EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second of a two-part series paying tribute to the late Father Dermot Tighe.
In 1967 Dermot was serving as Chaplain to the new Central Kansas Medical Center. He had become a US Citizen and settled into his new homeland. But the calm of life in Kansas was in sharp contrast to what was happening halfway around the world. US troops were pouring into Vietnam and the Army found itself in a desperate need for chaplains. Historians tell us that a third of the chaplains needed to be Catholic, and roughly half were unfilled.
“Bishop Forst asked me to enlist in the Army” Dermot explained in an article in the Southwest Kansas Register in 1990. “I had previously volunteered to join the Air Force. He said there was a great need for priests in Vietnam.
He asked if I was willing and I said ‘yes.’
Dermot’s training began in New Jersey, and then Fort Hood, Texas. Just before Dermot deployed, in July 1968, his commanding officer knocked on his door and entered. It was July 29.
“I’m sorry to tell you this Father but your mother has died.” Sarah McDermott was 84. Just three weeks from his deployment, the logistics would not permit him to return to the homeland for her funeral.
On August 22, 1968 he left for Southeast Asia.
Historians tells us that 1968 in Vietnam was the year that set all the wrong records. It brought the Tet Offensive, described as the turning point in favor of the Vietcong. It was also the year with the greatest number of US casualties, with the Army sustaining the vast majority of those. Besides simply staying alive, a wartime chaplain has both religious and military obligations, which at times, could conflict.
In Vietnam, due to the shortage of priests, Dermot traveled constantly, moving from evacuation hospitals to the front line and back again. He had the benefit of his own driver, and, in case he needed it, a sidearm. He spent a lot of time being driven north and south along Highway 1, which runs the length of the country and connects major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
“I ministered to the wounded and the sick and wrote letters to the families of those were killed,” he described in the Register. “The hardest part of serving in Viet Nam was seeing many young people killed or wounded and maimed for life. I tried to help the soldiers cope with the situation and assist or advise.”
Dermot served in Southeast Asia for a year. Upon his return, he was stationed in Fort McClellan in Alabama. There he counseled soldiers who were either headed to Vietnam, or had just returned. Father Tighe left the U.S. Army after 10 years, then served in the National Guard. He retired from the military in 1991 as a “full-bird” colonel, one rank below a brigadier general.
Next, golf.
Dermot retired to Great Bend in 1998 and bought a home at 1420 Wilson, across the street from then known as St. Pat’s church. In the years that followed, he refined his true hobby: golf. “Dermot played a lot – a couple times a week” remembers Roger Michaelis. “Sometimes alone, often with others. He usually walked and he played fast.” His entourage was wide and varied. It included many locals -- Jay Durand, Joe Lane, Dwayne Sack, Leroy McMullen, Ted Bird, Lenny Dales, Jim Delong, Russel Kimber Terry Naylor, Bill Schremmer, Bob Vincent and Michaelis. “He was very intent when he played” remembers Jay Durand.
“Dermot was a good golfer” remembers Leroy McMullen. “He hit the ball down the middle 150 yards off the tee every time. Played in the 80’s almost every time.” Roger Michaelis was present at one of Dermot’s greatest days. Which had nothing to do with dispensing the sacraments. It was his hole in one. “Yes, I can confirm” Michaelis shared. “It was on #9 at Lake Barton.” Locals know that it’s135 yards with a postage stamp green over a small pond. “He hit it solidly. Off the club it looked perfect. But we never saw it go in the hole because it was an elevated green. We approached the green and his ball was missing. We found it in the hole. Dermot was very excited. So was I.”
But Dermot’s success chasing a little white ball into a slightly larger hole could not be credited to high tech golf clubs, balls or shoes. Nothing he owned had a logo boasting a swoosh. Neither his swing nor his bag swag would evoke images of Tiger, Phil or Rory. No matter. His game was a testament to patience, focus and, if the game demanded it, G rated trash talk. Let there be no doubt: he wanted to win. And he usually did.
Add one more chapter to the long and interesting biography of the man from Strokestown.
At the GHBS 25th class reunion in September, 2002, John Holt arranged a golf outing with Dermot. They played 18 at Barton and the golfing tips and tricks were dispensed early and often from the Irishman. “To this day when I’m over my golf ball lining up a shot, there’s a little Irish voice in my head: ‘Stye still, and stye down dontcha’ know!’ Holt recalled. “Father Tighe’s admonishment to me on more than one golf outing rings as true as his life of service, faith, and fun. I feel blessed to have known him. I know I am not alone.”
Dermot’s nephew Eugene, son of Dermot’s brother Michael, lives in Mountain View, California. “Dermot’s visits to Ireland were an occasion for all the extended family and friends to gather. He was the glue that held the extended family together. He was very funny and entertaining and loved by all.”
Dermot never judged others on things that mattered. Exception: if the grip on your driver was pathetic like mine, he might offer a suggestion. Correction: HE WOULD DEMAND IT. Other than that, he never put himself on a pedestal or played the ‘priest’ card.
He cared for the flock with grace, humor and wit.
He died on St. Patrick’s Day after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
Virtually all of Father Tighe’s estate was donated to various charities, including several in Barton County.
He was dear friend to many who came to cross his paths no matter under what circumstance you might encounter him. For the Keenans who came to know him – and there many --- they loved him very much.
Dermot Francis Tighe. Godspeed.
