Charlie Fagan died in Ajijic on December 7 at the age of 86.
Born May 26, 1926 in County Westmeath, Ireland, Fagan studied for the Roman Catholic priesthood at All Hallows Seminary in Dublin and was ordained in 1949. He worked as a priest in the Diocese of Sacramento, California for 25 years, becoming a senior pastor of two parishes in Northern California. When he left the active priesthood, he worked in real estate in Northern California until he retired to Mexico ten years ago.
Fagan was a “people person” who loved to befriend strangers and muse about the fundamental questions of human existence. He was also an engaging public speaker who challenged his audiences to question their deeply held assumptions and think outside the box. He authored and published a book, “Winning Freedom from Religion,” last year. The book describes his own spiritual journey and offers down-to-earth lessons for life.
Fagan was preceded in death by his sister Marjorie. He is survived by his sister Rosemary and brothers Edward, Jimmy and Frank, all living in Ireland.
A service will be held for Fagan on January 9 in Ajijic, after which his ashes will be scattered in one of his favorite places.
A Catholic Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated for him in Sacramento on December 8, attended by many of his priest colleagues who remember his years in the ministry. A Mass will also be celebrated for him on January 12 in his home parish in County Westmeath, Ireland.