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Patrick Dwyer Obituary
April 14, 1961 ~ June 4, 2013
On June 4, 2013 Pat finally decided that he was ready to end his fight with ALS, and he set sail from us on a quintessentially perfect sunny Northwest afternoon surrounded by family and friends.
Pat was the fifth of the six Dwyer sons of John and Elizabeth Ann Dwyer. From an early age, Pat loved cars, and he graduated with distinction from South Seattle Community College in automotive mechanics. He then found out that boats had even more interesting engines, and he began working as a fisherman and boat engineer. The fishing life proved even more rewarding when he worked aboard the fishing vessel LYNDA out of Ketchikan, Alaska with his future wife Jennifer Gore, a lifelong Ketchikan resident.
Pat went from fishing vessel worker to fishing vessel owner in 1986, forming the company St. George Marine at age 24. He worked with Norquest, Trident, Icicle and Alaska General Seafoods. He and Jennifer became the justifiably proud parents of Brenna and Sean. He coached his kids in baseball, soccer and basketball, and played indoor soccer with numerous friends.
Pat was always the go-to guy for any question on all things mechanical. Family, friends, and industry cohorts would call him from literally around the world for answers to how to get something mechanical fixed, or even which car to buy. He excelled at buying and selling vehicles and equipment, finding gems of sales at auctions and on Craig's List, almost never making a bad deal (a couple VWs proved exceptions).
He was also the brawny on-site leader in any major home project, from taking down trees to putting on roofs to wiring a house. He happily dispensed advice at no charge on everything from national health care to the state of the electrical power grid in Kenmore.
Pat was diagnosed with ALS in 2005, and his initial reaction to the diagnosis was that he had so many things he wanted yet to accomplish - his only concession to ALS then became a change to his timetable. While others would counsel a protective and conservative approach to life, Pat accelerated, working hard to accomplish all of the goals that he had before his time ran out.
Though afflicted with ALS, he continued to increase his leadership role within the Alaska crabbing community, serving on the Alaska Bering Sea Crab Board, playing a key part in the Alaska Bering Sea Crab Co-op and Crab Rationalization, and he was a leader in regulatory and governmental affairs involving crabbing.
Pat and Jen's house was almost never empty, and served as a warm, happy way station for family and friends. When asked how he was doing Pat invariably responded "I'm doing alright, how are you?" His spirit somehow remained both positive and undaunted, and he made ALS seem like a nettlesome handicap instead of a fatal disease.
Pat fought ALS without giving in for over eight years, displaying grace, humor, resilience, innovation and cantankerousness to show his goals for life and family would not be held up by this insidious disease. Pat transitioned from a hands-on engineer to a (mostly) patient instructor - he would be the brains if you would be his hands. With his remarkable memory of electrical and mechanical configurations and intuition in diagnosing and resolving confounding boat and car problems he continued to be the go-to guy until he could no longer speak, and even then he still had an opinion.
Pat was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Ann Dwyer. He is survived by his treasured wife Jennifer, a tireless advocate for ALS fund raising and research whose amazing resilience, absolute perseverance, and remarkable warmth made all the support Pat needed a reality. His daughter and son, Brenna and Sean, are fully set to carry on the family legacy. Pat is also survived by his Dad, John Dwyer; his 5 brothers John, Mike, Paul, Jim and Phil; and many, many greatly loved family and friends. The Dwyers cannot thank them enough for all the years of wonderful support and caring.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Church (2702 Broadway Ave E. Seattle) at 2:00 PM on Monday, June 10, with a reception to follow afterwards at the Lake Union Cafe; (3119 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle). In lieu of flowers, at Pat's request the family asks that donations be made to the ALS charity ALS Therapy Development Institute, the world's largest research laboratory that focuses only on finding a treatment for ALS: http://yfals.als.net/4PatD/ Please note in the comments: In honor of Pat Dwyer. Family and friends can post and view comments in an on-line tribute page to Pat: www.dignitymemorial.com/acacia-funeral-home/en-us/index.page
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Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Dwyer
Mimi Gore
July 8, 2013
Jen, Brenna and Sean-
When I was down in March I read the following to your husband/dad as I sat with him. I really wish I could have taken his place in that chair for at least one day. I think many of us would have....your dad faced this horrible disease with grace, humor and dignity. I'm not so sure I could have done it. What I said...
If I could sit in your chair for you I would.
I'd like to be able to give you the gift of walking so you could once again:
mow your own lawn
haul plants from Mulbacks for your wife
climb on your boats and run them North
drive your own car (not that the chair cant move fast)!
go to the grocery store, hardware store, the parts shops
survey your empire on Camano on your feet
feel the grass and sand in your toes
travel somewhere wonderful for your anniversaries
ride one of your daughters horses rather than just being nose to nose with them
spend a day at Murphys outbidding your son
stand to pee....
