Lucid, Philip J.

Jesuit Father Philip J. Lucid died on August 20, 2012, at the Jesuit infirmary in Spokane, Wash. An officer and gentleman, priest and lawyer, teacher and friend; many titles apply to this man of God whose smile, wit, and gracious manner won the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

One of five siblings, Philip Joseph Lucid was born in Everett, Wash., on May 6, 1922, to Philip and Nora (Gorman) Lucid. He graduated from Seattle Preparatory School in 1940 and entered the Jesuit Novitiate at Sheridan, OR, in August 1942. He was ordained a priest on June 18, 1955, in Spokane.

Upon the completion of his Jesuit training, Fr. Lucid briefly taught at Gonzaga University and then traveled the Northwest giving parish retreats. Desiring to serve his nation as a chaplain, Fr. Lucid was commissioned in 1966 and sent to Vietnam. Twice the age of the soldiers in his unit, he was regularly at the front lines of battle to minister to them. Wounded in action while helping to evacuate injured soldiers, Fr. Lucid was awarded a purple heart. He also earned two silver stars, a bronze star, and numerous other medals and commendations.

Following his discharge from the Army in 1970, Fr. Lucid enrolled in the school of law at Syracuse University where he earned his law degree in 1973. After law school he worked in the federal court system in Seattle for over 30 years. He ably assisted Judge Walter McGovern for many of those years as his chief clerk. His knowledge of the law, deep respect for all people, and caring manner made him well-loved by all who worked with and for him.