L. Patrick Stinson

Lester Patrick Stinson, Pat or Pasha to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on March 10 surrounded by his wife and family, just a week shy of his 81st birthday. Pat lived and died on his own terms, fiercely independent and always forging his own path. He was an engineer and an artist, seamlessly blending structure and beauty in his work. He had a profound appreciation for art, nature, and travel, Pat's journey through life was marked by his deep love for the native cultures of the Northwest, Hawaii, and the Southwest. His passion for these lands and their people enriched his spirit and inspired those around him.

Pat was the keystone of his family, giving advice when asked and encouragement when needed. Pat cherished his wife, Cathy, with whom he spent nearly 33 joyous years. Together they built a beautiful home, both figuratively and literally, having built two houses in Portland and McMinnville that reflected their shared love of nature, art, and calming minimalism. Their blended family was a source of immense pride for Pat, and he was an incredible father to five children and a loving Pasha to ten grandchildren. He encouraged his children to find their own place in the world, work hard, and enjoy their lives, always supporting them on their journeys. Pat found great joy in doing art projects and activities with his grandkids, including helping them polish stones and create sculptures of their own. As an avid and superb cook, Pat loved to gather his loved ones in the kitchen, creating meals and memories.

He was the eldest of seven children born to Les and Rosie Stinson and grew up in Medford, Oregon. Pat put himself through Oregon State University studying civil engineering by holding down jobs in logging and construction in Oregon, California, and Alaska.

At 40, Pat created Alpine Engineering, realizing a long time dream of having his own business. While working as a subcontractor for Kiewit Northwest on a concrete paving job, his skill and expertise in concrete paving prompted them to make a job offer too good to turn down. He became a sponsor of concrete paving both nationally and internationally, as well as a consultant for difficult and challenging concrete projects. In 1993, he was transferred to Hawaii to manage projects in Hawaii and the Pacific region. When he became Vice President of Operations, his focus was divided between building work and hiring and training young engineers to become leaders for the next generation.

Pat loved Hawaii and was more at home in the water than on the land. He enjoyed learning about Hawaiian culture and learning how to carve Koa wood, native to Hawaii.

Pat's creative spirit found its true expression in a remarkable second career as a stone sculptor. Upon retiring from Kiewit, Pat and Cathy moved to Bainbridge Island, WA, where he embarked on a second career as an artist. His knowledge and love of concrete, rocks and geology shifted from construction to a passion for sculpting large natural stone sculptures. His work was exhibited and celebrated at symposiums around the globe, and many of his public art pieces can still be seen in the Pacific Northwest, Europe, and New Zealand.

Pat was known for his strength of character, unwavering work ethic, and love of life. He showed strength in everything he did and displayed incredible courage to the end. His legacy is one of creativity, integrity, and an unyielding passion for the world around him. He touched the lives of many, leaving behind a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy; his siblings, Mike, Dan, Tammy, Mindy, and Shawn; his children, Garth, Josh, Karianne, Kirsten, and Summer; and his ten grandchildren, Levi, Jack, Carson, Cody, Lucy, Asher, Sam, Lyla, CJ, and Kathryn. He is preceded in death by his father, Les, his mother, Rosie, and his sister, Lynette. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he enriched. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.