Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 10:15 PM

I never met him? Funny. I could swear I had. He made himself known to all of us, this eloquent, profane, loving and tender sweetheart of a man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 10:14 PM

Pat wrote this in Sandy Paton's Obit thread:

I will never forget a line he wrote back in '99 when I was extremely ill. He, like so many others, rallied round and it surprised everyone I think at what a place Mudcat was becoming. He wrote, "My God, I've tears in my eyes for a man I've never met. This is what is meant by "community."

Indeed. And today my eyes are filled with tears as well.

I know that feeling. I miss that feeling of community, but whenever something happens to make us try to find it, it's still right here.

Because Spaw liked Pat Sky, and because the song is beautiful:

Of all these things, you can be sure,
Only love will endure

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: frogprince
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 10:02 PM

All the craziness...all the aching from laughter...and there has never in my life been any other person, whom I've known only by words from a distance, who has done so much to hold me up from despair in the roughest moments of my life. I give thanks that he was with us, and with all my heart wish comfort and peace to Karen and the family.

                Dean Elkins

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Severn
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:57 PM

My thoughts go out to the family and to all who are directly affected by his death. He was an important part of our online community and a household name around The Cay. He will be greatly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: ranger1
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:51 PM

I have no words right now, just tears.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:49 PM

I saw this sad news first on the Jane's Rainbow thread. I commented there. I can only add that I, too, will miss Spaw. Also, I'm staying out of the tavern at least for now. It's not good for me to drink when I've just heard bad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: Mrrzy
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:46 PM

Bye Spaw, I will try not to smell the clouds!

Love to your family and friends,

-Mrr

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: Little Hawk
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:43 PM

Adios, Pat. It was fun knowing you. I hope you find some pleasant surprises on the other side.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Elmore
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:32 PM

RIP Spaw.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Fortunato
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:31 PM

Thanks to Dave Swan for posting on the Facebook the news that 'spaw has "shuffle[d] off this mortal coil". Thus I knew to return here to the Mudcat to join this thread.

For many years I enjoyed the posts that Pat made. I enjoyed his irreverence and his wit.

No doubt there will be other threads of tribute and remembrance, and I'll return in hopes of seeing those. In the meantime, 'spaw was a significant part of this world of thought, and part of my consciousness.

Chance Shiver

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:29 PM

first tears then laughter when I re-read some some of Spaw's 29363 posts

here's his first post dated 23 Dec 98 and here's his second where he introduced himself & Karen "Well, you just sorta' er,uh ... well kinda'...uh,see,uh..."

goodbye friend

love to Karen & family

sandra (crying again)

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST,Dharmabum
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:26 PM

Happy Trails.
Goodnight Spaw.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST,open mike
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:24 PM

As happens in our nuclear families, the passing of one of our members brings us together. Let us celebrate life...thank you Spaw for being there for us all through the years. Blessings to Karen at this difficult time. The suffering is over.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:16 PM

:(   Peace to you Spaw.....and multitudes of love for you and your family.

Michelle

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:05 PM

Just heard. My heart goes out to Karen and family and all who knew this wonderful, gracious, generous, kind and always funny in his own way, man. He will live forever in my heart and in the hearts of many.

I love you, Spaw.

gnightgnu

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:03 PM

Alison, I'm feeling the same way- we're back together again like the old days, singing songs, holding each other, telling stories about the old fart- we'll likely go our separate ways again but we'll all have a little piece of him with us.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Stewie
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:48 PM

Such sad news. Vale Pat.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Little Robyn
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:45 PM

Lovely song Amos.
Go in peace Spaw.
Love
Robyn

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Janie
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:43 PM

Karen. all that {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} carry.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: bassen
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:32 PM

So, so sad but so much goodness and laughter to remember.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:28 PM

What KT wrote...
I took too long writing my last post.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST,Alison
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:27 PM

Isn't it amazing that we all came back to this thread, some of us who haven't visited mudcat for years. We still feel that community and the love of our mudcat friends around the world. I too saw Micks message in Facebook & I am posting my response here as well.

I'm sitting here in Australia with tears pouring down my cheeks for a man I never met, who I have considered a friend since the early days of mudcat. I remember those candles lit all around the world, and all the healing energy and prayers when we thought we were going to lose 'spaw the first time. Mick your words were perfect as usual, thanks for writing them. To Karen and the boys, I am so sorry for your loss, we will all miss him.

Slainte

Alison

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Amergin
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:23 PM

Thank you, KT....


Rest easy, Pat...sleep well.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:23 PM

Janie, thanks.

I think we all would like more news, but it may not come quickly. I'm appreciating the time lag to live in denial for a bit. I think Pat is/was ready, but I'm pretty sure most of the rest of us aren't.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: bbc
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:22 PM

A reunion with Sandy Paton, Barry Finn, & Rick Fielding would be grand! Hope the party is on. We'll miss you dearly, my friend!

Love,

Beebs

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:22 PM

Goodbye, Spaw. The world will be a little less joyful without you.

Dan

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: KT
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:20 PM

Mudcat friends, I've just received this message from Karen, who asked me to share it with you.

" Pat left us about 5pm.   I want everyone at mudcat to know how much they enriched his life. I am hoping he is out there tonight cavorting with mudcatters that have gone before him."

We'll hear more from Karen when she's able.

love,
KT

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST,Dharmabum
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:09 PM

That's one helluva footprint you made here Pat.
One helluva footprint.

DB.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Bert
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 07:57 PM

I wrote this when I lost Lou. I am sharing it for you Karen.


