Patrick Jean Fouche

Patrick Jean Fouche passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2025, at his home in Bonita Springs, Florida, his wife Sheila by his side. He was 75. Patrick was born in Vanves, France May 6, 1950 to Line and Louis Fouche. He lived and grew up in the family's ancestral home in Laroque des Alberes in the Pyrenees Mountains. And, part of his youthful years was spent in Ceret. From childhood Patrick loved and excelled in sports. Gifted in rugby, he played for Cote Vermeille. In Volleyball he played with the Toulouse University Club, First Division. He was an active swimmer, sailor and diver. CCM Sailing – he sailed with the French sailing team in the preparatory transat from Antibes to Toulon for the Atlantic transat for future Olympic sailors. He was champion for breast stroke and crawl for the Montpelier Academy-training for the Olympics Swimming Team. After obtaining his degree, Patrick continued his education in Montpelier at the Cadet de Liberte and then at Bellevue in Toulouse. He intended to follow in his father's footsteps and teach physical education. Though his grades were excellent, an unfortunate accident, resulting in a serious back injury made it impossible for him to continue those studies; he changed his focus to law and studied at the University in Nanterre and Perpignan. Summers were spent with his family in the Cote D'Azure and Patrick taught sailing. After university Patrick decided not to work in law, and chose to follow another of his passions--cuisine. A skilled chef, he opened a restaurant in Leucate, called the Ulyssee. He also joined his sister Martine, in opening a clothing boutique in Perpignan. Soon, though, Patrick again sought new horizons--traveling. He joined Club Med as Sports Director. From his initial post in Italy, his keen interest in exploring other cultures took him to Egypt, Romania, Tahiti (one of his favorites), the Caribbean Islands, the Bahamas, Santo Domingo, Morocco and the Maldives. While working in Morocco, Patrick met Sheila, a young girl from Chicago, also interested in exploring the world. Their friendship grew as they traveled, working together in countries around the world. Ten years (and a lot of traveling) later they married in Deux Alpes, France. Then, in 1994 they moved to Chicago. However, finding the winters far too cold, in 1997 they relocated to Bonita Springs, Florida Patrick achieved many accomplishments over the years. Two things he was most proud of was marrying his beautiful wife, Sheila. And, becoming a US citizen in 2004 and voting in his first U.S. Presidential election in November 2004. He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila, and his niece Chloe and her two daughters, Anna and Celeste. A funny, sensitive and gifted person, Patrick was always quick to smile, laugh and say hello, friendly to everyone he met. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Patrick's name to the charity of your choice, or your local Hospice. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.