I have put off writing this...just wasn't ready to finalize that chapter, I
guess.

As one who has known Ruth and Patrick for all 8 years of my birding "career"
with Grays Harbor Audubon and the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival, I am so
sad to realize I have seen Patrick's last posting. His ability to spot birds
while safely driving a car on field trips just amazed me. He had trained his
eyes and ears to I.D. birds while carrying on a conversation. He kept
meticulous records on what he saw and when he saw it. All this he gladly
shared with any and all. I thought of him as the best birder I had met, and
often wished I could keep up with him.

There are many non-birders out there who also knew and liked him; think
about all the sewage treatment plant workers, the campground hosts, the park
service employees. He touched so many people with his dedication. It has
been wonderful...and painful...to read all the tributes here on Tweeters,
and I loved seeing the photos too.

Finally, I would hope that Ruth takes great pride in her son; she did a fine
job of nurturing him and leading him to his passion for birding, and
allowing him to pursue his life's dream....including dragging her all over
the state! (Just kidding Ruth. You have my admiration and affection.) I
would hope she will continue to be included in our thoughts. She dedicated
the last 35 years to this man and there is now a void in her life. I will
not forget her, and I will not forget him.

Dianna Moore
dlmoor2 at coastaccess.com
Ocean Shores, Wa.