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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Janie
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 08:43 PM

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: GUEST,Dharmabum
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:26 PM

Happy Trails.
Goodnight Spaw.

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: 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: Elmore
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:32 PM

RIP Spaw.

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: 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: 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: ranger1
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 09:51 PM

I have no words right now, just tears.

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: 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: 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: 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: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 10:19 PM

Too much loss this week.

Oh, Karen!

I'm sorry, I just can't say anything else right now.

My heart is with you...

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: GUEST,open mike
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 10:24 PM

Good bye to our dear Patrick "SPAW" Patterson and
love and hugs and best wishes to Karen and the boys,
Tristan and Michael .

That song posted earlier "It's In His Heart" is a great tribute.

SPAW has inspired many and his insight and humor has uplifted us
here for many years. As one of the founding members of Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan---Layabouts At Large and For Hire, he has clocked many hour of diligent service to all.

He has brought to life a whole cast of characters including Cletus the
possum and others...I hope they will continue to make appearances here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: Rex
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 10:35 PM

This forum was the first online community I ever joined. When did it start? I have since joined two others. From the beginning there were some of our members that became the foundation of this forum. Kat was one. Catspaw another. But I always saw Catspaw as something more. Sometimes a jester, sometimes a referee. In any case this forum will always reflect some of his ways. Happy trails Spaw, may we all meet again.

Rex

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: MBSGeorge
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 10:44 PM

Condolences to the family. A lovely man. RIP Catspaw.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:00 PM

One of the treasured 2 hours of my life was meeting Pat & Karen & Tristian when they made the time to drive up and meet Rita & myself on the edge of Columbus for lunch as we were heading home from St. Louis. We laughed and compared notes and **shared** as much as we could in that precious little window of reality. Pat's love for Karen & his boys was just as clear as he, himself, showed for all these years in his writings.

I had asked Pat to do me a favor if *I* happened to die, and he laughingly agreed. Now it seems I shall have to scheme in some other way... (It's ok Spaw...I'll manage)

I swore I'd get this sent before allowing the tears to blur my vision--- didn't quite make it.

'bye, guy.....

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: Rosebrook
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:03 PM

My heartfelt condolences to Karen and the rest of Pat's family. Spaw certainly made an incredible imprint on so many, many folks here in the mudcat community. Comfort to us all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: olddude
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:16 PM

Can't tell you how much he meant to me he would always call he and Karen would make me laugh when I was down. Pat was my friend I will miss him more than I can say
Thank you pat for being such a good friend to me. I love you my brother I love you Karen and kids I will never forget

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: Micca
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:17 PM

I thought I posted this earlier, but It is on Fb and not here
"Love and Hugs to you, Karen, and to Tris and the "other" Michael Patterson also, as for Spaw, He will be missed and mourned and remembered all over the world by many people who never met him, yet whom he touched through Mudcat and Facebook and few could ask for or merit a better epitaph"

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: J-boy
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:19 PM

Bye, Spaw.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:20 PM

Once upon a time, I recounted a story, off the cuff, about an interaction I had with a humming bird in a Mudcat thread (post?). Spaw said something like... that's the best thing I have read that you wrote... that was great. It was more than that nutshell and I was taken aback. It was a simple description of what had just happened but Spaw saw it as a 'sharing' of my experience. We PMd about it. He encouraged me to write. I have. I have shared few of my writings with few. I have been encouraged by others that I also admire to keep writing (thanks) but Spaw was the first and he deserves credit for being that guy that is just a great guy. Went out of his way to encourage a hack like me. Went out of his way to advise me when things got nasty on The Cat with trolls and such. Went out of his way... yeah. That's what he did. Went out of his way. For so many people, as witnessed in these accolades.

If ya don't know the Rainbow Thread, ya might not understand these last words but they mean more now than ever.

UP SPAW!

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:26 PM

Maybe ten years ago, I made up my mind that I had to meet Catspaw. I think it was October 2001, just after the Getaway. I took a trip west from the Getaway in Maryland, and ended up driving along the Ohio River to Louisville and then to Cincinnati. I headed back east to Columbus, and realized I wasn't far from Bremen, Ohio. I used to tease Catspaw about all the road kill I saw along the way, but I got to Bremen and it was a wonderful little town with the streets paved with bricks.
I got to Spaw's addressed, unannounced. I rang the doorbell, and Spaw answered the door. He recognized me right away, and spoke as if meeting somebody out of the blue was an everyday experience in his life. He said something like, "Joe Offer, how the heck are you?" And then we sat down for an hour or two and had a wonderful time.
That's the only time I ever saw him, but it stuck with me. To me, he's always been a really extraordinary person. I know that he went through a lot of health issues over the last decade or more, but he never seemed to lose his spirit.
Spaw, may you rest in peace. You were a good man.

And Karen, I've never met you in person, but bless you for being all you were to him.

-Joe Offer-

---

Here's a link to Spaw's posts. He last posted on 29 May 2014.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: GUEST,Azizi
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:29 PM

Thanks for all that you shared with us, Catspaw.

Condolence to your family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:36 PM

So many years of very kind and humorus friendship .. When I started on Mudcat I had never used a computer and could not type. (I still cant spell) A few joked me about my low standards of comunication but Spaw always got what i was tring to say.I was just holding on when I got here . .My daughter was battling a mean and very bad Brain tumor at the Yale Hospitol and I had just found out my youngest three year old son had autisum ... Spaw had an honest kindness and the kind of friendship that has a backbone of true loyalty to it .He will not be forgotten because of it . I know Rick is talking to him right now about strings and tunings and probably fart jokes .. So many warm thoughts   .. All the best to all here and so glad to hear so many old friends on this thread . Guy

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:50 PM

I don't know what to say. There is so much history here for me going back to almost the beginning of mudcat, and Pat has been such a huge part of this community. Special, special man. Hugs to you, Karen.

Alice

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: JudyB
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:53 PM

Sending light and love - and my sympathy to Karen, and all friends, far and near.
~JudyB

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: GUEST,maryrrf (no cookie)
Date: 20 Jun 14 - 11:58 PM

I'm sorry to hear this news. Deepest condolences to Spaw's family. Another of the "old guard" gone. He will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Pat "Catspaw49" Patterson - June 20, 2014
From: GUEST,donmeixner
Date: 21 Jun 14 - 12:21 AM

I believe people we love go through hell at the last just to make it easier for us to let them go. Pat and I played some epic games of Word and found we were equally matched.   He was on the way to winning the last one when he left for the last time. He always seemed to be more than a friend. He was a pal.

Don