PAT DALY

1943 - 2021

Pat Daly  
Passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021 after a two-year battle with cancer. Born on March 6, 1943, in Portland, Oregon, he attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School and Central Catholic High School. Pat enrolled in the University of Portland where he was active in Air Force ROTC and Sigma Tau Omega, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1965. He joined the Air Force, attended pilot training, and flew B-52s for the first part of his Air Force career. Pat was a command pilot with over 5,000 hours. Deploying for multiple tours of duty during the Vietnam war, he flew over 2,300 combat hours and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses. After moving to the Pentagon in 1979, Pat became involved in counterterrorism policy. He continued that work as the Air Force representative on the Vice President's Task Force on Combatting Terrorism followed by a tour as the Senior Military Advisor to the Ambassador at Large for Counterterrorism, Department of State. After retiring as a Colonel from the Air Force in 1992, Pat held senior counterterrorism and security positions at the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration. He retired from Federal Service in 2012 and remained active as a counterterrorism policy consultant and expert until his death.  However, Pat was best known for the mark he made on those around him. With his wit, charm, and gregarious nature, Pat brought people together, lightened the mood, and became known for daring hijinks and antics that inspired storytelling for years to come. He was best known as "Irish," "Sluggo," and "Paddy." More recently, he was affectionately called "GrandPat" by his adoring four grandchildren.  Pat is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 32 years, Cheryl; his two sons and their families: Brian and Kelley of Lafayette, California, and their children-Evan (16) and Rowen (15); Michael and Sara of Corvallis, Oregon and their children-Ben (10) and Ella (8); and three siblings - Monie Wardley, Jeannie Peterson, and Peter Daly of Portland, Oregon. He was preceded in death by three brothers - Tommy, Matthew, and Tim. Pat will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.