People who lined up Tuesday for a free breakfast in Ala Moana Park paused for a moment of prayer for the man who started the outreach effort known as “;Father Don's Kitchen.”;

The Rev. Donald Merrifield, former president of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, started the ministry to the homeless after he came to Hawaii in 2003. In walks through the park, he talked to people and, hearing their stories, began using his own funds and gifts from others to bring food and other help to people he had befriended.

“;As far as I know, people didn't know he was a priest,”; said Danny O'Regan, campus minister at the Newman Center. He said the Catholic ministry at the University of Hawaii continues the outreach program, which feeds more than 100 people most Tuesdays.

Merrifield, 81, died Feb. 25 at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, Calif. He was a Jesuit priest for 44 years and a member of the Society of Jesus for 58 years.

A former physics professor, he served 15 years as president and 18 years as chancellor of the Los Angeles university when it merged Loyola University and Marymount College. Under his leadership, it expanded in size, curriculum and programs for minorities and the handicapped, according to information prepared by the Jesuit community.

He was assigned to the Jesuit community in Honolulu at age 74, and it was not a retirement posting. He was tapped by Chaminade University to be on its board of governors, became involved in the Prison Ministry and served the Hispanic community at St. John the Baptist Church in Kalihi, in addition to leading retreats at the Newman Center.

“;He brought vitality, intellect and quiet service to Honolulu and left a beautiful legacy of service,”; said the Rev. Marc Alexander, vicar general of the Catholic diocese.

O'Regan said Father Don's Kitchen will continue with the aim to involve college students in the community and expand “;beyond feeding the homeless.”;

“;Our understanding of outreach is about service and justice, ways to give back to those who have less and make a difference in the community where we live,”; O'Regan said.

Merrifield is survived by brother Peter of Honolulu; nephews Mark A. of Honolulu and John A. of Maui; and niece Jane L. Gitelman of Berkeley, Calif.

A memorial Mass will be said at 6 p.m. March 12 at the Newman Center. Parking is available at St. Francis School. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newman Center for “;Father Don's Kitchen,”; 1941 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822.