Patricia Barnard

Life held many blessings for Pat Barnard. She enjoyed a wonderful marriage to her husband, the love of her life, and her children thought the world of her. Pat also found joy in her grandchildren, and shared numerous friendships over the years. She held fast to her Catholic faith, and was an example for her children to live by. More than anything, Pat adored her family and leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of all who came to know and love her. By 1925, the heyday of the Roaring Twenties was taking the country by storm. Jazz was all the rage while baseball was Americas favorite pastime. At a time when Al Capone conquered the bootlegging racket, names like Ruth, Cobb, and Gehrig ruled the baseball field. Yet nestled along the dunes of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Michigan city of Muskegon, Boyd and Margariet (Boveu) Arthur experienced some exciting news of their own on August 4, 1925 when they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Patricia Colleen. Patricia was the oldest of three, and at merely ten months old was joined by her younger sister, Dorothy. Together they later welcomed their little brother, Boyd Jr. Gus into their fold. Patricias father supported their family as an account for the railroad and later, the Standard Oil Company. Her mother remained at home as a homemaker, and often helped her husband out whenever she was able, even if it meant doing heavy outdoor chores such as cutting and splitting wood. Life was full of adventure for Patricia during her youth. Her family made their home located on the channel between Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake which was close to Fish Gut Alley where the commercial fisherman docked. At this time, lake perch were plentiful. Patricias entire family would catch their limit, and after frying them up, would gladly share with friends and neighbors. Patricia and her sister were very close growing up and remained the best of friends. Nearly inseparable, they spent endless summer days fishing from the channel, and boated with their family. Having the lakes within arms reach was also an advantage for swimming, and they were known to do a little skinny dipping a time or two, as well! Patricia attended Bluffton Elementary School in the Bluffton neighborhood, which at the time was referred to as the Actors Colony due to the influx of Vaudevillians who summered there. An outgoing girl, she enjoyed many friendships throughout her youth. Eventually, the onset of the Great Depression cast a shadow among all. When Patricia was in the 11th grade, she left her schooling behind to work fulltime, eventually receiving her diploma when she was 25 years old. Pat began working in the office at a local publishing company where she met David Barnard, a handsome, young soldier home on leave. He was the brother-in-law to the owner of the company, and quite taken with Pat, David soon learned she usually lunched at the Continental Hotel on Wednesdays. He made sure to be there the next week, and once he mustered up enough courage to ask her out, it wasnt long before they discovered they had found forever love. Serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, David was eventually sent overseas, but no matter the distance, their love blossomed. Following his honorable discharge, the happy couple shared vows of marriage on June 21, 1947. It wasnt long before Pat and David began a family of their own. Their son, David came along in 1948, and Pat was given the best Mothers Day gift ever when twins, Janice and Judith arrived in 1951 on that special day. In time, Pat and David settled into a home on Strong Avenue in downtown Muskegon across from St. Jeans Catholic Church where they would raise their family, make a loving home for them and share wonderful memories for the next 36 years. In her element, Pat remained at home until the girls were in the fifth grade when she began working at the Coca-Cola Bottling plant. She did bookkeeping and office work, remaining there until eventually retiring after 25 years. Pat was quite involved in the lives of her children. She took a keen interest in all their activities, and above all, encouraged them greatly, and loved them deeply. She stepped up as a scout leader for her sons Boy Scout troop, and was also a leader when the twins were in Girl Scouts. Pat absolutely loved these times, taking them on hikes and passing along her knowledge of nature. Pat loved working in her gardens, and continued her love for swimming. As a family they were members of St. Jeans Catholic Church where Pat was an active member. In fact, each of her children were baptized and confirmed there. In the late 1960s, Pat and David decided to put a pool in their backyard. No less a magnet for all the neighborhood kids, it also began the tradition of hosting numerous summer holiday pool parties. The entire family would gather for these fun-filled times, and continued with the addition of grandkids, too. Pat loved the holidays, and enjoyed putting on a big spread at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She always seemed to have just the right touch for making everything special, and was always gracious and entertaining. Over the years, Pat and David shared much. Whether alone, with family, or enjoying time with friends, they always had a great time together. They were lifetime members of the Muskegon Recreation Club, and also belonged to the Moose Lodge where they enjoyed many activities. Pat was a member of a few ladys card clubs, and loved working on the Bunker Junior High reunion committee every year. After retiring in 1987, Pat and David were able to spend more time with their grandchildren. Pat loved being a grandmother, and took every opportunity to enjoy her grandkids. With their children grown with families of their own, they eventually downsized. In the 1990s they moved to a condo in Harbor Towne near where Pat grew up. In their retirement they appreciated spending the cold months of winter enjoying the warmer climates. For several winters they spent a month in St. Martin, and 14 winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They also enjoyed taking several cruises with their son who also treated them to a memorable, around the world cruise for their 60th wedding anniversary. Pat was especially honored when her family threw a surprise 80th birthday party for her. In 2010, Pat and Dave moved into assisted living housing in East Troy, Wisconsin to be near family. They made the best of their time there, and attended St. Peters Catholic Church when they were able. However, the years began to take their toll. David died in January of 2013, and for Pat, life was never the same. She carried on with the love and support from her family, and was thankful for how kind the years had been to her. In all ways, Pat Barnard was a loving and patient woman. She would lend a helping hand to anyone, and cared for many relatives in need through the years. Ever proud of the family she loved and adored, and their successes, they in turn greatly valued Pats loving support and acceptance which she so freely gave. Deeply missed, Pat will be fondly remembered. Mrs. Patricia C. Barnard, age 89, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2014 in East Troy, Wisconsin. SURVIVORS: Son, David (Cindy) Barnard of TX; twin daughters, Janice (Deanna Fowler) Barnard of WI & Judith Barnard of AZ; grandchildren, Erin Behr, David Ryan Barnard, Elizabeth Barnard and Joshua Workman; great-grandchildren, Riley, Isabel, Madison and Hunter. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, David; sister, Dorothy Peterson, and brother, Boyd. FUNERAL MASS: Friday, December 5, 2014, 10:00 AM at St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church with Fr. Mathew Barnum officiating. Interment in Restlawn Cemetery. VISITATION: Thursday, December 4, 2014, 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral HomeMuskegon with a Rosary at 7:30 PM. MEMORIAL: Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care of Wisconsin. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or to sign Pats online guest book. Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon