Patrick Lee McClellan

Pat was born Oct. 29, 1954 in Beloit, Wisconsin to Betty and Harold McClellan. He was a wonderful brother to his six siblings: Michael, Nancy, Paulette, Mari Jolene, Cathy and Cindy. Pat grew up in Delavan, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Delavan - Darien High School.

Pat and former spouse, Kelly Lund, had two children together who they adored. He walked both his daughters down the aisle at their weddings: Jennifer to Eric Kerr and Jessica to Tyler Jones.

Pat put his family before anything else. He said the only thing he wanted in life was to give his daughters a better life than he had. They knew they could call their dad anytime, for any reason, and he would be there. Yet he raised them to be strong and independent, able to face what life threw at them.

Jennifer remembers her dad’s wisdom and shared his love of music. When she was young and got caught in a lie, she thought her dad would yell at her. Instead, he walked her to a mirror and without anger, pointed to her reflection and said, “That’s the person you have to be honest with. She knows the truth. If you can look at her and be OK, then you’re living a good life.” Jennifer loved to listen to her dad’s albums and CDs. They shared a love for Meatloaf, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull, Queen and the Eagles.

Jessica remembers her dad’s dependability and shared his love of movies. He showed up for her whenever she needed him, whether it was to fix a flat tire or plan a wedding. In doing so, he taught her confidence, that she deserved respect and should always believe in herself. One of their favorite past times was watching old movies together, especially John Wayne, Godzilla and sci-fi flicks.

Pat was blessed with three grandchildren - Juliet, Jonathan and Wyatt. He had dinner with Juliet and Jonathan every Tuesday at Jennifer's house, and would bring a Twix bar or other treat to make them smile. He played UNO and colored with Juliet, and he was running out of wall space to hang the pictures she drew for him. He raced Hot Wheels with Jonathan, who he called Jonzilla, and cuddled while watching TV after dinner. Pat was so proud with every milestone Wyatt reached, and told everyone who’d listen about what a happy and clever baby he was. He loved to hold Wyatt when Jessica brought him to visit, who always had a smile for his grandpa.

Pat was happiest outdoors. He often took his daughters camping and their favorite spot was Gentry Campground in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. They loved to climb the lookout tower, watch for squirrels and deer and go fishing at Black Canyon Lake. Pat enjoyed hunting until his health prevented him from going. He was a skilled shooter and enjoyed taking anyone who was interested to the desert or indoor range with him. He was a proponent of gun safety and was a certified NRA instructor.

Pat was a warm, kind man. He was a loyal person who showed up for his friends and family. He said every kid should have a toy at Christmas, and donated to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Angel program every year. He supported a number of children’s and veteran’s charities.

Pat worked as a landscape designer for decades. He helped beautify homes, parks, businesses and venues across metro Phoenix, and built a strong network of colleagues in the process. He was proud of his work and had genuine respect for the people he worked closely with.

A memorial service for Pat will be held Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248.