Patricia Blau (Patty to all who knew and loved her) passed away peacefully on September 17, 2019 after the long goodbye of early onset Alzheimer's Disease. Patty was much beloved by those who knew and worked with her and is terribly missed. Patty was born in Winnetka, Illinois on August 16, 1955 and raised in the Chicago suburbs. She attended Syracuse University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art. Throughout her life she was a superb, prolific artist, excelling in painting, drawing and ceramics.

In 1979, Patty moved to San Francisco to seek a career. She landed at LucasFilm Ltd. managing the reception desk at Industrial Light & Magic during the production of "The Empire Strikes Back." During her interview, she was asked if she was comfortable answering the phone for movie stars and other "important people". She said she was, and the rest, as they say, is history. Patty's wit and intelligence quickly led her into the model shop where she coordinated the massive undertaking of modeling creatures for "Return of the Jedi." Patty continued her climb up the ILM ladder as she produced visual effects for "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," "Back to the Future III," and "The Rocketeer." Patty continued her climb as she became Head of Production and eventually, Vice President of Animation Development. Hers was an illustrious career spanning 23 years.

In 2003 Patty retired and returned to her creative roots as a painter and sculptor, painting every day from 9 to 5. During this time, she also found a calling with companion birds and fostering. She became a devoted volunteer with Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue, and often had a dozen birds or so gracing her home. Patty was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease in 2015. She continued to sculpt and create beautiful ceramics until the disease finally left her unable to manage tactile functions. During this time, she was lovingly cared for by her long-time companion Bob Elkjer, her friends, and loving caregiver professionals. Patty is survived by Bob, her mother Marion, sister Meg, brother Dave, sister-in-law Sharon, nephews Christopher and Parker and niece Emily.

Patty approached her disease as she did everything else, with determination and grace. Patty had a darkly humorous, yet whimsical nature. She loved animals, the great outdoors, art, books, movies, travel and, above all, her friends and family. She had a brilliant mind, an unrelenting curiosity, a wicked sense of humor, and she wanted to make the world a better place. Patty was a pioneer for women in the visual effects industry and an inspiration to all who knew her. She was charitable and kind. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, November 2nd. Time and venue details will be found on social media and through the Visual Effects Society. In the spirit of her generosity, Patty would want any expressions of love and gratitude to be directed to Hospice by the Bay or Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 25 to Sep. 29, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Blau

8 Entries

Sergio A Lobato

October 10, 2024

Wow! I´m so sorry to hear Patty passed in 2019! I loved her meat sculptures. What a sad loss.

Renee Jeffrey

June 16, 2020

Patty was good friends for many years with my mother- Roberta Jeffrey. My mom was in awe of her art and the two traveled together on at least one occasion. The two of them met around 1995, after my dad (Roberta's husband) and Patty's husband had died (they were in a group together) and we friends for many years. My mom too has dementia and developed symptoms around 2015. She really respected and enjoyed Patty and her company. My mom would be sad to know of her passing, and I am too (though we never met) as she was a friend of my beloved mother. RIP Patty #ENDALZ

Pamela Gilbert-Snyder

February 19, 2020

I was very sorry to hear this news, some months after Patty's passing. My heart goes out to Bob and Marion, and to all who knew her.

Brendan Reitz

February 11, 2020

I was watching the Oscars Sunday night and they presented a list of people who had passed in the previous year. The name Patricia Blau appeared and I thought I know that name! and a quick check online confirmed it.
Although I don't recall formally meeting Patty, my brother and I were both extras on the movie Ewoks: the Battle for Endor during the Summer of 1985 and, as mentioned above, she was one of the 2nd unit directors.
It was a great experience and Patty's name was one of many I often looked for in the credits of the Star Wars movies that followed over the years.
My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Regards,
Brendan Reitz

Lori McAdams

September 26, 2019

When I met Patty in 1992 I'd already been working for Lucasfilm for almost a decade. Until then, I hadn't had much opportunity to interact with the ILM team, but after Jim Morris became the General Manager of Lucas Digital, he invited me to join the weekly ILM Sr. Staff meeting. I was thrilled to be part of the organization and at the same time, somewhat intimidated by those around me. Patty became not only a trusted colleague but a mentor even though she was only a few years older than me. I remember watching her handily ask questions, push back, offer ideas and lead in those meetings and within the studio. As a rare woman in leadership, it was refreshing and inspirational. I'll never forget one meeting where Jim and Marty Shindler were impressing upon her the importance of getting a number of bids out within a day or two (not quite mansplaining, but close.) I was so impressed when she astutely pointed out that she was one person and that they must prioritize or help, as it wasn't possible to do everything at once. It had never occurred to me that I could respectfully push back and manage others' expectations when something was so important, especially when it's the boss talking. I've carried that one lesson and many others learned from Patty with me in the many years since I left Lucas Digital. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know and work with her, and I send good thoughts and sympathies to her family and friends.

Ruthie Huggler

September 25, 2019

We became housemates in 1976. You don't really know a person until you've had to share a bathroom, or tried 25 different ways of making macaroni salad with them. When Patty graduated, we continued our friendship through letters and phone calls, before email allowed us more spontaneity. She shared her excitement as she grew into her job at ILM; though modest about her accomplishments, she felt her art had been paused, and that was important for her to express. She wrote about spending Steve's last days painting with him; I hope that that is where she is now. She was a true friend, a good listener, and a nudger when needed. There were surprises like the overnight delivery of a box of fresh avocados after I'd bemoaned the lack of decent ones in our store on the East coast. But then the letters dwindled, the annual cards stopped. This last part of her journey must have been hard for those of you she was closest to. Hugs to you all; may you find comfort in the stories from the many people who also loved Patty. ❤

John Krajewski

September 25, 2019

Patty was second unit director on the second Ewok movie - Battle for Endor. They were going to film the big battle scene in Roy's Redwoods. Since there was going to be a lot of pyro which meant possible fire and safety issues, Patty requested a fire engine with a fireman who was also first aid certified. Tom sent me and our ancient pick up truck refitted engine to go. It was midsummer and to temperature was near 100. All day charges were set for the battle to start about 3:00. Around 1:30, Patty, seeing that most folks were wilting, dispatched one of her PAs. Shorty after 2:00, the PA returned with kegs of A&W root beer and several gallons of vanilla ice cream. Everyone perked up and the rest of the shoot went on with no hitches. People went and thanked Patty. She didn't say much but smiled the rest of the day.

I saw Patty at the 40th Star Wars Reunion and got to see some of her wonderful artwork. I was inspired to write something to remember all those we worked with that had passed away.

Did you feel that wind?
It's not just any wind

Some winds come from off the sea
Some howl through the mountains
Some wend their way deep in the canyons
All fade and disappear

But not this wind

Did you feel that wind?
A wind born many years ago
A wind of forty years of dreams,
Adventures and A New Hope

Did you feel that wind?
It's the wind of friends
Their chairs now empty on the stage
They've worked their final shot
Heaven's credits roll with all their names
They will never be forgot

Did you feel that wind?
It's the Force that lives within our hearts
A wind that blows forever

Epilogue for Patty, Dan Howard, Tom Forster, John Boyd, Pat Webb and all our friends who have passed but will never be forgotten.)

Another soul is in the wind
As from this world departs
The memories like dried leaves float
Within our minds and hearts

And that wind keeps blowing through the years
And never will it end
Sunset's tears have let us know
It's found another friend