Mr. Robert Patrick "Pat" Fay

Robert Patrick “Pat” Fay, 72, of Argyle, Texas, with his family by his side, passed into the Light of the Lord on June 5, 2020, after losing a short but courageous battle against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Pat was born April 12, 1948, in Jackson, Michigan, to Maxwell Charles Fay and Marie Ruth (Chapin) Fay. He and his siblings enjoyed the adventure of growing up on a farm in the Jackson area. Pat said that the most fun part of his life was from 1963-1967 when he played drums and sang for a band called The Potions. During the summer of 1969, Pat played drums three times in Chicago, Illinois, for Bob Seger, just before Seger returned to college and later became famous.

Pat graduated Jackson High School in Jackson, Michigan, in 1967, then attended Northern Michigan University from 1967-1971. Following college, Pat moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, for ten years, where he was a Project Manager for James K. Bidwell & Associates, Building Contractors. Pat moved to Texas in 1984. He retired after over 22 years from the U. S. Postal Service, as a Clerk and Supervisor at the DFW mail handling facility.

Pat married Kathryn Grace (Holder) Fay, the love of his life, on September 17, 1989. They were baptized together the week before they married in 1989. They joined Cross Timbers Community Church in Argyle, Texas, in 2001. When they married, Pat took on the role of father to Jon and Gia Hopper. Pat always said that his life would be complete if he could make a difference in just one life. He made a very positive and loving impact on his grandchildren who called him “Papa”. Raising three of his grandchildren since they were babies – Jon, Layne and Kaitlynn Hopper – he was more like a father to them, and they referred to him as such.

Pat never met a stranger. That was overwhelmingly apparent in the last four weeks of his life, when so many friends came to his house to celebrate his life. He was active for the last ten years with a group of motorcycle buddies. They traveled to many places, including Big Bend, Smokey Mountains, Hill Country, Michigan, and Arkansas. He treasured their friendships. Pat’s optimism, readiness to help and sense of humor were always there to encourage and help others see a way forward in tough times. His bright spirit, stories and laughter will live on in the memories of all who knew him. Pat often used the phrase, “It is what it is.” Toward the end of his life, he changed it to, “It was what it was.”

Pat is survived by his wife of almost 31 years, Kathryn Fay; his twin brother Richard Michael Fay of Lakebay, Washington; his sister Nancy Sue Weiss (Paul), of Ann Arbor, Michigan; his brother Dr. Donald Royce Fay (Michele), of Jackson, Michigan; daughter Gia Bowens of Argyle, Texas; son Jon Hopper, Sr., of Aurora, Texas; five grandchildren, Devin and Braedon Bowens, and Jon, Layne and Kaitlynn Hopper, all of Argyle, Texas; brothers-in-law Jack Holder (Lynda Carol) of Greenville, Texas, and Steve Holder of Wichita Falls, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death were his parents, Max C. and Marie Fay.

Due to public health concerns with Covid-19, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Pat wanted to be cremated, so his wishes will be honored. J. E. Foust Funeral Home is assisting the family. Rest in Peace, Pat. You were loved dearly by all and will be deeply missed.