Patrick "Happy" Patent

Patrick “Happy” Patent, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend passed away suddenly on July 9, 2015. The loss to our family is beyond words, and we are all so grateful for the outpouring of caring thoughts, prayers and support. “Happy” warmed our hearts, motivated our souls, and taught us the value of hard work - “Work smarter, not harder”. He touched the lives of so many - inspired us, encouraged us, stood by us and motivated us to be the best we could be. The joy and light he brought to all was such an enormous gift, one for which we will be eternally grateful. He was truly exceptional man - one who will continue to live on in all of our hearts. Immigrating to the United States from France in 1956, he greatly appreciated this country for all its opportunities and freedom. He enlisted in the US Air Force, where he piloted many missions. As fate would have it, he met his wife, Marie when she performed at a USO show at Pease Air Force Base. Throughout his life, he always focused on the positive, and loved sharing time with family. He made every effort to always be present at the many celebrations of both family and those close to him, including graduations, awards ceremonies, weddings, holidays, and family dinners. Husband to Marie (Dupuis) Patent for 56 years, father of two, and grandfather of eight, he also “adopted” many others along the way, in particular, students at NHAPA with whom he shared a special bond and close connection. A big proponent of academics, he pursued and earned both undergraduate and master degrees in Business and Engineering, studying at Suffolk University and Harvard. His career in Aerospace Engineering took him on many travels, including Europe, South America, Guam, Indonesia, Thailand, Scandinavia and England. He loved to travel and enjoy the many different cultures, foods and always, good wine or his “drinkie-poo”. He was particularly enthused and honored to work with NASA on many of the early space launches and retrievals. Space, the stars and galaxy fascinated him, as did history, the arts, architecture and opera. Outside of work and family, Patrick was a huge support to NHAPA, the studio founded by his wife, Marie and now in its 59th season. During the early years, Patrick could be found running lights and sound, helping to orchestrate rehearsals and shows and overseeing all operations. More recently, he came by almost daily to spend time, check in, and assist with any problem of the day, whether it was a broken fixture or fickle operating system. He was ALWAYS there. Patrick loved life and enjoyed every moment-he took advantage of any opportunity to love and be loved. In the recent months, when much time was spent in and out of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, his outlook was always optimistic, spirit bright. The physicians, nurses and staff were exceptional and remarked on how Patrick was always the “perfect patient”-easygoing, kind and grateful. We have chosen to honor “Happy” with a a Celebration of Life gathering, Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 4-7 P.M. at the Academy of Performing Arts, 875 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, NH 03874.. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Many have asked how they can help or what they can do. Dr. Fisher’s Oncology team at Dana Farber was instrumental in treating Patrick. The work and research at this most prestigious institute was admired and supported by Patrick-a big advocate of medical research. Please consider making a donation in Patrick’s name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Development & The Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or online at www.dana-farber.org. A scholarship will also be established in his honor. The Patrick “Happy” Patent scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior each year (beginning in 2016) who best exemplifies the qualities Patrick expected: work ethic, perseverance, motivation and pursuit of academic excellence. Donations to the scholarship may be made directly to: SCDC, 875 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, NH 03874.

Patrick "Happy" Patent

December 14, 1936 - July 9, 2015