William McGinnis

November 29, 1947 - March 5, 2024

Holmes Beach, Florida - William Patrick "Pat" McGinnis, 76, passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Marian, by his side, on Anna Maria Island on March 5, 2024. Pat was born November 29, 1947, and raised in St. Louis, MO, to Margaret (Nee Cisne) and Dr. William Fitch McGinnis. Dr. McGinnis was the Chief of OB/GYN at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis. Patrick McGinnis considered either a career in medicine or business while in high school. He attended the University of Denver, where he earned a B.A. in political science and economics. He then earned his MBA in marketing from the Olin Business School at Washington University in 1972.

In 1972, Pat began his stellar 44-year career at Ralston Purina Company. He joined the company immediately after completing his MBA. Working his way through the corporate management training program moving through various management roles, finally becoming the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, retiring in 2017. Pat played an integral role throughout the Nestle acquisition process, and then led the integration of the Purina and Friskies organizations, often cited as one of the most successful in Nestle's history. Pat was instrumental in transforming this company into what it is today.

Pat served on numerous Boards including Trustee of Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri including the Steering Committee for the University of Missouri Athletic Department as well as performing a number of roles for youth related charities such as the March of Dimes. A professorship in the Olin Business School-The W. Patrick McGinnis Professor of Marketing-was established as a result of a gift to the school from Pat. He was a member of the Danforth Circle Chancellor's Level and a Life Patron of the William Greenleaf Eliot Society. Both the Olin School and the university have presented Pat with distinguished alumni awards.

He was an avid sports enthusiast and beloved his St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed fishing, golf, watching baseball, trips to the farm with the family, boating at the Lake of the Ozarks and walking the beautiful beaches on Anna Maria Island. Almost as important, his friends and his faith always came first.

He was an avid supporter of his community and always was willing to assist those in need. His loyalty and generosity are unprecedented. He leaves behind a broken-hearted family and community.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marian; two devoted sons, Patrick (Haley), David (Melissa); step-children, Karen (Dr. Adam Birk), Mason and Ellen; grandchildren, Liam, Mackenzie, Hunter, Hudson, Luke, Weston, and Beau; and doting son-in-law to Dolores R. Berra.

The family held a service on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton, FL. A Celebration of Life will be held in St. Louis, MO, at a later time. In Honor of Pat, donations may be made to the St. Louis Police Foundation (www.stlouispolicefoundation.org). Condolences may be sent to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.

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

Published by Bradenton Herald from Mar. 13 to Mar. 17, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William McGinnis

11 Entries

Bentley's Restaurant

April 30, 2024

Deepest sympathy from the entire staff at Bentley's Restaurant...He will be dearly missed.

Sandra Zeman

April 30, 2024

My thoughts go out to Marian and the family...I was so proud to have known him...What a wonderful man...he will be missed by all.

Karen Kuwahara

March 27, 2024

Deepest sympathy to the family on Pat's passing. He was here in Canada for just a few, short years in the 1980's, to turn around the pet food division of Ralston Purina Canada - and that he did, taking us from a distant #3 to market leadership. He often acknowledged it was "tough sledding", but we did it! We worked hard, but he made sure we had a lot of fun on the ride. Thank you Pat, for your leadership, support, and the memories. Pat leaves behind a lot of fans in Canada.

Carson Loveless

March 23, 2024

Condolences to his family and his friends

Susan Lansche Griesedieck and Carolyn Lansche Pearson

March 15, 2024

Our condolences to Pat´s family. Our dad, Ed Lansche, was a colleague and fishing buddy of Pat´s dad, Bill, and our families enjoyed many fun times at Lake of the Ozarks. Bill and Margaret were so proud of all Pat´s accomplishments.

Spiro Psara

March 14, 2024

A true gentleman, a kind heart. He will be missed.

Pam Brennan

March 14, 2024

My condolences to the family. Pat was a great leader. He truly cared about all of the employees at Purina. Pat treated everyone with kindness and respect. It didn't matter what your role was with the company, he was quick to say "Hi" and take a few minutes to chat. Pat was one of a kind and will be missed.

Anne and Doug Albrecht

March 13, 2024

Such a nice, smart, interesting man. So happy we knew him, but so sad to see him go.

TERRY BLOCK

March 13, 2024

SORRY TO HEAR OF PAT´S PASSING. MY SINCERE SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY. PAT WAS A FRIEND, BUSINESS ASSOCIATE, AND MY DIRECT BOSS FOR NEARLY 25 YEARS. HE EXPECTED PEOPLE TO MANAGE THEIR BUSINESS, WAS ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO LISTEN AND PROVIDE INSIGHTS AND VARYING POINTS OF VIEW. IN SHORT, PAT WAS A GREAT BOSS AND WILL BE MISSED. WE HAD A GREAT RUN TOGETHER AS DID ALL OF THE NESTLE PURINA FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU PAT.

Steve Remspecher

March 13, 2024

I worked at Purina during the same 40 years that Pat did. It was the last 20 years that Pat and I had our enter action. During this time I presented to Pat on various occasions where his leadership showed through to do what was right for Purina and his employees.

John and Lillian Hipplesmith

March 13, 2024

Marian, we are so terribly sorry for the passing of Pat. You are in our prayers. Please know that Pat had a very fulfilling life, and lived it to the fullest. You and your family are in our prayers.

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