Patrick Dowling

Patrick Dowling
March 1, 1949 - May 7, 2022
Myrtle Beach , South Carolina - The best way to remember Pat's life is through his words. He can be remembered through the love poems he wrote for his wife. He can be remembered through the news stories and speeches he contributed to the communities along the Grand Strand. He can be remembered through the songs he sang, the letters he wrote, the books he authored, and the jokes he told.
Pat earned a B.A. from Fordham University in Communication Arts and Journalism. He moved to Portland, Maine and started two publishing houses in his twenties: Media House, Inc. and Timothy & Co. He wrote and published stories of all kinds, from a satirical guide to streaking to a history of a local lumber company. He wrote songs, he wrote poems, and when he moved to the South, he wrote words that told the stories of life and government in the Carolinas.
His professional life was spent at the Southport, South Brunswick Islands, and Myrtle Beach Chambers of Commerce; the City of Myrtle Beach; Burroughs and Chapin Company; and the City of North Myrtle Beach. His personal life was spent with his wife of 14 years, Debbie Dowling, and his children, Mary and Michael Bordonaro, who he adopted in 2011. He is survived by his wife and children, along with his siblings, Bill Dowling, Barbara Dowling, Maggie Wells, and John Sweeney, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Pat's life was filled with words, books, songs, and fun, and it is his family's hope that he is remembered by the following words, which he said near the end of his life: "Live for today. Build something. Be happy. Nothing else really matters."
If you knew Pat, and you want to celebrate his life, his family is hosting a memorial service at 502 Rainbow Dr. in Murrell's Inlet on July 9, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. There will be a brief message from a pastor, a eulogy, and a moment of quiet reflection, and then Pat's friends and loved ones are welcome to share their thoughts or their favorite memories of Pat. Guests don't need to wear black or wear formal attire.