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Pat Derby Obituary
The Performing Animal Welfare Society says Pat Derby died Friday at her Northern California home at age 69. She had throat cancer. Derby co-founded the sanctuary and activist organization.
She often served as the public face and voice for performing animals, and in recent years fought primarily to get elephants out of circuses and zoos and into three sanctuaries.
Derby wrote in an autobiography that while working on television shows like "Flipper," ''Lassie" and "Daktari" she developed training methods involving love and trust. But she was shocked by the rampant neglect and abuse she saw among other trainers.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
68 Entries
Frank Denardo
January 7, 2024
I remember seeing a documentary about automotive advertising and they showed a behind the scenes look at the filming of commercials for Lincoln/Mercury. I am a car enthusiast and I do remember "at the sign of the cat." That was the slogan Lincoln/Mercury Division. I am glad you found an organization that deals with animal welfare. Thank you for the memories and we do miss you.
MIke Perlot
September 14, 2017
Thank you Pat for your love of animals.
July 23, 2015
Ms. Derby now has a new companion where she rests. It is Iringa. May they both rest in peace and forever watch over PAWS.
God Bless them both.
Posted: July 22, 2015
Sandy Draper
El Cajon, Ca.
How you can show support
Alice Roberts
January 2, 2014
I believe there are more animals in heaven than humans. Pat Derby sure has a front row seat up there with all her animal friends..
September 17, 2013
To the family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss and I pray you find peace in the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthinas 1:3-
Robert Yanes
July 15, 2013
I saw Pat and Ted every weekend at the San Diego Zoo and still have all their postcards that they sold there. I have always loved Pat and her dedication to wildlife. I was crushed to here this and I will miss her so much.
Jeri & Billy McGinnis
April 6, 2013
In memory of a great person who devoted her life to helping God's beautiful creatures. We were lucky to have visited her elephant sanctuary in Galt several years ago and to witness the haven she created for animals whose existence had been miserable prior to her providing a new life for them. Love, blessings and appreciation always and may PAWS continue on.
March 30, 2013
Jesus Christ has made the resurrection hope a reality.
The Elephant Sanctuary
March 8, 2013
The staff of The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee extend their heartfelt condolences to the PAWS family as they mourn the passing of Pat. This loss is felt throughout the animal welfare community as deeply as her compassion was felt by those animals whose lives she impacted. The first to champion the cause of performing animals, Pat took on the heavy responsibility and shared in the great joy of providing elephants, and many other performing animals, the refuge and freedom they deserved. We are proud to have walked this path with Pat and our hearts are with the entire PAWS family as they grieve the loss of their leader and dear friend.
Connie Koch
February 28, 2013
I am very sad to hear of Pat's passing, I met her when she had an animal show in Solvang, with her Mercury cougar. I was very impressed with her interaction with the animals - it was something very special. My thoughts are with the loved ones and cherished animals she has left behind, for they will feel the greatest loss. Rest in peace dear lady!
Sherry DeBoer
February 28, 2013
I was honored to know this wonderful woman. She was devoted to animal protection and really did make a difference in many, many ways and for years and years. I loved and admired her. My deepest sympathy to Ed and all her animals. We will miss you always, Pat.
Dorothy Beechers
February 26, 2013
i am deeply saddened of the loss of Pat Derby. Her love, devotion and compassion for the elephants is a inspiration to us all.
If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane
i would walk right up to heaven
and bring Pat Derby back again.
God Bless You Pat Derby xx
cyndie raposa
February 25, 2013
P assionate
A rticulate
T triumphant
D etermined
E loquent
R evered
B eautiful
Y oung at heart
rest in peace dear friend
February 23, 2013
Pat has left a legacy that will endure forever. I believe the elephants are grieving and are missing her. I was fortunate to meet Pat & Ed at the Howling Wolf Lodge as a seasonal park ranger at Standish-Hickey State Park. There were a lot of good times. We re-connected in 2000 when I served as Planning Director for Calaveras County and worked on permitting for ARK 2000. We shared memories of the Howling Wolf Lodge. My best wishes to Ed and I am know that he will continue with their efforts to protect the elephants and all other animals that need them.
Thank you Ed & Pat and I will always support your efforts. Kim Hansen
becky
February 23, 2013
Such an irreplaceable loss for our whole world. Thank you, Pat, for your compassion and determination, and your huge heart.
Diane Cascia
February 20, 2013
What a loss of someone who had such a big heart and rescued so many animals. I am really going to miss seeing Pat at the elephant sanctuary fundraisers. I read her book The lady and her Tiger and it really touched my heart what she had to go thru in the early days. She will always be an inspiration to me and I know she will be looking over the sanctuary always.
