I met Patrick back in October 2012 when I first moved to Los Angeles from New York City for a new job. I was looking for a place to live, and with the help of a friend, I found a Craigslist ad to rent a bedroom located in Venice on the beach. The listing seemed too good to be true, but I checked it out and made an appointment with a gentleman named Patrick from the listing. I arrived early and eagerly awaited him.

Honestly, I didn't think I had a chance of being selected, but I still went. Patrick arrived and met me in front of the apartment complex, and I immediately got the sense that this man was interesting and a very happy person. Being from NYC, I had never met anyone like him before. After seeing the apartment, I wasn't ready for Patrick to readily extend his hand for a handshake while saying, "Let's do it!" I was excited and I gave him my cashier's check and shook his hand. We became roommates! I would have never imagined that I would go from living in a rough neighborhood in Brooklyn to living on the beach in Venice with access to not only the oceanfront but also my favorite area in Los Angeles, the Venice Canals.

Shortly after, I moved in with Patrick and Brownie, and got adjusted to my new dream of a life at the beach. Patrick was so awesome, and we had a lot of laughs in the apartment. I enjoyed the stories and photos he shared with me from his life, and I grew to love and admire him. For the first seven months, I didn't have a car, as it was convenient for me to walk to work near Abbot Kinney Blvd. I will never forget Patrick's reaction when I bought my first ever car, a black two-door Jeep Wrangler and he was so happy for me. I will always remember him saying, "Hey Dillon!!! NICE DUUDEE!" When he first saw my car parked next to his parking spot. He was so excited and I just recently celebrated 10 years with that car. Patrick's reaction will always be attached to it.

Soon after, I had the pleasure of meeting Ryan and Evan when they came over on weekends to spend special time with their dad. I admired Patrick's love for them and all his children. I also had the opportunity to meet one of his daughters who came a few times a year, as well as other family members who would pop in.

Patrick was an early riser and would head to the beach with Brownie every morning. Sometimes with an awesome tie-dyed shirt. He never knew but I would call him Dude Love in my head whenever I saw him in that tee. I will always remember his taste in music, with 60s and 70s rock and roll playing in the background. I particularly remember hearing Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower," and I played that song in his memory when I heard he had passed away. I will always remember him watching Daily Show with Jon Stewart almost every night and laughing before falling asleep. There were so many memories I made just by being his roommate for two years, but there were also those I made after. The last one I'll share here is how blown away I was by his cooking. I once went back to the apartment after moving out just to catch up with him, and he made pork chops and applesauce for me. I’m a picky eater and was so surprised by how delicious it was and he kindly offered seconds before I could ask. I couldn't believe that I had never tried his cooking until then, and I was very happy that I did. It was fantastic!

That said, I love you, Patrick. Thank you for opening your home to me and helping me start a new life in LA. I will never forget you, sir. Your memory lives on in all of us. 

My love and condolences go out to his family. God bless Patrick McGurk.

- Dillon and the Mitchell Family

Some people leave a real impression on you & tend to make the world a better place for everyone around them just by being who they are. Pat was definitely one of those people.

Sending so so much love.

Also, if ghosts are a thing, I expect any supernatural encounters you may have will become worlds more entertaining now. 

♥️

I met Pat in 2005. 

He was my client and then became my sweet friend. He was always there for me.

Visualize me calling him with :

“ can you  come help me? I found a brand new bed in the alley and I want it!” No questions asked. He rolled over with his truck and we got it! Before anyone else. I’m still sleeping in this bed! 

He  was my confidant and I trusted him. 

It was my honor to have you in my life Patricio. I will miss you daily and forever.

Pat and I met, around 1968 at Agoura High school. We have stayed friends ever since. As they say, " Good Friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget." Yes, we did our fair share of shenanigans, and then some! but never to harm or hurt anyone. 

There is really no tangible way that I could ever fully explain how much Pat's friendship has meant to me over the past 55 years. The time and sacrifices, and blind trust Pat had shown me, I tried and failed and got up again, and yes, Pat was there. I got a smile in in my heart as I read Pat's obituary, about him being a fur trader, yes, we did this, also hitchhiked from Topanga Cayon to Medford Oregen on Pacific Coast Hwy, one summer.

I believe, to keep Pat's memory and Spirit alive in all of us, try to remember this:

Through every relationship that we may have, in every business deal that we make, through each decision, crisis, difficulty or testing we may be called upon to face. We will try to conduct ourselves in such a way that somehow in seeing us --- people will come to know an honor Pat, because they know You!

I met Patrick in 1990 after starting my Real Estate Career. Patrick was a genuine caring man, we kept a friendship ever since. I wrote him in every transaction I could for Title, and he followed through every time.  There’s a lot to sum up over 33 years and would bore some, but the most important aspects of knowing Patrick was his loyalty, his love of his family , his passion for his work,  he made it enjoyable meeting with old and new people all the time, always upbeat even on a not so good day.  The phrase I will always remember at the end of his VM, “AND YOU MAKE IT A GREAT DAY”!

I have only fond memories of Patrick, he touched so many lives and his imprint will live on by the stories we share.

Love to his family❤️ 

Claudia Border