I'd give you the gift of eating so you could once again:
enjoy a dinner of surf and turf
eat something exotic while on that anniversary trip
enjoy a good bottle of wine and a nice shot of whiskey or several!
savor the taste of broccoli, fresh corn and carrots
gobble up cookies and birthday cakes and pies and all things yummy--after the veggies of course!
I'd restore the movement in your body, and give you back the simple joys of brushing your own teeth, taking your own shower, going to the "library" to read. I'd give you the pleasure of hugging your wife and putting your kids in headlocks to give them noogies, of shaking friends hands and dancing again. Yes dancing!
While you enjoyed the simple gift of life and movement, I would sit and have some cocktail of food drained into me. I would try to get comfortable in the chair that never felt 100% right. I'd sit and feel the pain that you endure and think the thoughts that are dark and scary, often to scary to share. I'd look out your windows and think why me? I'd hold the anger that you must have and yell at God. I'd listen to people come and go and the conversations that you can hear but are hard to participate in. I would do your wondering about what is to come, for not only you, but for your family.
Unfortunately since I'm not like Sam on Bewitched, I cant twinkle my nose and make the exchange. So instead I promise to watch over your wife and kids. I won't let Jen become a crazy cat lady. I'll encourage the kids to think through the business decisions that they will be faced with. To question all sides of the issue to limit their mistakes. They will make some. They need to. It's part of life.
I'm committed to celebrating your life by living my life in gratitude that I can smell flowers, even though they give me hay fever, that I can eat and drink what I want even if it gives me heartburn, that I can jump on a trampoline with my kid even if it means I end up in the hospital with heart problems. At least I can do them.
As family we will celebrate your birthday and the life so well lived in the short time you had in this world. We will recall how you faced this horrible disease with grace, dignity and humor. Till the very end. We will treasure the memories we shared together and remember how happy you made my weird sister. We will watch your children grow in wisdom and maturity and thank you for the gift of life that you gave them. They, along with Jen, are the greatest treasures you leave behind.
Soon the time will come when God will send his angels for you. I have asked him to send your mom and St. Michael known to be the fighter and defender against evil. You have been fighting this cruel disease for so long, St. Michael can now take over on your behalf. When they come to get you it will be peaceful. You will have the ability to reach out to be welcomed into their arms of eternal life and comfort. Go with JOY and watch over us from above. Keep your eye on the little boys especially. They are all at the age of doing really dumb and dangerous stuff and I'm not sure how they live from day to day. It will be good to know you are there!
All my love,
Mary, Mimi, the bossy one!
In his short life on earth, our husband/dad did many amazing things, but 3 in particular. First he married that sister of mine. Not sure he was in his right mind when he proposed, but he survived well in the chaos for over 26 years! Not sure what we as a family would have done with out him--the go to guy for all things mechanical!
His second and third amazing things were you kids. Though you, your dad wit and wisdom will live on. Over the next few years, you will be faced with many challenges. Always remember, deep within you, your dad spirit is alive and well. The knowledge he has imparted will help you as you move forward. Take the time you need to make decisions. They will get easier over time. Always remember, we have your back and you have someone watching over you from above.
We love you. xxxoo
Jack Schroder & Uncle Pat
Bryan Schroder
July 8, 2013
While there are many things I admired about Pat, like his energy and his amazing mechanical ability, what I admired most was that he was a man of great character. We certainly saw that in how he stood up to ALS. But I always thought that the core of his character was that he was comfortable being Pat. He was never pushy or overbearing, just quietly confident, and usually right. He was also a great Dad, who raised (with some help from Jen of course) a son and a daughter with equally fine character. He was certainly one of my role models on how to be a father.
DD Gore
July 3, 2013
In early 2000 the Dwyers came to visit me in the Southern California desert. They no sooner got into the house, while Jen was telling Brenna and Sean about the house and the swimming pool right outside the door, Pat was on the phone. I couldn't believe it! Was he going to spend his vacation on the phone? After a moment I heard him say things like "go down the ladder behind the wheelhouse, third step down look to your left and you'll see a little door. There's a small wheel there you'll have to turn to the right and that will fix the problem." A few more words and then he hung up. Being the nosy aunt I asked what that was all about. Turns out one of the boats for which Pat was responsible was having a bit of a problem but the skipper of that ship was new and didn't know what to do. Pat knew what the problem was even though this was not his own ship - he was just responsible for it. But he knew the ship. His diagnosis was a perfect fix to the problem. "But why call you - why not ask someone on the dock?" I asked. He responded the ship was in the Bering Sea. I was astounded. Here stood a man in the middle of my living room in the desert of Southern California talking by telephone to a ship in the middle of the Bering Sea giving corrective directions to a vessel some thousands of miles away,without even seeing the problem....and it worked! I stood in awe.
