Patrick Bruce Myers

Patrick Bruce Myers, known affectionately to all as Pat, was a man who lived a life that could easily fill the pages of a book he so loved to read. He was born on January 2, 1950 in Topeka, Kansas to Paul (Mike) Myers and Ruth (Joan) Myers. Pat's love for life and hearty laughter began early and echoed through the years until his last day. On April 5, 2024, he took his final, peaceful bow in his sleep at home surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and love.

Pat's life was a tapestry of moments that highlighted his love for knowledge, sports, and his incredible ability to make even the most mundane task feel like an adventure. After graduating from Maple Hill High School in 1968, Pat hit the books at Washburn University, emerging with a degree in History in 1972. But do not let that scholarly pursuit fool you; Pat was as much a jester as he was a historian. His wit was as sharp as his intellect, and he could always be counted on for a well-timed quip or a hearty chuckle.

Professionally, Pat was a man of many hats, quite literally. He managed to keep things rolling as a Supervisor at Goodyear. He was the guy who made sure your packages moved at Yellow Freight, where he was known as the Rater and Collector who could always find a way to lighten the load with a joke. After his retirement, he did not just ride off into the sunset; instead, he became a Technical Specialist for the Shawnee County Elections Office and an Office Assistant for several Kansas State Legislators, where his knack for storytelling and his ability to find the humor in bureaucracy made him an office favorite.

But let us talk about Pat's passions! This man loved his basketball almost as much as he loved a good book. He was a long-time fan of KU basketball. As a season ticket holder to Washburn's Men and Women basketball games, Pat was not just a fan; he was a fixture. Whether cheering from the stands or traveling to tournament games, he was there, his voice echoing with each basket scored.

And oh, how he loved his Kansas City sports! The pride that swelled in his chest when the Royals clinched the World Series and the Chiefs triumphed at the Super Bowls was enough to rival any victory parade. But it was not just the victories he celebrated; it was the spirit of the game, the camaraderie of the fans, and, of course, the perfect excuse to crack a joke about the other team.

Pat's green thumb was as legendary as his sense of humor. After retirement, he became the landscaper extraordinaire of his home gardens. Friends and neighbors would often find Pat knee-deep in soil, a serene smile on his face, surrounded by the blooms he nurtured with the same care he gave to his relationships.

Pat's heart was always fullest when he was with his beloved family both at home and on the many travel adventures across the US. His wife of 48 years, Cathy, was his partner in both love and laughter (the perfect straight man to his comedic antics). His son, Andy, and daughter, Molly, inherited their father's sense of humor and his ability to fix just about anything with a little duct tape and a lot of laughs.

If you had to describe Pat in a few words, you would say he was loving, funny, and generous. But even those words seem too small to contain the enormity of his spirit. Pat had a gift for making life a joyous affair, and he shared that gift with everyone around him. Pat was a man who knew that life is best lived with a smile on your face, a book in your hand, and a punchline at the ready. While he may have left the stage of life, his encore will be the memories he left behind, the stories he told, and the laughter he inspired. Pat's final curtain call was as smooth as his life – peaceful, dignified, and with the quiet satisfaction of a joke well-told.

So, as we bid farewell to Pat, let us not say goodbye. Let us say, "Pat, we'll catch you on the flip side." Keep a seat warm for us at the basketball court in the sky, and rest easy knowing that down here, your stories and your laughter will continue to grow in our hearts.

Rest in peace, dear Pat, and thanks for a lifetime of memories that will keep us laughing for years to come.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 AM Friday, April 12, 2024, at the New Mount Zion Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 2801 SE Indiana Ave, Topeka, KS 66605. Feel welcome to wear your favorite sports memorabilia in support of Pat's love of sports.

In lieu of flowers, Pat requested memorial donations be made in support of the Topeka/Shawnee County Special Olympics or Midland Care Hospice sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66605.