February 20, 2013
Thank you and Ed for being there for the animals. Christopher and 71 will be happy to see you again. Stephanie Kimball, Fair Oaks Ca
Christopher
February 20, 2013
A hot day in Galt.
February 20, 2013
BJ RANDOLPH
February 20, 2013
wHAT A WONDERFUL TRAINER I AM A ANIMAL LOVER AS WELL SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF MS PAT PRAYERS GOING UP
Cj
February 20, 2013
Knowing that 71 and all the other animals Pat shared her life with were there waiting for her when she crossed over, is the only thing that consoles my heart. My heartfelt sympathy to Ed and all the people who loved her. May this thought bring you solace too.
B Lucas
February 20, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Pat your dear loved one. May your fond memories of her bring back good thoughts. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit that you show. [email protected]
February 20, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 20, 2013
sincere condolence to Pat's family.We are all creations of God,may you draw strength from his word the Bible at this time...isah.25:8.......
A Am
February 20, 2013
To the Darby family, one day God promises that all will be able to enjoy animals even the wild ones. Pat loved animals and she trained them well. May you all take comfort in knowing God's word will come true soon. Isaiah 11:6-9
L B
February 20, 2013
My condolences to Pat's family. Please look forward to seeing her again when the whole earth will be a sanctuary for animals. Isaiah 65:25
February 20, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in our Heavenly Father.
Chloe and Juanita Rea Sofikitis
February 19, 2013
This most beautiful person who showed the world of that "Truly greatest Show between human and other creature" is to
never forget the LOVE AND RESPECT, PATIENCE of this Beauty
that she gave so much and hopefully those more closely around her, HAVE LEARNED for Time to come. It is painful to lose you, Pat Derby but your spirit is with the critters forever as you are! Thank you . Mom and I truly admired you always! from Corpus Christi Texas to Austin to you.
I had my rabbit refuge on the hill. Thanks
Lynne Duke
February 19, 2013
A true champion for animals. Rest in peace. You are truly missed.
Tina
February 19, 2013
I am so sorry the sad news of Pat's passing. Thank you Pat for helping all the animals that you did. Ed - Thank you for all you do and all that you and Pat believe in!
Scott Chamberland
February 19, 2013
Rest in Peace
Jody Singer
February 19, 2013
It breaks my heart to hear about Pat. She was one of the most amazing people I've ever met. Visiting PAWS/ARK will always be some of my most treasured memories. I will never forget what she and everyone at PAWS/ARK have done for all animals, but especially the elephants. Words can't express enough when losing someone like Pat, her light just shown so brightly. Thank you Pat, Ed and everyone at PAWS/ARK! Pat, we will miss you dearly!
Regina
February 19, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Soon there will be a time when death is no more. (Revalation 21:4).
Rich & Nancy Single
February 19, 2013
We always enjoyed visiting her sanctuary and supporting the animals. Pat's legacy will live on.. deepest sympathy to everyone at PAWS.
February 19, 2013
Oh, Pat...We met at a Hollywood party, somewhere around 1970. There were a fair number of big names swirling around - and then there was this redhaired person in a gorgeous green dress, holding what I recognized as a coyote cub in her arms. I've always been fascinated by coyotes, and I promptly started over to talk to her. Before I reached her, the coyote wriggled and peed down the front of that beautiful dress. Pat never turned a hair, and I loved her from that moment. She had to leave early that night, because she was working on a future episode of "Lassie" that would center on a deer and a coyote who were best friends, so Pat was already raising them that way, for a show almost a year away. If it wasn't fun for the animals themselves, there was no way Pat would do it. There will be deep and massive grieving among your beloved elephants, dear Pat, and among those tigers who rubbed against you like housecats. You really were Dr. Dolittle.
Peter S. Beagle
Jaye W.
February 19, 2013
Pat really did a wonderful work. My heart goes out to you all at this time of deep sorrow. May the peace of God help you all to cope with your loss.
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 19, 2013
rip
Gretchen Mitchell
February 19, 2013
The world has lost a true elephant hero. Her spirit will be ever present with all those, human and animal, who love her. Her light will shine through the darkness in the days and weeks ahead. I hope the elephants had a chance to say goodbye. They will surely feel the void. Prayers of peace and grace to all.
February 19, 2013
RIP Pat...From the days at "Howling Wolf Lodge" the family and myself loved you for the help you gave the many animals in need...you were loved by many. You made your dream come true.
