I posted this on Facebook today. I love you, my friend. Godspeed and fair winds on the next leg of the journey.

CATSPAW - funny name, an online handle. I remember that time, in the early days of the Mudcat, and how I found him to be a funny, irreverent guy. I was just drawn to him, and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why. But he embraced the place, in those early days when it was full of fascinating people, great and small, many (we would discover as time went on) of whom were luminaries in the world of folk music. Then he got sick, went to the hospital, very nearly died. I remember starting a thread asking for whatever juju the folks believed in to help Spaw through. The magnificent Mudcatters responded with such an outpouring of love, well wishes, good thoughts, and prayers from around the world, that ole Spawzer and his wonderful wife Karen would remark later that they were sure it helped pull him through. As he recovered he became a central player in one of the most remarkable worldwide online folk communities ever. His irreverent wit, amazing intelligence, love for the history of all kinds of music,foul mouth, encyclopedic knowledge of an amazing number of subjects, love of his family, and genuine interest in the lives of people, made him one of the most popular Mudcatters ever. He was a founding member of Lane, Patterson, Fielding, and Swan, Layabouts at Large and for Hire, whose mission was to come to the rescue of those driven types so caught up in their careers that they had no time for relaxing. For a small or large fee, we would come to your house, lay on your couch, drink your beer, and watch sports for you while you are busy chasing the golden ring.

In short, Catspaw has been a helluva buddy, a wonderful friend, and a great Dad and husband. He was one of those special people that made those golden days of Mudcat so special. Spaw has been battling various ailments for a long time now, and the love of his life, Karen, has been there at his side through thick and thin. I received word today that his kidneys are failing and the decision has been made to let my friend go on his way. I will miss him terribly. We only spoke occasionally, life and all that getting in the way, but I want the world to know that I love this man, and have been inspired by his struggle, his family, and his take on life. I want you to know that I have learned much about music, instruments and wrenching on motors from him. But most of all, I learned to look at the world in a real way, spread truth, and call out ignorance in a straightforward and unvarnished way. You have been a big force in my life, Pat Spaw Patterson. I will see you on the other side, bro. Karen and boys, I am so sorry for your loss, and inspired by your bravery in letting him go. I never once spoke to him that he didn't speak of his love and devotion for you.