After more than 57 years in the priesthood the past 22 at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Heppner and St. Williams in Ione Father Gerry Condon, 85, is retiring.

Raised in Dublin, Ireland, the priest came to the United States at the age of 28. Answering a call with the Diocese of Baker, Condon served several years in Lakeview before a short stint in Heppner when he first arrived. Condon pastored many churches in Eastern Oregon before returning to Heppner and Ione permanently in 1990.

Hes heard every confession of mine since I was in junior high, said Joe Lindsay, a 1994 Heppner High School graduate.

Described as a humble man, Trisha Sweeney said Condon did not want a big fuss made over his retirement. An extended coffee hour, open to the public, is Sunday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the parish hall at St. Patricks, 525 Gale St., Heppner.

Parishioner Ann Murray said Condon plays golf with everyone, visits the sick and prays for those in town whether theyre Catholic or not. Murray said Condon reflects the true definition of a people person.

Hes kind, compassionate and truly cares about people, Murray said. He has that wonderful Irish warmth, love, and makes every person feel like theyre the most important person.

Condon said he appreciates the general acceptance hes received from the entire community. He was named the 2007 man of the year by the Heppner Chamber of Commerce.

Theyve all been very, very gracious to me all along and made life pleasureable to me for the time Ive been here, he said.

Condon said hes had opportunities to be involved in other parts of the community because of his Irish heritage. A number of years ago Condon began writing dramas to be performed during the annual A Wee Bit OIreland celebration. In addition, hes participated in the St. Patricks Day weekend KUMA Coffee Hour alongside Dominic Monahan with host Tom Melton. Condon is always quick to tell a story and share some blarney.

Its the Father Condon hour, Melton quipped during the 2011 event.

Sweeney recalls Condon was around 65 when on a whim decided they should go windsurfing on Willow Creek Lake. Sweeney said she didnt know where Condon found the wind boards but he got on and gave it a good try.

On another occasion, Condon agreed to drive the Sweeney Mortuary hearse from Umatilla to Heppner when Sweeneys husband, Pat, had another commitment.

He thought that was pretty funny, Sweeney said. He says hes a can-do man that guy, he does anything.

Lindsay said Condon possesses the energy of a much younger man.

I dont think hes ever slowed down since he came, Lindsay said.

After learning how to play the keyboard recently, Condon penned a song for high school students to sing for confirmation. In addition to lighthearted fun, Lindsay said Condon spends a lot of time in prayer and treasures Christs forgiveness and is always willing to hear a confession.

Condon said he plans to stay in Heppner and may provide assistance in parishes whose priest goes on vacation. Hes also working on a new drama The Life of St. Columbanus for this years St. Pats celebration. He also plans to spend more time playing golf. However, hes mum about his handicap.

Thats a secret. And only the Lord knows and hes not telling, Condon said with his soft Irish brogue.

Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.