Still.
Forever.
Frank and Namcy Murkowski
July 3, 2013
What a wonderful man Pat Dwyer was. So smart, so kind and so generous to us all. When we bought our yacht First Lady Pat was indispensable. He looked over the engine room a couple times and that was all he needed. He told us what we needed to make the boat run a little better. I distinctly remember at least two situations when we were at sea and had a problem--our answer was 1-800 CALL PAT. And we did. "Pat we are in the middle of the Georgia Straits and the generator won't start" Pat's answer was to go to the engine room, look to the port side behind the big tool box and at the back of the generator is a red button. Push it. Happy sailing. We could always count on Pat. Now he has passed on all his instincts and knowledge to Sean. Jenny, Brenna, and Sean will be able to care on because they have learned from Pat what strength, determination, yes bravery to face death, are all about. They will carry on because he has been an inspiration to all of us We will miss him but we are all better people for having had Pat Dwyer in our lives.
June 19, 2013
Dwyer Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Pat's passing and was unable to attend the services. I thought about Pat a lot that day and have since then.
I knew Pat on a professional basis, I sold and serviced control systems and Pat had boats. I met him first when he purchased the St. George. I brought my fiancee, now wife Jeanne with me on a Saturday and Pat was kind enough to give us a tour of his boat. I was impressed because he was so young and vibrant and had the initiative to invest in this fishing boat. He had this big dog with him who just loved to follow him around.
Time passed and a few years ago Pat called me to take a look at the controls on Brenna A. I went to the boat, surveyed the system and talked to the crew. I was suprised to learn of Pat's having ALS as he made no mention of it during our conversations over the phone. Pat approved the pricing, start time, and requirements, then turned me over to his son Sean. I had the same great experience working with Sean and recently met his sister Brenna.
I saw Pat at the dock when the boat left for that season. He had his big van, was in his wheelchair, but it was same old Pat. No reference to his condition, just asked me about the controls and told me about other things on the boat. He was covering things with the crew and directing people on things to do prior to their departure. I admire so much his attitude and concentrating on the business at hand. What a strong person he was, and it was a pleasure to know him.
I wish all of his family my condolences.
Regards,
Ted Lind
Andrea Harrington
June 17, 2013
One of my life's greatest blessings was to be welcomed into the Dwyer's home on a weekly basis for the past 4 years or so to give a couple evenings of much needed respite to Jen, Pat's truly one and only caregiver, best friend, faithful wife and mother of his children. I experienced the amazing hospitality that they show in their home. I have learned so much about love and friendship from Pat and Jen. Thank you for the privilege of caring for Pat up to the end of his battle with ALS. Jen, Sean and Brenna I pray for your continued strength through this time of grief. I love you all.
Brian Murkowski
June 16, 2013
Jen, Brenna and Sean, You are in our thoughts and prayers as you weather this difficult time. Always know that your family and friends will be there for you when you need a hand. Pat, may you now rest and know that we will forever remember you as a wonderful man, father and friend. God bless.
June 15, 2013
Jenny and family, my heart goes out to you. My love and prayers, Chrissie Jackson
Kay and Ben Black
June 14, 2013
Jenny, Brenna and Sean,
We ache with you as we think of the unfairness of "that stupid disease" and rejoice with you at how fulfilled Pat's life was. Bless you all as you move forward and find new "normals" for your lives.
June 14, 2013
Jenny, Sean and Brenna, we can only try to share your sorrow. We pray you find the comfort and healing you need, and hope that we can provide a piece of it. Pat has gone ahead to a place of light and peace, free of pain, and surely wrapped in your love. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey. We love you. Carol and Roe
June 13, 2013
Jen,
Such a big loss and when still so young. The courage and strength you and Pat have shown are unmatched and inspired us all.
May you feel some peace after this long, hard journey.
Julie Ludwick, NYC
Anne, Dave, Tate & Luka Hart
June 13, 2013
Patrick Ford Dwyer, A#1 superhero dad, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend. You will be in our hearts forever. xoxoxox
Megan & Harlan Heaton
June 12, 2013
To My Dear Friend Jen, I was sadden to hear of Pat's passing. Now his spirit is free from the pain and crippling effects of the ALS. He had many angels waiting for him to guide him to heaven. May God Bless and protect you, Brenna and Sean. Now you have a special angel in heaven watching over your family, his name is Patrick.
