kind man, who remembered everybody's name and did not need to wear a collar for people to know he was a priest, was a scholar of the scriptures, history and poetry. Yet one thing that was known about Fr. Hynes - if he got hold of a cause, he would champion that cause to the end. He was in many ways ahead of his time - his involvement in the ecumenical movement after Vatican II, the Quad City Interfaith Commission, his dedication to the parish and the construction of the new church for St. Ann's, Long Grove and his leadership in the Priest Council and the American Association of Priests are examples. His energy and dedication impacted so many lives, most especially those less fortunate in our communities.

Fr. Hynes attended St. Ambrose Academy and graduated from St. Ambrose College in 1951. He was thankful for his time at St. Ambrose and the education he received, and also believed strongly in the importance of and access to a college education. In a fitting tribute, there is an effort underway among friends and family to establish the Fr. John Hynes Endowed Scholarship at St. Ambrose University. SAU Board of Trustees member Fr. Robert McAleer '67 is championing the cause.

Fr. McAleer '67 said of his friend: "We all have our favorite Fr. Hynes stories, whether they be from the golf course or the pulpit, which are fresh in our heads and in our hearts. It is important that we honor those memories and ensure Fr. Hynes' legacy remains vibrant and strong. I can think of no better way to honor him and the impact he had on our lives. Nothing can lessen the loss in our hearts, but we can honor him by giving the opportunity of a St. Ambrose University education to a deserving student."

If you are interested in supporting this scholarship to honor Fr. Hynes, let us know! Contact Sally Crino at [email protected].