HEALY, Patrick Otis
Patrick Otis Healy died November 4, 2012 of cancer at the age of 27. He was a deep thinker, a scholar, a world traveler, an avid cyclist, a motocross enthusiast, and a young man lucky enough to have found
epic love. Having lived his life to the fullest, he died at peace, with his family and his wife at his side.
Born March 2, 1985 in Pasadena, Patrick attended Chandler School and LaSalle High School, where he excelled in football and graduated with honors. He earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from UC Santa Barbara as a Dean's List scholar and was captain of the UCSB Cycling Team. He met his future wife, Alicia Cooperman, when she was on the cycling team for Stanford University. They were married in Altadena on September 16, 2012.
Along with cycling, Patrick had a real passion for off-road motorcycles - a hobby he shared with his father and brother. In 2005, riding solo, Patrick completed the Baja 500 race in a grueling 15 hours. Chronicling this personal challenge in a magazine article, Patrick wrote, "Enduring all the dangers of Baja, the high speeds, and the physical and mental fatigue really puts everything in perspective. It's like the volume gets turned down, and whatever life throws at you is not such a big deal anymore."
Patrick's journey as a student took a fascinating turn when he developed a special interest in Middle Eastern studies. With his characteristic intensity and love of learning, he studied in Lebanon for two years, earning his Masters Degree in Middle East Studies at American University of Beirut. Becoming fluent in Arabic, Patrick was able to travel extensively off the beaten path throughout the Middle East, often with Alicia sharing in his adventures. As he wandered the world, Patrick developed a heartfelt interest in the plight of disadvantaged people and began focusing his studies on refugees. He was thriving as a PhD candidate at UC San Diego when he was forced to focus his attention on his health. He lived with cancer for two years, gaining an uncanny perspective on life and displaying a maturity beyond his years.
Patrick is survived by his bride Alicia, his brother Kevin, his parents Michael and LeAnn Healy of Altadena, and his grandparents, Lee and Fran Benuska of San Marino and Otis Healy (Joann) of Laguna Beach. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Betty Healy. Patrick also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, professors and a wonderful team of doctors and nurses, all of whom were in awe of his courageous spirit.
In his final days, Patrick donated the majority of his life savings to the Pasadena Community Foundation to establish the Patrick Otis Healy Memorial Endowment Fund. This fund will carry on Patrick's legacy by supporting charitable causes important to him. It is Patrick's wish that contributions be made to this endowment, C/O Pasadena Community Foundation (Attn: POH Memorial) 260 South Los Robles Ave - Suite 119 Pasadena, CA 91101. www.pasadenacf.org
A celebration of Patrick's life will be held at First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena on Sunday, November 18th at 2:00 PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Stan Kilpatrick
Friend
November 2, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and Patrick today and always.
Stan Kilpatrick
Friend
November 1, 2019
I did not have the honor of knowing Patrick very long. However, during the brief time that I did, I was amazed with his strength, courage and serenity through his struggle. Rest easy Patrick. My prayers,love and sympathy go out to the entire Healy and Benuska families.
Stan Kilpatrick
January 10, 2013
To my friend Bridget and all of Patrick's loved ones - as a cancer survivor who hasn't yet gone gray, it breaks my heart to read how this terrible disease has impacted your lives. Patrick's life sounds like it was a blessing to all of you, and I hope that your Holidays are warm and filled with wonderful memories of this extraordinary young man.
Edward Kotkin
December 6, 2012
To Michael, LeAnn, Kevin and Alecia-Our words of condolence will never truly heal you, but we hope the spectacular love of Patric and our desire to support you will help you begin to recover.
Scott and Jane Uffelman
November 26, 2012
Patrick accomplished a great deal in his 27 years. He truly made the world a better place and displayed a great deal of wisdom in how he lived his life. It is a privledge to have known Patrick; and the entire Healy family.
