Patrick Thomas "HEA Patrick" O'Guinn

1976 - 2025

Longtime Alaskan and Kenai resident Patrick Thomas O'Guinn, a.k.a. HEA Patrick, 48, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at Central Peninsula Hospital.

A celebration of his life will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Peninsula Grace Church, 44175 K-Beach Rd.  Chaplain Frank Alioto will officiate.  He was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Soldotna Community Memorial Park.

Patrick was born Aug. 24, 1976, in Grass Valley, Calif. to George and Shelley O'Guinn. He was born with cerebral palsy because of birth complications, so he struggled with limitations his whole life, but that never held him back.

The family moved to Soldotna in Aug. 1980, and Patrick attended school in Soldotna from pre-school through high school.  He worked for Safeway, Soldotna Police Department, Homer Electric Association, and for the past 18 plus years he worked at the Duck Inn.

His family wrote, "In 2023, Patrick was diagnosed with testicular cancer and battled it for over 2 years, overcoming many obstacles. He was courageous, brave and survived with dignity and awesomeness. Through all the challenges and obstacles he faced, Patrick accomplished amazing things and with his positivity never gave up.

Patrick's interests included earthquakes and a super love for H.E.A. since he was very young. He loved reading the newspaper and he unconditionally loved people. His ability to love everyone at such a young age and with such passion was a precious gift. He was an encourager, gave hugs often and never failed to take the opportunity to tell someone that they were "doing awesome" and he was awesome with a smile on his face.

His days were spent working at the Duck Inn from Mon-Fri. since 2007. He was awarded Most Valuable Employee for his positivity, hard work and the sunshine he brought into the workplace. He also enjoyed his time spent at AmVets getting ice and spent weekends relaxing with his family and going to our local movie theater. His Aunt Cindy spent every day with Patrick, but she was more than an aunt or caregiver for him. They had a special bond from the beginning for his entire life and they spoke each other's language.

He will be hugely missed by everyone who was blessed to know him. He was awesome!"
Patrick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Lousie O'Guinn, Harold Johnson and Virginia Donohoe.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Shelley O'Guinn; father, George O'Guinn; brothers and sister-in-law, Eric and Lisa O'Guinn, Tyson O'Guinn and Chris O'Guinn; niece and nephews, Bella, Ericson, Easton and Everest; and his dear Aunt Cindy.  He is also fondly remembered by many other aunts, uncles and cousins across Alaska, Idaho and Washington.

A scholarship fund is being set up in Patrick's name.  Please contact Shelley O'Guinn at (907) 252-5085 for details.

Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.