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Christopher Lockard Obituary

LOCKARD Father Christopher Lee Lockard, S.J., a member of the Jesuits of the New Orleans Province, died on Thursday, May 4, 2006 at the Jesuit Community Residence of St. Aloysius Gonzaga in Washington, D.C. He was 45 years of age; he had been a Jesuit for 13 years and a priest for almost 3 years. Born in Beeville, TX, Fr. Lockard completed his high school education from the Orange Park High School in Orange Park, FL. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1982 with a B.A. in Political Science. He was awarded a Law Degree for the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1986. Father Lockard entered the Jesuits on August 14, 1993. Following first vows, he completed his philosophical studies at Ciszek Hall, Fordham University, Bronx, NY. For two years Father served at Loyola University in New Orleans as a campus minister and coordinator of the Pro Bono program within Loyola's School of Law. He completed his theological studies at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, MA. He was ordained by Most Rev. Alfred Hughes on June 14, 2003, at Holy Name of Jesus Church, New Orleans, LA. Following his ordination, he worked as a lawyer for Catholic Charities, USA and at the time of his death, was a senior policy analyst for the Jesuit Refugee Service in Washington, D.C. In Washington, D.C., a Funeral Mass was offered Monday evening, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. in The Great Church of Aloysius Gonzaga 900 N. Capitol, Washington, D.C. In New Orleans, Wake Service will be on Wednesday evening, May 10, 2006 at 7:00 p.m., at Ignatius Chapel in Bobet Hall, Loyola University, New Orleans, LA. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6363 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA on May 11, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Jesuit Cemetery, Grand Coteau, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jesuit Seminary Fund, 710 Baronne St., Suite B, New Orleans, LA 70113. Arrangements by Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home. Guest book may be signed on line at www.legacy.com . Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union on May 9, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Lockard

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James E. O'Neal

June 7, 2006

To the Lockard Family, I extend my deepest sympathies for the loss of an extraordinary person and priest. I met Chris at his father's viewing several years ago in OP. I am a former novice and scholastic of the New Orleans Province who reads obituaries and I saw his father's obit and went to the cemetery chapel to pay my respects to the family and particularly Chris who was at Fordham at the time. I checked out the NO Province Newsletter online and was shocked and saddened by his untimely death. I will visit his grave and all the other Jesuits whom I have known at Grand Coteau, La. I remembered Chris and the family at Mass; I will do so again. God Bless You and know that you and Chris are remembered.



In Christ's love,

Fr. James E. O'Neal

Diocese of St. Augustine, Fla.

Serving with the US Army in Korea

Alycia Sullivan

May 18, 2006

I first met Fr. Christophter at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden, MA when I was actually quite small. I used to go to the children's mass every week and would hold Fr. Christopher's hand every time when all the kids gathered around the alter. After he left my church, I still kept in touch with him when he went to Washington. I would email him every once in a while. I was quite heart-broken when I heard he had died because such a kind person would be missed quite dearly.

GLENN FORHAN

May 17, 2006

I was a classmate of Chris' @ OPHS. I did'nt know Chris well--our paths rarely crossed. Yet--- the few times we spoke---- I always knew there was something special about him. The knowledge of his passing effected me deeply and somehow I knew the world had lost a cherished person. It was clear to me when I attended his service in Orange Park, that reflected in the comments of his friends and family, indeed the world has lost someone special. We will all miss you Chris, rest in peace. The courage and dignity of both your family and your life serve to inspire us all.

Donna Lanzrath

May 17, 2006

I met Chris 20+ years ago when he was a new lawyer practicing law in San Diego. He was one of the most sincere people I had ever met, and knew the goodness in him was beyond measure. I remember one day when he'd split his pants and, not having his own transportation that day, I offered to give him a ride home. We had to walk out of the office building and down the street and up some stairs and on it went, but no one laughed harder at his situation than he did. He was a joy to be around. Goodbye, friend.

