Sunday, September 4, 2005

The Rev. Henry C. Gelin, Clarkston: Jesuit was former Detroit professor

The Detroit News

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The Rev. Henry C. Gelin, a professor at the University of Detroit for 16 years, died Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005, in the Colombiere Center in Clarkston. He was 83.

Born and raised in Toledo, Father Gelin entered the Jesuit order in September 1938 in Milford, Ohio. After high school, he began a long career as a student and teacher. In 1942 he went to West Baden College in West Baden Springs, Ind., and graduated in 1945 with a degree in philosophy. He also obtained a degree in Latin from Loyola University in Chicago and in theology from West Baden College.

He also studied physics for five years at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

Father Gelin, known as Hank, taught high school in Cincinnati in the 1940s. He taught at the University of Detroit from 1958-74. From there, he became an assistant pastor in Sault Ste. Marie from 1975-83.

He worked at Colombiere College in Clarkston for six years beginning in 1984, and settled there permanently in 1993.

Father Gelin is survived by a sister, G. Martha Langford.

He was interred Saturday at Colombiere Center Cemetery in Clarkston. Memorial tributes may be sent to Colombiere Center, 9075 Big Lake Road, Clarkston, MI 48347.