Dear Patty and Family,

I’m terribly saddened to hear of your great loss. Fifty plus years together has certainly filled your heart with a storehouse of treasured memories you can revisit and enjoy. May these memories and your family help fill the void your husband left behind. I will be thinking of you and your children and grandchildren during these difficult days.

Sincerely,

Brenda

Pat and I were friends for over 50 years. We roomed together in the dorm at Iowa, and shared apartments and houses after college and before starting families. We shared many adventures and occasionally had a couple beers. In our younger years we competed fiercely at ping pong, table hockey, and cutthroat monopoly. He always thought he was better than me at these but he wasn’t.

We went to Hawkeye football games, and had season tickets for Hawkeye wrestling for over 30 years. We knew exactly when we had to leave the Wig and Pen to get to the wrestling meet in time for the national anthem. There were road trips to meet friends and support the Hawks. We took him fishing in Minnesota a few times. After some close calls, Pat agreed to yell “fore!” before casting.

He was a talented runner, and talked me into joining him in running a 10k race. As I struggled Pat encouraged me, saying “Hey, this is great! If we keep going this slow my legs won’t even be sore tomorrow!”

Our families are close, and his family is dear to me. I have thousands more memories of Pat to share with them. I’m heart broken that we are not able to make any new ones.

One of my most entertaining memories of Patrick was one day when I was playing over at the house on Governor Street with Erin in her room. We were making faces out the window at Bridget as she was working on some soccer moves in the back of the house. She got a little irritated with Erin and myself and kicked that soccer ball right at the window and BAM! There went the window breaking into pieces. Erin and I looked at each other with big smiles because we finally got her (we were always trying to get Bridget in trouble as a younger sister should as a right of passage). Bridget was going to be in so much trouble. We heard the back door open and quickly saw Pat walk out. Bridget started explaining what happened and it looked like she was about to cry. Erin and I continued to look on so we could see her finally get in trouble. Everyone was quiet. We saw Pat slowly look up at the window, then he looked back at Bridget. Then he said it, "Good kick!" A smile appeared across both Pat and Bridget's face. We couldn't believe it. That is NOT what Erin and I were expecting. There had to be more to come, but he just turned around and walked back inside. Bridget just continued to smile then laugh at us. She had gotten away with it again.

Pat had always encouraged his girls to practice so they could be the best they could be and to honor all commitments they made. He loved his three girl's and that day showed me that he also had to have a sense of humor to raise them. His smile that day is something I will always remember. I'm keeping you all in my thoughts.

Love,

Sally Simpson Lee

I was blessed to have known Pat and Patty for over 50 years. As a young college student far from home, their place was always a spot where I could go for nourishment of my mind, body and spirit. Over the years that has always been the case as we continued our friendship. From laying out on the roof at one of their early apartments, to holding down a table at Donnley's on St. Patrick's Day, to fervently cheering on the Hawkeyes, Pat always was a close friend I could count on. A great guy with uncommon common sense that will be greatly missed.

Bret Voorhees

Condolences to all the family, he was a lovely man and always made us feel welcome when we came to visit. Thinking of you all at this sad time, may he RIP

Patty,

I never had the pleasure of meeting Patrick, but you spoke of him and your children often. What an amazing life of over 50 years together. I’m sure you will feel his absence in your life, but as time passes, you may find that feeling his absence is actually maintaining his presence in your heart and mind. My condolences to you and your family. - Damon Benedict

Bridget & family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved father. Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time.

Patty & family, I am so sorry to hear of Patrick's passing. What a rich legacy that he leaves behind with all of you! Wishing you strength & peace in the days ahead.

Mary Kanak

So sorry to here Patrick has gone. Fond memories visiting at your home and the swimming pool with our grandchildren. Susan and Gary Davisson

"May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you."

We are thinking of your family as always but especially now.