John Shelk

May 16, 2006

I met Chris several years ago while visiting New York City with our mutual friend, R.D. Sullivan. When R.D. called last week to share the terrible news, I was shocked and saddened at his passing at such a young age. I regret not being in DC last week to attend the service. He was a very special person who touched the lives of so many people and had so much more to give. As one who had a Jesuit education myself, Chris carried on the tradition of excellence for which Jesuits are well known. He had a common touch that served him well in reaching out to others. May we all learn from his example of service to others as we mourn his passing with our sadness offset by the joy of the eternal life he has entered.

Lydia Baksh

May 16, 2006

I met Chris a few years ago at the Martyr's Shrine in Ontario, Canada. We were both there to look after students who came from all over the world to prepare for World Youth Day. It took only a moment in time to realize what a wonderful, fun-loving, kind, caring man he was...

Fran Wild

May 16, 2006

To Christopher's family, I am so sorry for your loss. I first met Christopher at Loyola law school. I was in the dean's suite when a tall man in shorts and a bright, flowered shirt walked in. I was introduced to him, the new Jesuit who was going to do the Pro Bono Program. From that day on we were best friends. He was funny, and nice, and caring and most of all a good person. I have never known anyone else who was purely good. Getting to know him I learned of his great love for his family and God. After meeting his family, I found it easy to see why he was so wonderful.

I am thankful for his visit here in January. My memories are great ones, Christopher and I always seemed to laugh even during hour long phone calls. I can still hear his voice in my head and hope I always will.

Dot Ralls Best

May 15, 2006

To the Lockards,



Chris was a blessing to all who met him. He made everyone feel special. I am forever grateful for his friendship. Mrs. Lockard, I know that came from you, you were always so kind and caring too! Chris will never be forgotten! May Christ comfort you all through this time.

Dot Ralls Best

May 15, 2006

To the Lockards,



Christ was a blessing to all who met him. He made everyone feel special. I am forever grateful for his friendship. Mrs. Lockard, I know that came from you, you were always so kind and caring too! Chris will never be forgotten! May Christ comfort you all through this time.

Carl Rohsenberger

May 15, 2006

Chris, what a wonderful life you have lived and shared! John Knee emailed me today to tell me of your passing. I've enjoyed reading through all of the memories, from all of the lives you have touched in a special way. Godspeed, and we hope that we make the best of our time on earth the way you did...time is precious.

Chris King

May 15, 2006

To Chris' Family, Jesuit Companions, and Friends:

Chris was a friend, teammate, and classmate. I will miss his warm smile, caring personality, and the way in which he was, without question, the life of any social gathering he attended. I will long remember many of Chris' good deeds and good-natured antics--on and off the court--and forever regret not breaking bread together since a recent return from overseas. He is and will be sorely missed.

Phyllis Winston

May 15, 2006

Hearing of the passing of Father Christopher was truly one of the saddest moments in my life. Father always said the Wednesday morning Mass for us at St. Aloysius Church in Washington, D.C. We looked forward to his homilies, because he had a way of connecting his story and life challenges with our lives, and we were all the better for it. Father Christopher also was one of the few priests I have met who actually knew how to deliver a punch line. We miss Father terribly, but, realizing he is redeeming his eternal reward in heaven is one of the happiest moments in my life.

Br. Larry Huck, S.J.

May 14, 2006

Christopher was a man of integrity, compassion and generousity. He always had time for me and all he met. He was always honest with me and all he met. He always drew out the best in me and all he met. Why? Because he saw God within each person. I was blessed to have entered the Society of Jesus with Christopher in 1993 and met God through him. As his nephew Jon said at his wake, he was a Holy Man. I am a better person because of Christopher and hope and pray I can share what I learned about God's mercy and generoisty with all I meet.

John&Shara Knee

May 12, 2006

To the Lockard family and others who knew Chris: I am sorry to hear of the passing of Chris. I remember playing many hours of basketball with Chris at OPHS on the paved courts outside and remember his sister Lane. Although I graduated a couple yrs before him and moved away from Orange Park, I did run into Chris at the Atlanta Airport in 1996. He was attending Fordham at the time and told me of his career change/calling...was a nice conversation I feel even more fortunate now to have had. Chris was a genuine person who made a difference.