I can still hear your beloved male lion roar echoing down the canyon along with that infectious smile of yours.
Fred Schoenduby and family.
Jane Dowling
February 19, 2013
God bless you and thank you, for all that you have done. Rest in peace ~
S.Griggs
February 19, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Montgomery
February 19, 2013
I will always remember those shows you treated the animals with love in a new light now. They were happy working! Thank you... God bless..... J. Montgomery
shelly smurda
February 19, 2013
Rip, u r my idol i think u wil be at rainbow bridge with alot of loved ones waiting for u! :0)
You will live on forever in Love. Thank you for standing up for those who had no voice. The true innocents of the world....
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
My deepest condolence to the Derby family. May you find comfort
in these words of God at Psalms 55:22.
Jem. Florida
February 19, 2013
To the family of Pat, her heart and thinking was right when it came to animals because she did what God ask us to do take care of the animals.genesis1:24-25 God bless you all.
Debbie Jackson
February 19, 2013
My Sincere sympathy, may he God of Comfort, be a help readily to be found and strength to the Derby Family during their loss. Psalm 46:1
Karen Haynes
February 19, 2013
Pat was so very protective of all her animals, especially the elephants. She only allowed herself and trainer workers to feed them. I had visited PAWS several times and on this one trip, Pat allowed me feed Maggie . I felt so honored. Pat was a wonderful person who treated her animals with respect and love. She will surley be missed. RIP Pat.
PAT DERBY
February 19, 2013
Charlene Carter
February 19, 2013
All of the animals you helped will most assuredly be reunited with you in Spirit, Pat. Thank you for being a light in the lives of all who knew you.
Judy Hnilo
February 19, 2013
There was a trumpeting welcome at the Rainbow Bridge and I'm sure 71 was the first in line with so many of Pat's animals waiting behind her. Pat was the voice for many animals that couldn't speak for themselves. I'll miss seeing her at the Grape Stomp. She was a great Lady.
Dede Nichols
February 18, 2013
Thank you Pat for using your genius to train animals. You have given millions of people a wonderful memorable childhood
LOUISE DEGIROLAMO
February 18, 2013
RIP THERE SHOULD BE MORE PEOPLE LIKE PAT DERBY' THANK YOU
Paula C
February 18, 2013
There was a grand parade over the Rainbow Bridge the celebrate Pat's life and welcome her spirit. She was a voice for the voiceless and stepped up when she saw the need. May we all have the courage to do the right thing or at least have the heart to support those who do. Pat, you will be missed.
EG
February 18, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ann Henning
February 18, 2013
The animals of the world have lost a true friend, but the animals of the Rainbow Bridge have also gained one. Thanks so much, Pat, for all you did to keep animals OUT of entertainment and zoos and IN an environment where they could and can flourish. I was fortunate to meet you in Galt one day and I brought the elephants a 5-pound bag of carrots thinking I was bringing them a big treat. Little did I know it was only a small snack. Rest in peace and thank you for everything.
Tom R
February 18, 2013
Noah would have been proud of you.
Margaret
February 18, 2013
May the God who gives peace be with all of YOU. Amen.-Roman 15:33. She was a good trainer..
Debra Christian
February 18, 2013
I remember seeing Pat in an elephant story on TV and I was thankful to see her so gentle with those beautiful animals. Also,on the same show I saw her train young people to feed and clean up after big cats and she had NO tolerance for these kids(They were over 18 yrs)to be lacking in awareness and safety. She booted off a few kids because of this. Thank you Pat for reminding us that the animals' welfare comes first.
Mary Leon
February 18, 2013
THANK YOU, Pat, for standing up for abused and neglected animals! Rest in Peace. I will see you at Rainbow Bridge in Heaven, where we will visit those animals who had been broken and abused on earth, but will be FOREVER FREE of PAIN, SAFE and HAPPY, thanks to you!
we love you.
tonie spence
February 18, 2013
tonie spence
February 18, 2013
pat i and all the animals thank you from our hearts for all you did. you are one of the special people in our lives. you are a special angel and bless you you will be missed very much.
Tim & Janet Aamodt
February 18, 2013
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.
Sue
February 18, 2013
Thank Heavens for Angels like you who help look out for and protect animals. We will miss you and all your good deeds. Rest in peace with all the Angels now.
ALMA Renner
February 18, 2013
GOD BLESS PAT DERBY.
carol haft
February 18, 2013
may it never be extinguished
carol haft
February 18, 2013
pat - i miss you already - you were a shining star in the animal welfare world, one that has now dimmed -- thank you for all you did for the animals in this world - you changed it for them,forever.
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