The sad news that Pat has died, on Christmas Eve 2022, four days before his 87th birthday, came from his widow Daphne. He had suffered a severe stroke in May 2022 from which he was making a partial recovery, but in December he declined rapidly with pneumonia.
Pat was born on 28 December 1935 and joined HMSO in February 1961. He transferred to Norwich with the Advance Party in 1967 and retired as SP&GO in 1993. He was a helpful colleague, a keen golfer and popular participant in HMSO social activities.
Pat’s funeral will take place at 1pm on Monday 16 January 2023 at Green Acres Colney, Watton Road, Colney, Norwich NR4 7TY. Family flowers only: donations in aid of East Anglian Children’s Hospice (EACH).
Dear Daphne, That is sad news. My sincere condolences to you, and to your daughter. I worked with Pat some years back, in HMSO Print Procurement, and with his friend Ernie Downs. Pat was very helpful and practical and was good company during our sociable lunchtimes with then-Director Brian Ekers, and many others. Reg.
Gerry Aldus adds: A very sad start to the new year. I worked with Pat in Norvic House in a team comprising Derek Wintle, Chris Harkins, Mike Murphy, Roy Marchant, Glyn Jones, Ken Lowe and John Mathews. Ted Clitheroe was our SEO. We were a very close-knit team who remained friends and who kept in contact for many years. They made every day an absolute joy.
Pat was essentially a quiet and unassuming man with a love of sport which extended well beyond golf to include Brighton and Hove football club and County cricket. He once told me that one of his proudest achievements was to have recorded in his paybook on leaving National Service the comment, ‘Tate is not a natural soldier’.
I greatly value my friendship with Pat and have many happy memories of him. He will surely be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to have worked with him.