Monsignor Patrick McDowell, who touched many lives while overseeing three Catholic churches in Duluth, died Tuesday at age 81 of apparent heart failure.

The Duluth News Tribune calls him a rotund and affable priest who always had time for the troubled and who routinely dipped into his own pocket to help the poor.

"When people rang the doorbell at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, he would invite them in, ask them to sit down and talk with them," said Father Dale Nau, a Catholic Diocese of Duluth spokesman. "He would help them."

"Poor people in Duluth knew Father Pat, if they were in a pinch, he would help them out," St. Louis County Commissioner Steve O’Neill said. It was part of his faith to be there for the poor, to help people in need and not be judgmental, O’Neill said.

Shirley Baker of Duluth, who worked with McDowell at St. Mary Star of the Sea, said: "He saw the good in people. He cared about everyone and tried to help to the best of his ability."

A native of Hibbing, McDowell began his pastoral service at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Duluth in the early 1960s. He later was pastor of Duluth’s St. Benedict’s Parish and at parishes in Virginia and Cook before returning to Duluth in about 1990.

McDowell retired a few years ago and moved to Lakeshore senior residences on London Road. But he didn’t really retire. He continued his ministry there, celebrating Mass in their chapel five days a week. The services were popular, often filling the chapel and drawing people from the community.

"Father McDowell just touched so many lives," said Rita Walker, director of Lakeshore’s assisted living. "He knew everybody. He was so personable. He knew so many people and helped so many that he had a great following."