Patrick Bruce "Pat" Lappin

1950 - 2021

Patrick "Pat" Bruce Lappin

Patrick "Pat" Bruce Lappin passed on March 19, 2021 after a brave battle with cancer. Pat was born in Caro, MI in 1950. He spent most of his schooling years in Parchment, MI, and at Michigan State University.

His early years traveling, exploring, and camping throughout the western United States with his family influenced his love and respect of nature. Pat participated in Boy Scouts and ultimately earned his Eagle Scout.

Patrick married his high school sweetheart while they were still undergraduates - Pat at Michigan State University and Robin at University of Michigan. Michiganders know this was not an easy match up. Although it took many years, Pat finally persuaded Robin to cheer for the Spartans - Go Green!

After graduation from veterinary school, Pat and Robin left Michigan for Richmond, VA to begin his first year in small animal practice. Pat also practiced small animal medicine in Schaumburg, IL and Rockford, MI before he returned to MSU to study pathology. After passing board examinations for the American College of Veterinary Pathologists on the first try, he continued his studies at MSU. He earned a PhD in Pathology - Environmental Toxicology in 1997.

After earning his PhD, Pat traveled to Reno to interview for a veterinary pathologist position at Sierra Biomedical (now Charles River Laboratories). Never having been to Reno, Robin was not excited about the prospect of moving to The Biggest Little City. Pat called Robin the night after his interview and said, "I don't know about Reno, but I do know I want to work with these people!" Pat enjoyed running, bicycling, skiing, hiking, kayaking, sailing, snowshoeing under the full moon, and many dinner/wine tasting parties with all the very good friends he and Robin made in Reno.

In 1998, Pat ran the first Rock & Roll San Diego Marathon which was also his first marathon. About nine years later, Pat moved to Carlsbad, CA to work for Pfizer in the oncology group as the Senior Director of Investigative Pathology, La Jolla. While there, he became a serious bicyclist, riding his bike to and from work (42 miles) along scenic Highway 101. In 2013, Pat rode in the inaugural Pedal the Cause, raising money for cancer research.

Following Pat's retirement from Pfizer in 2016, after spending those years in beautiful San Diego, Pat and Robin chose to return to Reno so they could be a daily part of their grandchildren's lives.

Pat loved the outdoors and observing nature. Throughout 2020, as the ability to travel far and wide was limited, Pat and Robin walked or biked around the Damonte Ranch wetlands in South Reno nearly every day. Pat could often be found carrying his binoculars, bird book, and camera. He noted the behaviors and patterns of the waterbirds, identified nests and watched as the young ventured out. Pat could always pause to take in the natural world.

Family was the most important thing in his life. He was an incredible father and grandfather. He wholeheartedly poured himself into the varied interests and activities of his children. Sporting t- shirts and sweatshirts, buttons and hats emblazoned with Special Olympics, Northwestern University Marching Band, and so many others, Pat beamed with pride for his children. Pat would be studying for pathology boards until the house lights came down before their plays and concerts in high school, but he was there! He shared his love of nature, biking, hiking, crossword puzzles, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, tide pools and beaches along the Pacific Ocean, oatmeal pancakes with Vermont maple syrup, and big vocabulary words with his grandchildren.

Pat was preceded in death by his father, Richard John Lappin, mother, Kathryn Irene Lappin, brother, Kevin Arthur Lappin, and granddaughter, Natalie Santti. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Robin Eloise Lappin, his son Christopher, his daughter Katharine (Kyle) Santti and grandchildren Oscar, Kaisa, and Dax, all of Reno, NV. Pat is also survived by his brothers Michael Alan Lappin (Fran) of Buzzard's Bay, MA, Scott Morgan Lappin of Christchurch, NZ, and sister Terri Kay Collins of Auburn, MA.

Pat was deeply loved. A celebration of his life will be held in June.

Please consider contributing to the Dr. Patrick Lappin Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund for Future Veterinary Pathologists at Michigan State University to honor his memory (https://givingto.msu.edu, click "give now" and type "Lappin" in the Areas to Support).