The Rev. William Harmless, S.J. died suddenly of a massive heart attack on Monday, Oct. 13 during an evening walk.
Harmless was a member of the Jesuit community at Creighton and a professor of historical theology and patristic studies in the Department of Theology. Harmless had been living and working at Creighton since 2005.
A memorial gathering was held for those who knew Harmless in the Skutt Student Center on Tuesday, Oct. 14. It was a chance for many colleagues, brother Jesuits, faculty members and students to share memories of Harmless.
The Rev. Richard Hauser, S.J. opened the gathering with a prayer and a few words of consolation.
“We know that our mourning today is for ourselves and for the loss of Bill, but not for Bill,” Hauser said. “He is enjoying a rich, beautiful life in heaven.”
Harmless contributed to the Reinert-Alumni Memorial Library’s CD collection, to which he constantly added new bands. He also aided in the creation of the new academic core, a subject he debated and argued over immensely in his passion for education.
Many colleagues remembered Harmless fondly for his deep appreciation of music, his care and passion for student learning and the way he could talk for hours about any number of subjects.
“Bill could never stop talking and he was so enthusiastic about anything in which he was engaged,” said the Rev. Timothy R. Lannon, president of Creighton. “He had such a profound impact on everyone here. I am proud to call him a fellow Jesuit.”
Wendy Wright, a professor in the Department of Theology, recalled the joy she felt while interviewing Harmless for one of the Catholic Comments Podcasts she and professor John O’Keefe stream through the Center for Catholic Thought.
“As a scholar, he had an astonishing ability to not only analyze, but to be inside the worlds of those he studied,” Wright said. “That takes quite a historical imagination.”
Several students shared stories of how difficult Harmless’ classes and tests were, but also how much they learned from him, both academically and spiritually, and how much he inspired them. Many regretted not having the chance to finish the semester with him.
During his remarks, the Rev. Kevin Kersten, S.J. asked Harmless’ former and current students to stand. After a moment of silence, Kersten affirmed that Harmless’ “love for you will continue.”
Memorial services for Harmless included a vigil on Oct. 19 and a Mass of Christian Burial and lunch reception on Oct. 20. Because many students and staff were unable to attend the services that coincided with Fall Break, a memorial Mass was also held on Tuesday night.
In an email to the Creighton community, Lannon shared common words of both grief over the loss of Harmless and admiration for his work.
“The unexpected loss of someone so vibrant as Bill is difficult and painful,” Lannon said. “However, we take comfort in knowing Fr. Harmless is in God’s presence and grace. His legacy can be witnessed in his abundant scholarly work, his multiple service contributions to the University community, his pastoral ministry and with the students whom he truly loved to teach and mentor.”
The Rev. William Harmless, S.J.