Pat's fight against cancer

To know Pat is to know a man who would hand over the shirt off of his back. Pat has given his family and friends (heck, even strangers) a lifetime of generosity, compassion, selflessness, and care. Now it is time to return the favour, and we hope others who know and love him will join us in doing so.

After a year battling vicious gastroesophageal junction cancer, which included surviving one of the most intense chemo protocols as well as invasive and reconstructive surgery, Pat exceeded all odds and was cancer-free. Unfortunately, after only a few months of normalcy, his cancer has returned and is now terminal. Only a month shy of his 65th birthday, he is now facing a new fight. The fight to live fully, to make memories for himself and his family, and to continue finding moments of joy despite circumstances.

Never one to ask for anything himself, we have created this fundraiser in his name (sorry, Pat, you don’t get a say in this one!) in order to be able to provide a means for all those who have asked “what can we do?”

Any and all funds raised will go towards ensuring that Pat has everything he needs in order to be safely and comfortably at home during this season of his life, so that he can continue to spend every moment with his wife, his two daughters and their spouses, and his four granddaughters… not to mention the myriad of extended family members and the furry friends who adore him.

Though his prognosis may have changed, his will and desire to smash expectations hasn’t. Whether through a donation or even a simply statement of encouraging words, let’s all rally behind the man who’s always done so for those in need of the same.

Here is a note from Steve, one of Pat's close friends and work buddies:

I want to add a note about Pats work life, his career and how I came to know him.

My name is Steve Holmes, owner of Richmond Auto Care. I met Pat in Nov 1998, my first day as a technician in a new city. Pat quickly befriended me. We worked beside each other and I had nothing but respect for his work ethic, his conduct and family values.

Pat left that company a few years later and it was a great loss. Many years later I started RAC and it was a struggle, but as we grew, and Pat came available to work, no longer as a technician, he took over the front daily operations. Customers love Pat cause he has the technical background that makes them feel safe about where their hard earned money is spent. We grew as a little company, and added to our roster, and we became family.

Losing Pat last year was tough and, when he would pop in for visits, not only was I happy to see him winning his battle, but the customers were happy to see his face. To see Pat struggling with this awful battle is heartbreaking, and we all miss him being at the desk as we arrive everyday.

I’m asking my friends, family, and cliental to please help this cause as Pat is such a huge part of RAC, our lives and all those he touches.