A young Father Roger Gillis S.J., reads the New York Times Sunday edition. This photo was provided by Fr. Patrick Howell S.J., who told the Spectator that Gillis enjoys doing the crossword puzzle. Photo courtesy of Fr. Patrick Howell, SJ.

Beloved Fr. Roger Gillis, SJ died today at the age of 63 while being cared for at St. Vincent Nursing Home surrounded by friends and other Jesuits. He was given the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick before he died.

Gillis was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in Dec. 2009.

Gillis graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane in 1969 and joined the order of the Jesuits. He spent 23 years at Seattle University. Gillis also received a MFA in Drama from the Catholic University of America and taught in its fine arts department before becoming an academic adviser.

On campus, Gillis helped students in their academic discernment as a pre-major adviser in the Bellarmine Advising Center and was a favorite at the OA Cabaret during Welcome Week.

“He has a relentless sense of humor,” said Colleen Montoya, one of Gillis’ former colleagues at the advising center. “I have never met anyone like him.”

He was well loved and will be missed.

“The outpouring of affection and love for ‘Fr. Rog’ over these last months has been truly remarkable and a great comfort to him and all his Jesuit brothers,” Howell said in an e-mail to the campus community Friday.

Arrangements for a vigil and funeral are still being made but the vigil will be held at St. Ignacius Chapel on Seattle U’s campus. A funeral will be held at St. Joseph’s Church on Capitol Hill.