Tom Cunningham (1906 - 1959)

Jesuit Missionary to Alaska

Tom Cunninghan grew up at Wylies's Crossing, near Mosgiel, and was said to be born restless and preordained to a life of high adventure. Folk spoke of his friendliness, wit and humour, plus an ability to kick a football through the goal posts with either foot. After two years at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, he joined the Irish province of the Jesuits, studied in Dublin, and volunteered for mission in Alaska.

From 1935 Tom became the most far-roaming northern missionary of his time, living on a barren island called Diomede which rose straight out of the Arctic ice. It was within a stones throw of Siberia, with no vegetation, flowers or trees. He spoke Eskimo fluently, lived on the local diet, and would spend one day a week, sometimes two, hunting. The place was a challenge because of its remoteness, frontier atmosphere, and harsh weather conditions.

But Tom's easy-going, friendly and tolerant ways made him a natural. He was his own doctor and provider. Letters home contained descriptions of the dark and cold of the Arctic winter. "The warmest since Christmas has been 30 below zero, and a forty mile an hour wind blows the cold into every hole and corner."

Only those who know the bleakness and fierceness of the Bering Sea country can appreciate what he went through. Only a man of iron could stand the conditions day after day for twenty five years. He mocked death at almost every step, roaming around the Arctic wastes by dog-team alone, and able to pinpoint his position by his knowledge of astronomy. His study of ice and weather in the extreme polar latitudes merited him international recognition.

A 1955 visitor to Alaska spoke of Father Tom as one of the most outstanding people she ever met. He spoke of his work in the Arctic and his respect and love for the Eskimo people. He had such a sparkling personality that after talking with him a short time she felt she knew him well, and she has not forgotten him fifty years later.

A fellow Jesuit remarked, "If we but take into the world a bit of the great influence Tom had on us, we shall be giving him the greatest tribute possible".

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