Patrick Michael Mcmaster

Patrick Michael McMaster was born in Barrington, Illinois on May 3rd, 1984, to Janice and Michael McMaster. At the age of two, he moved with his older brother, Ryan, and parents to Mission Viejo, California. His younger sister, Jennifer, was born the following year. He experienced a treasured childhood, spending most days outside exploring the great outdoors, participating in Cub Scout adventures, swimming, fishing, skateboarding, as well as playing endlessly in the neighborhood cul-de-sac with his best friends who stood by him throughout his life. He traveled on many family vacations over the years throughout the states, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Patrick was fascinated with baseball from the time he was a toddler. As a natural athlete, he participated in many youth sports teams, but baseball became his passion. Patrick played Little League and was chosen to be a member on various All-Star and travel teams. As a lefty, he excelled in pitching, hitting, infield and outfield. In high school, Patrick played varsity baseball for Capistrano Valley. His team earned a slot at Dodger Stadium in the CIF state championships when he was 16, which was a thrill of a lifetime for him. He was an avid Angels fan who attended many games and felt immense pride when they won the World Series in 2002. Patrick went on to play college ball at Irvine Valley College. He then transferred to Cal State Fullerton where he earned his Business Management degree.

He met his future wife, Mia, in 2014. They were soul mates who connected instantly. Patrick proposed to Mia on a trip to Switzerland while accompanying her on a singing engagement there. They married in Tulum, Mexico, on July 27th, 2017, in a magical ceremony on the beach filled with love, family, friends, a thunderstorm, and sunset. The couple would spend other vacations in Mexico over the years and enjoy many fairy tale life moments together.

Patrick’s lifelong desire was to work outside with nature and people due to his love for both. After remaining in the business field for several years, he became employed with the Orange County Parks Department and found his inner joy there. Upon applying to the State Park Ranger Academy, Patrick was accepted, and he moved to Northern California with Mia to pursue their future together. After Patrick graduated from the academy, he was placed at Malibu Creek State Park, which he dearly loved. He had achieved his lifelong goal and took great pride in his work. He felt accomplished and respected.

Patrick always wore his heart on his sleeve, and he took the plight of those struggling in life who came to the parks for refuge very deeply. He was known to give rides and money to the homeless against direction. He witnessed ongoing grief, trauma, despair, and death firsthand, which took a devastating toll on his own mental health over time, and as a result, he had to give up his position. Patrick never fully recovered emotionally from this deep, personal loss.

Patrick and Mia welcomed their son, Max, on April 2nd, 2022. Patrick was a wonderful father who actively participated in his birth and constant care. He nurtured and bonded with Max for life in their short time together at their home in Huntington Beach. The family had Max baptized on June 26th, 2022. Patrick’s desire was for his son to live to the fullest surrounded by joy, peace, laughter, and love.

Patrick left our lives on July 25th, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Mia, of Huntington Beach and their infant son, Max; his father, Michael, of Newport Beach, California; his mother, Janice, and brother, Ryan, of Mission Viejo, California; and his sister, Jennifer Cody and husband, Sean, of San Mateo, California. Rest well in the arms of the angels, Patrick. You felt too much for this world. May you have found the peace you so deserve. We will miss you every day and look for you in all the beauty of the earth you taught us to never take for granted and always protect and nurture. God bless you, our beautiful boy, who fully believed in Christ as his savior and lived that in life.

A Celebration of Life for Patrick will be held Wednesday, September 14th, at the Lake Mission Viejo Clubhouse from 3-6 PM. Please inform family in advance if you plan to attend as it is a gated event. Those who wish to share comments or photos may do so at dignitymemoral.com/obituaries.

Donations in Patrick’s name may be made to Mia and Max at https://www.gofundme.com/f/tribute-to-patricks-family-mia-and-max?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1 .

Donations in Patrick’s name may also be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org to educate and provide resources to the public and help those struggling with this nationwide epidemic.