GREAT BEND, Kan. - Rev. Father Dermot Tighe came from humble beginnings yet impacted the lives of many throughout the world. His lifetime of service to the church and the people of the church was remarkable; and, a recent gift from his estate to the Golden Belt Community Foundation ensures that his legacy of caring for the community will carry on for many years.
Fr. Tighe knew what it was like to have very little. Born in Ireland in 1930, the youngest of 10 children, Fr. Tighe learned the importance of community and selflessness. He emigrated to the United States in 1954 after completing seminary.
His first placement was in Liebenthal, in Rush County. Fr. Tighe also served in Dodge City, Jetmore, Seward and Great Bend. In 1967, he became a U.S. Army chaplain, and served in Alaska, Virginia and southeast Asia. After serving numerous congregations during his career, Fr. Tighe returned to Great Bend, where he was a priest at St. Patrick Catholic Church for eight years, before retiring in 1998.
Fr. Tighe bought a house across the street from the church, and lived there until moving to the Catholic Care Center in Wichita, where he passed away on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2020 --a meaningful cap on the end of this Irish native’s life.
Jane DeLong, who became Fr. Tighe’s friend, fondly remembers the man who had a heart as big as his storied career.
“He came from Ireland with nothing, having grown up very poor. But he had his intelligence, and a strong work ethic. He held many degrees, but always wanted to help the underdog. When he saw a need, he would help. It’s just how he was. He never expected anything in return. He was wise and diligent with his money. He even donated his home to charity. Everything he did was to help others.”
Fr. Tighe chose to continue blessing his community even after his passing. Golden Belt Community Foundation was a beneficiary of Fr. Tighe’s generous legacy, receiving a charitable contribution from his estate.
Four charities will benefit by receiving annual grants from the Dermot F. Tighe Endowment: Community Food Bank of Barton County, Birthright of Great Bend, Inc., Family Crisis Center, and the Barton County Emergency Aid Association.
A public Memorial Mass has been scheduled for Father Tighe on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. at Prince of Peace Parish, St. Patrick Church, 4100 Broadway, Great Bend. A dinner will follow at St. Patrick Parish Center.
Golden Belt Community Foundation
At over $27.9 million in total assets and more than 180 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.