My dad was a man that was often larger than life. He had a voracious appetite for life and loved to laugh, he loved to sing, to draw, and to tell stories. He had a magnetic personality and could make friends with almost anyone. He was a nomad of sorts and had friends scattered across the country, but the one thing that always brought him home (wherever home might be) was his love for his family. My dad lived out loud and followed his dreams to the end; never giving up when others doubted him. Even in the last days of his fight with brain cancer, he refused to admit defeat, and I admire him for that.

Today, November 26, 2012 would have been his 65th birthday. If he could have lived until today he would be the grandpa to two beautiful girls, Carmen and Siena. And knowing how much he adored me in his life, I can only imagine the joy he would have taken in my daughters as well. Every now and then I catch a glimpse of my dad in my daughters' eyes or expressions or in one of the Pat'isms that I myself have adopted, and I know that he will always be with us. We will always miss you and love you Grandpa Pat!
-- Staci Stevens