Rob Neithart
November 21, 2012
Our world has suffered a great loss in the passing of young Patrick. He is an amazing inspiration. He lived more and gave more in his life than most people whose lives were triple the length of his. May God heal the gaping hole that is left from the loss of this incredible life. Love and greatest sympathy to the entire Healy and Benuska family.
Lisa Bogaard
November 19, 2012
You fought a good fight now you can rest with no more pain. I only know of you through our Pastor Karen Oliveto but I feel I have know you for all your life thanks to her.
Howard Sanders Jr
November 17, 2012
A light such as Patricks, will always remain
bright and alive.
Sandra Denney
November 16, 2012
I'm fragilized to learn such a bright, vivid, lovable person can be taken despite his own strenght. Patrick was an awesome person and friend. Rest in peace, my friend.
Fabrício Kury
November 12, 2012
POH was one of the best guys i met in college, or anywhere for that matter. Smart, athletic, and incredibly perceptive he had no reason to be humble and yet he was, again and again showing humility and unselfishness. As the cycling captain at UCSB, he kept me going on more than a few training rides and could always be counted on to bring out some laughs. He'll be sorely missed.
Deepest condolences to his family.
Jason Francis
November 12, 2012
Our prayers go out to the entire Healy family. My family met Patrick years ago at a WORCS motorcycle race when he and Kevin parked by us. We had them eat dinner with us which was the start of our friendship. Patrick was an outstanding young man who we are blessed to have known within our motorcycle racing family. This breaks our hearts but it is refreshing to know that we will meet again in heaven where Patrick is now.
Harvey and Susan Soule'
November 10, 2012
My deep felt sympathy goes out to all of you who knew and loved Patrick. My prayers are with you all. Fran, I'm thinking especially of you...God bless you all through such a difficult time.
Deborah McDaniel
November 9, 2012
Pat was a great competitor on the bike and a good friend off of it. You were an amazing person to get to know and my heart goes out to all of your friends and family who no longer have you beside them.
Blake Anton
November 8, 2012
To Michael, LeAnn, Kevin and Alicia our hearts go out to you in you in your loss of Patrick, we keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Stan and Janel and family Powell
November 8, 2012
Rest in peace. Pat was just one of those unbelievably likable and awesome guys. So lucky I had a chance to ride with him and get to know him in Santa Barbara. Wishing his family all the best in this painful time.
Rob
November 8, 2012
I'll never forget Pat. I've never quite met anybody like him. He took challenges with much ease. I have so many good memories with Pat. Such a wonderful family
Collin Dunner
November 8, 2012
Chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo over the Book of Kells in Ireleand on the day of the wedding; chanting now in memorial for Patrick in unity with my daughter Erin in Lebanon. Much love.
Heather O'Halloran
November 7, 2012
Patrick treated me as a brother my freshman year of college, introducing me to bike racing and helping me navigate the sometimes murky waters of University. I'll never forget his humor and generous nature.
will chesebro
November 7, 2012
We are thinking of you and are so very sorry for your loss. May your happy memories with Patrick fill your heart forever.
Peter and Maggie Bentley
November 7, 2012
My heart goes out to the wonderful man I read about.I didn't know him but what I read he accomplished a lot in his young life
Linda Cushman
November 7, 2012
Patrick was the best of the best! He touched so many lives & his light will always continue to shine within each of us forever! Holly Vandecar
Holly Vandecar
November 7, 2012
My heart goes out to all of you. Am thinking of you constantly as you go through this incredibly difficult time. May the love of your friends and family give you strength.
Kristi Mitchell
November 7, 2012
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
susan/Rufus rhoades
November 7, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
This is such a terrible loss, but the memory of what a fine man Patrick was is certainly something to be cherished.
Connie O'Donnell
November 7, 2012
What a wonderful young man. Condolances to the entire family. We're thinking of you through this difficult time. Todd & Gloria Troutner
November 7, 2012
My deepest condolences to Alicia, Patrick's parents and his family for this loss. Patrick's story is amazing and he leaves a special legacy. May you always remember the good times....
Dick Guthrie
November 7, 2012
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