Patricia Lorayne Clink was born in Wichita, Kansas, on April 5, 1951 to Bill and Eleanor Clink on a rainy 53 degree day, much like the day in Arlington on which she passed. At age five, Patti, along with her parents and two sisters, Kathy and Barbi, moved to Mukilteo. The family quickly settled into their new home and after several years, welcomed another family member, baby brother Ron. Patti graduated in 1969 from Cascade High School and moved to Ellensburg to attend Central Washington University. After college, she moved to Everett and worked as the Teller Manager for Pioneer Savings and Loan.
Patti married Bob Harris on September 15, 1979. The newlyweds moved to Bainbridge Island, where they finished building their new home and began a family of their own.
Their new adventure living on Bainbridge Island brought Patti and Bob a special church community, many new friends, and three great kids: Justin, Emily, and Julie. And oh yes, dogs, cats, animals, and lots of soccer games, a glimpse into what the next 15 years continued to bring. There wasn't a lot of extra time (or money) in the beginning. Bob commuted everyday on the ferry to Boeing and spent endless hours working on the house, while Patti tended to the many needs of the kids and mastered motherhood. Together they developed a passion for gardening and enjoyed opportunities for using and exploring their artistic strengths and interests. Patti’s green thumb quickly turned seeds and gardens into jungles and when she wasn’t outside gardening, you would likely find her baking, sewing, and crafting.
By 1993, every plant had been moved multiple times and Bainbridge had lost that country feeling. Patti and Bob decided to buy an old dairy farm in Arlington and moved the family to their new home surrounded by acres to cultivate and the excitement of possibilities. It wasn't easy leaving friends and a life that Patti had worked so hard to establish, but she invested in the future to shape the family’s dreams in their new home. She convinced Bob to build them a commercial greenhouse, which of course became her second home. The farm was slowly transformed into their forever home with beautiful trees and gardens. She became actively involved in the school district, leaving her mark and making a lasting impact, one teacher and principal at a time. New friends were made, especially with the help of the kids and their three soccer teams.
On June 4th, 2024, Patti passed away in the comfort of their beloved farmhouse, joining her parents and older sister Kathy in heaven. She found peace in the many blessings of her life and fulfilled her dreams of a great family, faithful friends, a wonderful home, and most of all, grandkids. She was surrounded by her family and friends, who helped fill the house with the familiar voices and presence of those who brought her joy and filled her with love.
Patti leaves behind her loving husband of 45 years, Bob, their three children, Justin, Emily and Julie, along with their spouses, and the very special grandchildren they gifted her with. She is also survived by her oldest sister, Barbi Deyoung, and her family who reside in Oregon; as well as her younger brother Ron Clink and his family who live in New Zealand.
An inurnment for Patricia will be held Friday, July 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, WA, followed by a reception at 3:00 PM.
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