Patrick Owen McCarthy

1-year anniversary of Patrick's passing

Patrick Owen McCarthy, born on September 30, 1935, and a lifelong resident of Eagan, Minnesota, passed away on April 21, 2023, at the age of 87.

Patrick (far left in photo), the son of Michael and Rose McCarthy, grew up on the McCarthy Family farm alongside his three older brothers (from far right to left in photo), Eugene, Thomas, and James. His life was defined by an unwavering commitment to the land that had been a cornerstone of the McCarthy family for four generations.

Patrick was a man of true grit, dedicating his entire existence to the family farm. His tenacity and stubborn nature were evident in his occasional disagreements with local government, most notably his opposition to the use of eminent domain to claim a portion of the farm for the construction of Glacier Hills Elementary School. This dispute bothered him through the years, and yet Patrick persevered, standing as an on-going stalwart defender of his family's agricultural legacy.

In an effort to secure the future of the farm, Patrick worked with Dakota County to protect a significant portion of the farm at a time when Dakota County's Farmland and Natural Areas Program was in its infancy. In parallel with this initiative, he protected 29 acres of the property north of Wescott Road by placing a conservation easement on it, ensuring the permanent preservation of this land. Patrick's commitment to conservation demonstrated his dedicated character, combining his determination with a profound love for the land.

In more recent years, Patrick fostered a mutually beneficial relationship with the local Hmong community, recognizing the shared agrarian roots between them. Much like the McCarthys, the Hmong were a family-focused agrarian people, and Patrick found joy in renting out much of his farm to them. This collaboration provided the Hmong community with tillable farmland in the midst of a Twin Cities suburb, creating a bond that transcended cultural differences.

Beyond the fields and negotiations, Patrick's soft side shone through in his endearing affection for children. Welcoming them onto the farm, he at times allowed them to participate in the chores of feeding pigs and cows. This gesture not only bridged generational divides but also added a touch of warmth to Patrick's character, revealing a man who was happy to foster connections with the younger generation.

As Eagan mourns the passing of Patrick Owen McCarthy, the community remembers him not just as a farmer but as a guardian of the land, a resilient spirit, and a bridge-builder between cultures. His legacy lives on in the fields he tended, the acres he preserved, and the relationships he nurtured, embodying the enduring spirit of a man who found purpose, fulfillment, and love in the soil beneath his feet.

A dedication ceremony will be held for the unveiling of Patrick's gravestone at St. Peter's Historic Cemetery in Mendota at the end of May. Details will be published in advance.

McCarthy Family Habitat Forever Foundation, Jack G. Conrad, Secretary