Patrick T. McCabe

Former Palmer resident Patrick T. McCabe, 61, died Feb. 3, 2011, at his home with his family by his side.

A celebration of life is 2 to 8 p.m., March 11 at the Soldotna Sports Center, 538 Arena Drive. His cremated remains will be scattered in Eshamy Bay in Prince William Sound.

Patrick was born March 11, 1949, to William and Margaret McCabe in Spokane, Wash. He graduated from high school at Goose Bay AFB in Labrador, Newfoundland. He trained at Harmon AFB in Stephenville, Newfoundland and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1988.

Patrick moved to Alaska and became a resident in 1977. He lived in Anchorage from 1977 to 1982. He lived in Colorado Springs at Peterson AFB from 1982-83, then moved back to Alaska to Palmer from 1984 to 2000.

In 2000, he moved to Soldotna, where he lived until his death. In 1988 after 20 years of service, Patrick retired from the Air Force as a captain. In 1989, Patrick started working on the Slope for ConocoPhillips at the Kuparuk medical clinic as a Physician’s Assistant until his passing.

He was a lifetime member of the NRA, Alaska Bow Hunters Association, Pope and Young and was a master bow hunter education instructor. Patrick loved to drive his Pinz, bowhunt, bowfish, jet boating, fishing and boating all over Alaska, especially at Prince William Sound.

The family wrote, “He loved his family, friends, country and especially Alaska. He was a remarkably loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle, grandfather, colleague and friend. He loved ice cream! He’s known for his ‘Patventures.’ His favorite place was Prince William Sound, but he loved just being outdoors anywhere in Alaska. Those who knew Pat will most remember him for his laughter and his great stories. Alaska will miss one of its best and the Alaska hunting community has lost a brother.”

He was preceded in death by his father William McCabe.

He is survived by his wife, Judy A. McCabe; daughters, Hylis A. McCabe and Patrina A. Marjanac; son, Robert McCabe; and Beth Courtney, all of Soldotna; grandchildren, Kyra and Leah McCabe of Wasilla; sister, Sandi Maroney; brother-in-law, Jack Maroney; mother, Margaret McCabe; niece and nephew, Michelle and David Kuhn all of Monterey, Calif.; great-niece, Alicia Maroney of Loganville, Ga; great-nephew, David Maroney of Monterey; great-great-niece and nephew, Keira Maroney of Monterey and Marquise Maroney of Loganville; and multiple sisters- and brothers-in-law in Colorado and Canada.

Memorial donations may be given to Alaska USA FCU Account No. 1201926 or by mail to P.O. Box 3644 Soldotna, AK 99669.

Arrangements made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.