In Memoriam

"Compassionate pastor dead at 78" — The Catholic Senintel

"St. Patrick Church Mourns Passing of ‘Father John’" — Canby Now Pod

"Warm tribute to Mayo priest who has died in the US" — The Connaught Telegraph

"Father John Waldron, Castlebar, Co. Mayo and Portland, Oregon" — Midwest Radio


From Lori Peterson of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Canby, Oregon:

John Martin Waldron was born, January 2, 1942 in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland to Nora and Patrick (Paddy) Waldron. He was the youngest of five children. All four of his siblings predeceased him. Three brothers, Monsignor Tommy , Father Pat, and Michael Waldron, and his sister Mary Waldron.
 
He is survived by his six nieces and nephews; Miriam, Pat, Aidan, David, Eithne, and Therese Waldron and sister in law, Teresa Waldron. Also, eight grand nieces and nephews. The family all live in Ireland.
 
John was living in Ireland until 24 years of age. He attended primary school in St Patrick’s BNS (boys national school) and secondary school in St Jarlaths College in Tuam where he was a boarder. He wasn’t happy going back after school breaks, but made some of his closest friendships while there. He then attended seminary in All Hallows in Dublin where he was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Portland in 1964.
 
So as a young lad, he began his new life in Oregon and spent 50 years ministering full time.
 
His first stop was the town of Woodburn at St Lukes. He often spoke of how truly overwhelming it was to be in America, knowing nobody and suddenly having to drive on “the opposite side of the road”. Placing calls home to his mom and having to wait and spend time talking to the operator before he could get a connection. Homesick and shy, but determined to be a good priest.

After that, associate posts at St Alice in Springfield for 7 years where he learned his love of the Oregon Duck’s. Then he spent time in Salem at St Vincent’s and Toledo/Siletz at Sacred Heart until he finally became a Pastor. First, at (then) Queen of Peace in Portland. Secondly, Holy Trinity, in Beaverton, where he was instrumental in the construction of a brand new church building. Finally, coming back full circle from starting in Woodburn to St Patrick in Canby until his retirement in 2014.
 
John was beloved by so many. His Irish ways, while always on “Irish time” were endearing. His approachable and non judgmental nature lead so many to see the true love of God. He made it simple. It wasn’t about wearing a vestment, but about leading others and loving them in the best way he could.
 
He was a lover of anything Irish whether it was food, athletes most especially their professional golfers, or his County Mayo Gaelic football team.
 
Watching sports, in general, was a passion of his. Sporting events like men’s or women’s professional golf, Oregon Duck athletics, Portland Trail Blazer basketball, or any European or Portland Timbers soccer matches. He also loved to play golf and got to attend both Duck’s National Title football games. Sadly they lost, but he never lost hope. Now, he will just have to watch them win one in heaven.
 
He had a memory for people, their names, and events that was uncanny. A great story teller.
 
He never fully left Ireland either, always going back for “an Irish month” to stay at his family home in Castlebar with his sister Mary, seeing old friends, family, and going to an annual reunion of his All Hallows’ seminary. He also played golf at Castle Bar golf club with his brother and nephew. His Ireland trip always started and ended with a stop in New York city. He loved the time there, also with old friends.
 
In his six years of retirement, while living in Canby, he got joy from helping out at St Patrick by saying Daily Mass if the pastor was away. He truly loved those intimate times with the people.
 
The void he has left will be felt by so many as he has made an indelible impression. God love you and thank you, Father John.