Patricia Thomas

May 12, 2006

Our family lived next to the Lockard family in Orange Park at the time Chris was in high school and it was obvious then that Chris was a special person. He accomplished so much. He was very blessed, and blessed so many. The Lochard family is in our prayers.

Noel Bennett

May 11, 2006

The family of William F.X. Maher, S.J.(died Feb.16 2006) offer our deepest sympathy to Fr. Lockard's family.

Margaret Maher, Dolores Savage, Noel Bennett

Jennifer Vosters

May 11, 2006

Please know that Fr Christopher and his family are in my prayers. I had the great blessing of getting to know him on the World Youth Day pilgrimage and was deeply impressed by his piety, his quick wit and sense of humor, and his compassion. He was so wonderful and related so well to all of the pilgrims and was truly a spiritual father to us. We always knew we could go to him for counsel. My condolences to all whose life he touched; what a joy it was to get to know him! In His Most Sacred Heart,

Pam Blanchard

May 11, 2006

I remember his ordination and the happiness and joy of that day, his special blessing, and his warm and loving spirit. Chris (Father Chris)and his family will be remembered in my prayers. God rest his soul.

Sally Longmire

May 11, 2006

To the Lockard Family and Chris's many friends: I am so saddened by the loss of Chris. Chris touched my life in such a positive way my first year of law school at Loyola. He was always there to listen and make me laugh, despite his busy schedule. He got me through my first year sane. He was truly a unique and peaceful man. I will miss him very much. Much love to everyone.

Charles Hankinson

May 11, 2006

I knew Chris at Orange Park High School. I last spoke with him at the 20 year class reunion. He always had a kind word to share and will be sorely missed. May God's Blessings be with his family.

Phil Hurley, SJ

May 11, 2006

I lived in Jesuit community with Christopher for two years in D.C., and was on a youth pilgrimage with him last summer in Europe. I have been contemplating a photo of him from that trip. He's sitting in a field before a makeshift altar as we were preparing for him to celebrate Mass with us. There are joyful young people all around, and he looks so at home and at peace.



God draws him into the peace and joy of his true home now. Let's also take joy in that, even amidst our sorrow. Pray for us, Christopher, as we pray for you...

Becky McHenry Craig

May 10, 2006

Chris was an extraordinary person. We all knew it even in High School. Everyone had high expectations of what great accomplishments his future would bring, but I don't think anyone, even his closest friends, would have dreamed/dared to have anticipated even a short list version of what he actually accomplished. If I remember right, he was something like "Best All Around" in H.S. Upon catching up with him this past Christmas, I realized he was still being "Best All Around"--in a worldwide sort of way-- help hundreds of thousands of people in need, in a dozen different countries, sort of way. I always loved seeing him, talking to him, or just e-mailing, because he always made me laugh, and I truly enjoyed his company-as did everyone who knew him. Dear Lockard family, I can't find the right words (I would normally e-mail Chris to assist with this type of thing), except to say that you obviously played a huge part in forming/raising a nearly perfect human being. Thank You for that. We were all so proud and lucky to have known him. My heart and thoughts are with you, Becky McHenry Craig

Rex Oliver

May 10, 2006

From the early days of St.Catherine's, to the dock on Robinette. Chris touched many lives, his big smile and warm heart will live within us forever. May the peace of Christ fill our heart's knowing Chris's legacy will live on, through the many lives he touched.

Sleep in peace my friend

Daniel Campos

May 10, 2006

Fr. Christopher was my spiritual director for about eight months. He was a great example to me and a good holy priest. He will be truly missed. God Bless

Noel Bennett

May 10, 2006

To All Members of the Lockard Family, You don't know me. My

name is Noel Maher Bennett. Our youngest daughter is a graduate of OPHS. On Feb. 16th of this year our family lost our brother William F.X. Maher, S.J. of the New York Provence. We share your grief,and rejoice at the knowledge of Fr. Lockard's entry into Eternity with all the Jesuits who must have indeed welcomed him. Please let me know if any relatives are in O.P.so that I may help in any way.

