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Remembering
Fr. Hogenkamp Father Hogenkamp was
my first friend at McQuaid. I'd left my childhood friends
behind in Canandaigua when I went to the "big city" for
high school. During the first days I really struggled, and
it was in part Leon's encouragement that helped me get through
a couple of weeks where I felt very alone in a strange environment. He
was "Mr." Hogenkamp then, and taught me Greek as a Freshman.
I guess he could see I was unhappy, because one day after
class that first week he stopped me at the door and asked if everything
was alright. Although I didn't open up to him at that point
(as I often would later), just the fact that someone cared enough
to ask was a big boost. We stayed close through my years at McQuaid
and even after that. Leon counseled Mary and I before we got married
and presided at our wedding. When my father died in 1981 he
made the trip to Canandaigua on a cold, rainy November night to
offer his condolences. He arrived just as I was about to leave
(I'd stayed late to spend some time alone with dad) and again helped
me through a very difficult time. We've lived in Atlanta since
1974, but I always made a point to see him when we came "north",
and he always called when he came through Atlanta. He'll be
missed in our lives, but I'm proud to have called him my friend.
Via con Dios, Leon. Having graduated in 1963
and then college at Siena in Albany and subsequently living in Ohio,
Michigan and now Virginia, I never had the opportunity to know this
fine Jesuit priest. But I do love McQuaid High School and
have a high regard for the Jesuit order as do our boys (all three
of our sons graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High). And
our eight year old cock-a-poo dog is named McQuaid. I vaguely recall
the difficulties that McQuaid experienced in the late 60's, and
now appreciate the tremendous work that Father Hogenkamp accomplished
for the school. I will recall him in my prayers. I'm
saddened to hear this. I will always remember him. What
a tremendous loss to the McQuaid Community. Fr. Hogenkamp
will be greatly missed. Forty
years ago and I still remember him very clearly. He was still "Mr."
Hogenkamp in what was the last Greek honors class at McQuaid. Only
great things can be said about this exceptional man. He was the
true Jesuit in all that it means. He
will be in my prayers. My
sincere condolences to everyone in the McQuaid community on the
loss of Father Hogenkamp. Father Hogenkamp gave everything
that he had to the school, and always represented the school well.
Even if you may have been away from the McQuaid community
for a long time, he always remembered you when you returned and
spoke to you as if you were never away. He leaves a great
legacy and I hope further tributes are planned. 'Kamp'
was one of my favorites at McQuaid. He will be missed. My
deepest condolences. I am
very sorry to hear of Fr. Hogenkamp's passing. I respected and admired him
greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the whole McQuaid
community. I had
an opportunity to visit with him at the Mercy Motherhouse a few weeks ago
during the reunion weekend. Our thoughts and prayers will be with him and the
McQuaid community. I saw
the unexpected news this morning. Those guys (Jesuits) do make lifelong
impressions on us. And they do carry on the McQuaid legacy. Bless him. My
condolences to the McQuaid family on losing one of it's finest. I'm
very sorry to hear that Fr. Hogencamp passed away, at an age we now consider to
be young. I must say that I remember him, but probably not as well as I should,
considering I graduated in '72. I have
a stronger recollection of Gersitz and Grasso, probably because of our
conflicts. Leo was kinder and gentler, and I'm pleased to have graduated from
McQuaid on that note. His
passing away is indeed very sad but it is my sincere belief that he is in a
much better place. My condolences go out to the whole McQuaid community. My
family and I were saddened to hear this news. As I read this morning's D&C
front-page article, I was heartened to see Fr. Hogenkamp being honored by the
crew team, then shocked to see his obituary several pages later. Fr. Hogenkamp
became principal during my sophomore year; and I remember him as a
compassionate, kind, intelligent man. I am sure my sons, Aaron, ' 02, and
Nolan, ' 04 will echo those sentiments. He, among many others, made the McQuaid
experience one which I will value life-long. Very
sad. I have
terrific memories of him as Principal and will remember him (apparently) in
good health at our 25th reunion two years ago. He was
great. My
prayers are with Fr. Hogenkamp, and his passing will be a great loss not only
to McQuaid, but also the students that he had such an influence on. We are
very sorry to hear this news. All the best to the families. He gave
a great deal to the school. It essentially was his life's work. I will always remember
him as a quiet, humble and brilliant man. I will keep Fr. Hogenkamp in my
prayers. I got
to spend some time with Fr. Hogenkamp about two weeks ago at the Mercy
Motherhouse. What a tremendous individual. He will be missed. I was
very surprised and saddened to learn of his departure. Fr. Hogenkamp and
McQuaid seemed one in the same to me - his presence was always there. I will
miss him and am sorry that I will not be able to attend the wake or funeral.
Please keep me updated on future masses or events in his honor. This is
a sad day indeed. Fr. Leon was one of my Latin teachers back at McQuaid between
1964-68. He was a great man and a wonderful role model to all of us who knew
him. What a great personality and a quiet, calm yet determined person, ever to
excel! I am so glad I got to see him again at our 35th class reunion two
summers ago in Rochester. Rest in peace Father Leon. |
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