HARRIS, Patrick (Captain Paddy)

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, April 6, 2003 Patrick "Captain Paddy" Harris Patrick "Captain Paddy" Harris, beloved husband of Sue and loving father to Adam and Ryan, passed away on April 4, 2003 at the age of 53. The life of the party, Pat was a friend to everyone, a selfless and tireless devotee to helping youth, an unconditional husband and father, and an aficionado of golf and all things social. Captain Paddy had a sense of humor that was infectious and at all times unforgettable. Those who knew him best could tell you if you didn't enjoy Pat's humor you didn't enjoy life! Always with a smile on his face and a witty punch line, his humor even upstaged the serious volunteer work he did and the difference he made in the lives of many. Born on June 28, 1949, in Marshalltown, Iowa, pat was raised there and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in business in 1971. Soon thereafter, he and his childhood sweetheart, Sue, boldly moved to Arizona where they would live for the rest of his life. Pat stepped into his career at the family business, Shamrock Distributing Company, the Miller Distributorship. He learned the business from the ground up and later ran the company for the family until it was sold in 1996. Business aside, Paddy brought a renewed life and exuberance to every one he touched. Pat was one of the most popular members of the Thunderbirds, a philanthropic organization most renown for sponsoring the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament. His dedication and leadership were unrivaled and his efforts to raise money for the junior golf program and his management of the tournament clubhouse demonstrated his focus and dedication to the T-Birds. In fact, it is the Thunderbirds who will tell you that you can sum up Pat's life with one word: "Satisfaction" (and he could sing it too). Pat will be deeply missed and never forgotten by his family, many friends and co-workers who loved and supported him. It is in loving memory that we wish upon "Captain Paddy" an old Irish Blessing: May the road rise up to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again May God hold you in the hollow of His Hand. The family has asked that donations in Pat's memory be made to the following charities: The Thunderbird Youth Fund 7225 N. 16th Street, Suite 100 Phoenix, Arizona 85020 and Hospice of the Valley 1510 East Flower Street Phoenix, Arizona 85014 Please join the Family, Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona for Mass of Christian Burial. Private family interment to follow at Paradise Memorial Gardens, Scottsdale, Arizona. Heritage Funeral Chapel, Michael C. Harris, Director 623-974-3671. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.