Jim & Lorraine Grassley
June 11, 2013
Jenny, Brenna, Sean, Our hearts are full of love for each of you, but know God is staying near to comfort you. Pat was such an inspiration to all of us and it is hard to believe that he is gone from sight, but still so much in our hearts. It has been such a pleasure to know Pat 'over the fence.'
Lori, Gary and Traci Lapworth
June 10, 2013
Jenny, Brenna and Sean,
May your memories fill your hearts today and always. Hugs, Love and Prayers for you all.
Bett Jakubek
June 10, 2013
Jen,
My heart is heavy for all of you. I know the funeral is today. I am assuming that your Dad is here. I will go visit him today.
In prayer,
Bett
Becky Moore
June 10, 2013
The life Pat lived was one of strength and passion! He was a pleasure to get to know. Much love and peace to the family.
Karen, Mike, Emily, Grace, Luke & Sean Murkowski
June 10, 2013
Jenny, Brenna & Sean,
Sending our love and prayers from Brasil. Wish we could be with you all today to celebrate Pat. Trying to think of some comforting words to share with you but am having trouble expressing myself, too emotional right now. We all love and will miss Pat. I will smile and think of Pat whenever I throw a dirty, slimy tennis ball for our dog to fetch!
Beijos & Abraços
Theresa DeRosa
June 10, 2013
May his memory echo in your hearts and eventually be your peace.
Christine Cole
June 10, 2013
With much love to all but too emotional to express coherent thoughts. More to follow. xoxos.
Gabriella Graham
June 9, 2013
Jen, Brenna and Sean, I just read the news...this is the news we have dreaded to hear yet we knew it was coming, and at the risk of sounding heartless (which you know my dearest Jen, that I am not) he truly is in a better place. No one can imagine the heartache your family has endured during this long journey therefore we will not pretend to say that we understand. But we will say we are a phone call away and when the visitors and family and all of the many wonderful local friends who have helped you over the years, have gone home, you and I will talk quietly. In the meantime, I am sending much, much love to all of you. Gabriella www.pmppals.org
June 9, 2013
Praying for comfort and peace for all of you during this difficult time. May warm memories serve to comfort along with the love and support of many friends and family. God bless you each.
Patrick Iona
June 9, 2013
Jennifer,, Brenna & Sean,
Though I have not met you all, I had the privlege of knowing your husband and father as a young child. I was a college roomate of his brother John and had the opportunity to spend many weekends at the Dwyer household in Seattle. Pat always had a smile on his face and a very kind heart...Though I lost track of the family when I returned back to Hawaii, I can never thank his parents for making feel a part of the "Dwyer" clan. My condolences to you all and I know he will continue to smile down each day from above...God bless.
Aloha,
Patrick Iona
Heidi Braund
June 9, 2013
This is a terrific tribute to Pat. Thanks for your wonderful words and in-site into Pat's life. All our love to the whole family! He has a loving living legacy. Heidi and Pat Sutherland
June 9, 2013
Into the Fire: Pat's life and journey through the ALS -- all your lives and journeys through the ALS -- did build us in all those ways: strength, faith, hope and love. Our prays for you all. Hugs from us both! Susan and Brian
Teresa Morrow
June 9, 2013
Jen, Brenna and Sean,
No words can make all the sadness go away, but know how much you and Pat are loved and kept in all my prayers. Pat was an amazing person who absolutely amazed me with his strength and spirit and you all were every bit as strong. You showed the true meaning of LOVE and Family and I thank you for letting me be a part of it. No more pain or fears.....just peace. Love you all!
Linda Oaksmith Gillen
June 9, 2013
Thinking of you and your family. Love to you.
JD Ward
June 9, 2013
"...the wind keeps blowing, and the sky keeps turning grey...the sun will set, the sun will rise another day..." - Eddie Vedder - No White Flags
Laura Ackerman
June 8, 2013
Jenny,
Brenna and Sean,
Sending my prayers and condolences on the passing of Pat. I hope you find some comfort in the love of God and family and friends.
Love,
June 8, 2013
Dear Jenny, Brenna & Sean,
We are so very sorry for your loss of Pat. He was truly a remarkable man, husband, father and friend. We can only hope you all find comfort from the cherished memories you all hold near and dear to each of your hearts. That through these and the love of family, friends and faith, you can be strengthened and encouraged as the days move ahead. Love You!
(an irish prayer & blessing).......
"May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be ever at your back
May the sun fall softly on your fields
And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand."
Love & Prayers,
Al & Lisa Stankowiak
Tom Krohn
June 8, 2013
May the Lord of life and love bring you peace. In Him
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