Barbara Ard

May 10, 2006

To the Lockard Family,

Chris and I were in law school together. He was amazingly kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Diane Wright

May 10, 2006

Sandy, Linda and all of the family,

I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to meet Chris for only a brief moment at the wedding. I know you will find peace and strength in the memories you hold of the wonderful and loving man he is.

Rob Perna

May 10, 2006

To the Lockard Family,

I am deeply saddened to hear about Chris's passing. As evidenced by his work, Chris was a truly special person. I am honored and blessed to have had Chris as a freind. He will be missed.

Kelly Kemen/Smith

May 10, 2006

To Chris' friends & family:



We are having a Memorial Service celebrating Chris' life on Monday, May 15, 2006, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, in Orange Park, Florida. Please join us to honor Chris.

Kelly Kemen/Smith

May 10, 2006

I was truly blessed to have such a wonderful friend. Chris was one of my best friends in high school, and we remained close through the years. Chris touched so many lives with his kindness, compassion and love for God. Words cannot express how much I will miss him. Sandy, Linda, Lane and family - may you be comforted during this difficult time, and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Judy Allard

May 10, 2006

My deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of Father Lockard.

I hosted a reception for Father at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Seffner, Florida just before he left for Washington, D.C.

I will never forget his warmth and outpouring of love for all, and how he loved the yellow roses that graced the buffet table. May his soul rest in peace.

Robert Phillips, S.J.

May 9, 2006

His Jesuit companions of the community of St. Aloysius Gonzaga in Washington, DC, join Christopher's family and southern friends in mourning his death. We have experienced deep shock and loss as this man who worked for justice and our friend has passed into eternity with the Lord Jesus.

Kevin Thilborger

May 9, 2006

Christopher was a wonderful friend and part of a fantastic family. I am so very glad he was a part of our lives.

ROSALIE & JEFF BEATTY

May 9, 2006

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Claudette Landry

May 9, 2006

I remember Christopher as a gentle person with a sweet soul. His presence will be sorely missed among his Jesuit brothers and those of us who work in support of their ministries. My prayers and special thoughts are with his family at this most difficult time of loss. Blessings and peace ~

Kathy Brannon

May 9, 2006

To the Lockard Family,

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Chris's death. My memories of the Lockard family are still strong, and I know this is a difficult time for you. I still remember watching him play basketball for the Raiders and the many after game trips to have coffee with his parents. It was a wonderful time and one I will always cherish. His decision to become a priest speaks volumes to his character and faith which was molded by both his parents and sisters. Please know that all of you, especially you, Sandy, are in my heart and prayers.

God speed, Chris.

With love and blessings,

Kathy Brannon

Coen Purvis

May 9, 2006

Chris was my best friend and will be greatly missed. I was truly blessed to have him in my life. He and all the great memories we shared will be with me always. My love and sympathy goes out to his mom, Linda, Lane and the rest of the Family.

Stacy Wilkinson/Chick

May 9, 2006

Chris was a wonderful person and will be rewarded in heaven. We are all saddened to hear of his death but should reflect on Chris's many positive contributions over the past years. Chris and I were friends in high school. I only regret that I hadn't spent recent years in closer contact.

Lisa Marshall-Allen

May 9, 2006

Chris was my friend in high school and I was deeply saddened hearing about his death.

Claude P. Boudreaux, S.J.

May 9, 2006

My prayers and condolences to all the family. I shall offer a Mass for Fr. Christopher's soul and pray for you, his family also.

Scott Boatright

May 9, 2006

To the Lockards and Lane, my deepest sympathy for your loss. I haven't been in touch with Chris for many years but he was a wonderful man and I had good memories of our high school years together. He will be remembered fondly.

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