Monday, August 2, 2021
My condolences to all of Pat's family.
FAST CAR
Like the car he drives,
He will pass you in the fast lane of life,
Like the blaring music from his car,
He loves life and a good joke.
I first met Pat when he started teaching school at J.E. Benson. It was Sept. of 1969 or 1970. It was a long lasting joke at the school that Pat looked so young, a teacher tried to remove him from the hall at lunch time on the first day thinking he was a grade 8 student. Shortly thereafter Pat bought his first vehicle...a shiny new 1970 Dodge Challenger. By that time we had become friends, and the car became known as "The Lime Phantom". He used to loan it to me sometimes and we would trade vehicles for a week. We both were fascinated by fast cars, and for many, many years whenever either one of us got a new car, we would let each other drive it. It became a ritual. There were many cars in both of our lives. Sometimes his was faster than mine, and sometimes mine was faster. It was never a contest, just teasing material. "The Banana Boat" was fun!
Pat was indeed a talented man in many areas. I was constantly amazed at his artistic and mechanical ability. When he was living on the island in LaSalle , rebuilding the pool and doing general repairs ,I would stay over so we could "guard" it, and have parties with our co-workers. Over the years he installed many appliances and gadgets in my homes, and built me a beautiful gazebo which still stands today... with French doors even! Friendship and business mixed very well together with us. As the lads were growing he rented my condo unit. He promised me a one year lease, and stayed 24 years! Great tenant and friend. I shall miss him greatly. He taught me many things, and there are still some expressions that I use today that we used to laugh about so long ago. Yes, the The Tooth Fairy really does live in Benton Harbour, Michigan. Thanks for the happy memories and your friendship, Pat. John Pollock
