Patrick Allan Robinson December 23, 1982 to April 23, 2008 The Essence of Pat: Those who love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. A great son, brother, relative, friend and unbelievable unique individual, Patrick gave selflessly to the people in his life and the organizations in which he participated. Growing up in the First Presbyterian Church, Patrick was an active member of Sunday School, Youth Group, Bell Choir, the Presbyterian Nominating Committee and many, many volunteer activities. He traveled to Albuquerque with the bell choir, Purdue for Youth Triennium, and to Alma several times for regional Youth Mixes. He yearly participated in the area CROP Walk and helped with several Habitat for Humanity projects. His spirituality spread through his words, actions and relationships. His years in 4-H were filled with accomplishments - Grand Champion chickens and the State Award in Computer Science. A natural leader and nurturer, Patrick was also a volunteer, leader and ambassador for St. Joseph County and the State of Michigan and represented his local chapter at Exploration Days and Washington Focus. His school years were filled with sports, academics and antics. Perhaps one of the most memorable characters to ever grace the halls of Mendon Schools, Patrick blessed his fellow students and teachers with his creativity, intelligence and wit. From cross country, track, and theatre, to quiz bowl, band, CTE, Academic All-League and National Honor Society, Patrick gave and contributed to many people and places throughout his school years. Patrick loved being outdoors; he was a camp counselor for 4-H and at Camp Eberhart. His enthusiasm inspired his campers and friends. He spent countless hours on the golf course, on boats, hot tubs and jet skis and b-b-qing with friends and family. The brisk winter air and mountain snow brought him no greater pleasure. Starting with free ski lessons from Swiss Valley that he won on a local radio trivia, Patrick soon became a ski instructor on weekends and an avid winter sportsman. He later became a professionally certified ski instructor (PSIA2) and a nationally-ranked snowboard racer as an integral part of WMU's team. He spent his last few weekends in the mountains and the snow in his new home in Colorado. His technological expertise and contributions developed from a regular column in the Mendon Activator, "Geek Speak: the geek shall inherit the earth" and his own registered computer repair business Partek, with the tagline 'Does your computer byte?" on his business cards to his eventual job at WMU for several years and the IT position which moved him to Colorado. A home-grown rebel, Patrick lived each day creatively. This ranged from petitioning against plastic cutlery in elementary school for environmental concerns to stand offs with parking wardens all over the Midwest. He was an EBay connoisseur, a jack of all trades and uniquely resourceful. Patrick made television and radio for being the first person to put his student loans on EBay. He went to senior prom in a suit made entirely from duct tape. A well-balanced argument, a sly grin, and his famous dimpled chin could help resolve almost any situation. Patrick was also tremendously artistic. Part of the WMU theatre department, various graphic and web design, photography and 4-H projects were constant reminders of his imagination. He loved great movies, music, art and photography. With a twinkle in his eye and a heart as big as the Rockies, Patrick would come to anyone's help. Patrick filled the hearts of his family and friends with his gracious and generous spirit. His laughter, coy smile and sparkling blue eyes brought joy to each person he encountered. Patrick used to ask for a real magic wand each year for Christmas. It turns out he didn't need one; he spent twenty-five full years creating magical memories that will last forever in each of our hearts.