I knew Pat a long time. Distinguish, intelligent, kind. Great guy. Miss you Pat. 

Pat was a neighbor and confidante when I lost my son.  I  am so sad he is gone as I will miss him!  He just helped me get an alternator for my 65 Cadillac Calais. My condolences to his family!  Those pictures are heartwarming.

He was my Godfather… I was raised around his family from car seats to Corvettes to Whidbey Island clamming to camp to boats to reconnecting throughout the years. I will always remember the good times as that is what I remember. You will be missed and always thought of….We love you!

How do you fit decades of memories into just 2000 characters? Remembering “Captain’s” life of kindness, humor, generosity, and love would fill novels. His patience was legendary. When you tested it, he just gave you that half smile and his eyes asked you if you wanted to tread further. His kind heart and generous spirit were without fault. His sense of humor was dry but sharp and usually contained a healthy dose of wisdom or advice. He had a favorite saying that I heard over the many years I knew him. It was “Money isn’t a problem. If you run out, just go out and get some more.” At face value one could take this as a cavalier attitude towards money. But I soon realized his true intent. Work hard. Be honest and forthright. Be worthy and respectable. If you do that, you will be given opportunities and the money will follow. The first time I heard him say this was in Las Vegas when he met up with Korina and I. We stayed at the Treasure Island-Mirage hotel and casino. It was my first time in Vegas. We took the tram from TI to the Mirage to gamble for a bit and get a drink. We went in and and there was a giant blazing sevens slot machine at the entrance. I walked up, put two silver dollars in and hit the jackpot with three blazing sevens falling into place. Everyone around cheered but soon stopped. I didn’t put in a third silver dollar which was necessary to win the actual jackpot. My heart sank. I was dejected and wanted to go. Korina and Captain walked up. He just smiled that reassuring smile of his and handed us each a hundred dollar bill, then he said those words that still resonate with me….“Money isn’t a problem…” Lastly, THE most important thing to Pat was family. His eyes lit up when he spoke lovingly of his daughters and grandchildren. He checked in with Korina every Sunday, often coming by for dinner. He would stay for awhile, then get up,  hug the kids and Korina, then head home to relax. You’re in your final home now, Captain. You are missed and loved! RIP.

He was my friend for 60 years.  Pat, myself and Larry Kimmel ( moved back East) were the youngest airmen on the base in Portland.   Over time I would call him patty and he would call me Kenny whenever we called to talk.                                    We would race are cars together.  He lost to me twice and from then on it was my car that would be the slowest. We raced are jet boats together  Just having fun as much as possible. He lived a good life.  His favorite subject to talk about was his daughters. He was a very proud dad. Praising them as much as he could. Until I would interrupt and talk about mine( LOL). I heard about the grandkids and great grandkids when ever I would stop at his work. Even 6 months ago. He was a big guy but with a bigger heart.   Patty was my good friend and I will miss him forever. 

Pat was one of my favorite long time customers. I cut Pat‘s hair for over 25 years. Pat was a man of his word and a hard worker. Pat was my very closest male friend. I enjoyed going over to his house once a month and cutting his hair. We shared lengthy conversations about what was going on in each others lives. He enjoyed hearing about anything that I shared with him,, whether it was ups or downs. Pat was never judge mental. He truly cared about my well-being. When I went to his house he always greeted me at the door with a hug and a kiss. I will miss him dearly ,and the times we shared together. A part of me is gone now that Pat is gone. I cherish the memories of Pat and,I and he will always be in my heart. I love you Pat and I miss you so much.RIP my awesome loving friend. I hope to see you again someday. Life just isn’t the same without you here.

OBITUARY

Patrick Joseph Bray

October 7, 1944 – May 9, 2021

Pegg, Paxson & Springer Funeral Chapel

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