Patrick was born in Pontiac, Michigan, to J.C. and Margaret McDevitt McTavish on October 18, 1948. He was a graduate of Olathe High School in Olathe, Kansas, and held a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Kansas. He married Rebecca Massey on April 23, 1971, in Olathe, Kansas. His early career as a writer for The Packer, a national publication for the fresh produce industry, defined his career path. He became sales manager, and later general manager of Consolidated Orchard Company in Paw Paw, West Virginia, working there for sixteen years. In 1989 he joined Keystone Fruit Marketing in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, first as a produce broker and then as director of operations and retired in 2013. He also served in the Army National Guard for six years.
Patrick was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Clara Krudwig McTavish. He is survived by his wife Rebecca, three children, Heather McTavish Doucet and husband Shane, Brandon McTavish, and Devon McTavish and wife Emily, and six grandchildren, Reese, Massey and Sisi Doucet; Jackson, Elle and Molly McTavish, all from Northern Virginia. He also leaves behind brothers Michael McTavish and spouse Dan, Matthew McTavish, Gregory McTavish and wife Vicki, nephew Justin McTavish, niece Megan Hutton and husband Travis, and three grandnephews, from the greater Kansas City area.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Winchester, Virginia, for many years, and after moving to Southport, joined Sacred Heart Church here. In retirement he enjoyed volunteering at the local food bank, golfing, and fishing. He treasured spending time with his family, especially participating on the sidelines of his grandchildren’s sports activities, and joining them at the beach. As a youth he became an Eagle Scout and a member of Order of the Arrow. He was also a devoted D.C. United Soccer and Kansas City Chiefs Football fan.
He is remembered by his family and friends as a person with a kind and loving heart and a wonderful sense of humor that stayed with him throughout his entire life.
A memorial service in Winchester, Virginia, and A Celebration of Life in St. James Plantation will take place at later dates.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, New York 10017, or the Southport Oak Island Food Pantry, P.O. Box 711, Oak Island, NC 28465.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the medical staff and volunteers of the Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their incredible kindness and compassion to Patrick as well as to his children and grandchildren.
Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.
Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.
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