Your life's hard work is over
all the storms have left the sky
the sun sets in the mountains
and its time to say goodbye

you have been my own true lover
the time has come I know
you'll be part of me forever
though I have to let you go

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: bbc
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 07:44 PM

Just saw Mick's post on Facebook & rushed here. Devastating news! Pat was a man we came to love, even though most of us never met him, face to face. He lived large & well. I am proud to have known him & grieve his loss. Karen, my love to you & your sons!

Beebs

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 07:03 PM

It would be a good idea to wait until there is some confirmation that he's passed before starting an Obit thread. Unless I missed something?

What I wrote a couple minutes ago on Facebook:

I wound up at Mudcat because of Pat. I read the thread about his current-at-the-time health crisis, and I could feel the love of community wash over me. Then Barry Finn and Sandy Paton encouraged me to join, so I did, and now, THEY'RE gone.
The last time I heard from Pat, he told me he knew he wasn't going to last very long, but the time when he wasn't going through chemo or recovering from it was good. Worth it for his family. Love is what really matters, anyway.

Everybody wants more time.

I wouldn't mind being able to go back to those days once in a while.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Janie
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 07:03 PM

did not see the mudelf post before I posted. Says it all. Feel free to delete my post as extraneous.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Janie
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:52 PM

Guest, what we know is what I posted from Karen's message to me, and my role is that of messenger. Karen, darling Karen, has simply communicated to me as a conduit to Mudcat.

We do not know if Pat has transitioned to death yet or not. Many different beliefs here regarding that process, but consensus, in general, that until we know, we wait, watch, and care.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: MMario
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:42 PM

I just started a tavern thread....and no; he will always be one of a kind.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:35 PM

Very sad indeed. I can not really add to what has been said already but I just wanted to say I will miss him too. He had not been here for a while but we communicated once or twice on Facebook and I remember having a laugh with him about Spaw Cottage. I will make sure I pass by there again soon and raise a glass in his honour.

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:27 PM

So, is no member starting an Obit thread? Catspaw49 is GONE and no one will ever replace him...please don;t leave his Obit to a guest like me...come ON, Members!!

---

In good time. Let the man die peacefully first. --mudelf

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:21 PM

Another one who never met him IRL, but who's enjoyed enormously his posts here. Sometimes I was near to tears through laughing at them. Very sad news.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:17 PM

This is devastating news...need time to find the words I want to say...Karen, Ann & I send our love & sincere condolences...much more to say, but can't think straight...will try again tomorrow,
               With Love & aching hearts,
                                                       Nigel & Ann Paterson
                                                       xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Noreen
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:14 PM

One of the kindest, funniest people I have ever known, though never met. I will miss you so much, Pat. Love you. Xxx

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST,MCP
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:14 PM

Just saw this on f/b. I never met Spaw but like many others enjoyed his often funny, often provoking, often just plain strange posts. So sorry to hear this.

Thinking of you tonight.
Mick and Rhiannon (ZM)

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:12 PM

There are never words at a time such as this, even for a pedantic pain in the ass such as I, but he knows he has been a high point in my life. Usually, people who begin from day one with insults don't make it beyond that point, but, you did, my friend. The only regret I have is that I never met you. Rest easy, Mate.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 06:07 PM

It is with very fond memories of the time Sam Pirt, Ian Stevenson and myself spent a summer evening with Spaw and his family singing and playing and eating and rembering. I always thought that someday we'd meet up again but sadly than will now never happen. R.I.P. Spaw
Bill Sables

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 05:55 PM

I am so very sorry to read this. He brightened up the days of many people all over the world who weren't lucky enough to be able to meet him in person. His net presence was larger than life, as the man himself was. And remains.

My deepest condolences (what an inadequate word that is) to Karen and the rest of his family.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST,LTS on an android
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 05:46 PM

Can't get my head round this... it's been a crappy week. My mother is doing the very same thing in New Zealand, but that news hasn't struck so deeply as this.

Karen, there are no words....

LTS

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: MartinRyan
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 05:46 PM

Good to see old friends return to pay tribute.

Regards

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 05:46 PM

The long-vanished Green Goddess, Aine, wrote this song for Spaw many years ago, and asked me to put it to music.

It's in His Heart.

Spaw liked it, and it captures a small part of what we felt for Pat.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 05:36 PM

Old f*****g bastard. Foul mouthed c**t. Genius. Who's going to look after the novice nuns now?

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Lox
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 05:32 PM

Hi folks,

Haven't been here for a long time, but this seems like the appropriate moment to drop in.

I always liked Spaw.

Lox.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 05:27 PM

Oh, Goddamit to hell.

The deepest heart and the widest grin and the brightest wit in all of Mudcatland, and an honest friend. He was the bright light that drew me in to this motley landscape and the best voice in all the chorus that kept me coming back over the years.

NOW what are we gonna do? No-one else can even pronounce jadrool broke-dick mammalucca correctly. There's never been a broader reach or a deeper vision or a funnier rap in all our millions.

I can only hope that when he comes back--oh, I am sure he will have to after all that wicked karma mechanics -- that he retains all his inimitable vocabulary, his wicked sensa yewma, his brightness of eye and the wicked glint in his eye, and the unending enthusiasm and affection for life in all its forms (except for jadrools).

Bless you, auld Pat. You are one of a kind. May the wind always be at your back, and may you be forever young. I love you.

Subject: RE: Spaw needs all mojo we can muster - update :(
From: Dave Swan
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 05:24 PM

This from Karen last night.

"I swear I don't know what to tell you. He was improving some and today he seems to be backsliding some"

I have no smartassed Pat-style reply to this.

Only sending love to Karen, the boys, and all of us who are left missing him so much.

Of course, Brother Lane said it well. What a huge hole Pat Leaves, and what a great friend he was.