Pat York

[tmcg]

Her voice, her smile, her enthusiasm have been much in my thoughts. What a pleasure it was to sit up late talking in a hotel room we shared, away from the distractions and demands of the convention, or at a table at an industry cocktail party; what a pleasure it was to see her anytime, how consistently cheering and affirming she was, the obvious interest and pleasure she took in other people and their pursuits and achievements. She interacted with a rare directness and curiosity and eagerness. When I talked to Pat, I was pulled out of cruise control into an engagement so genuine that it always took me a little by surprise. She made interactions matter. She made moments matter. It's very hard to accept that she's gone.

There's more here. And here. And here.

Comments

[charmingbillie.livejournal.com]

It has been a gut wrench this week to read what people have written about Pat because it's clear that she was an amazing and wonderful person who enjoyed people and life. I wish I had known her. My condolences to you and everyone else who did.

Deb

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Deb. I haven't been online much this week, and I'm glad to hear that people have been posting and remembering. I met her through remaines, who's at Wiscon this weekend, I hope sharing happy memories with other people who cared for her.

[ewonder.livejournal.com]

I'm very sorry that you've lost your friend. Thinking of you,

Love, EW

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

You are very sweet. Hugs to you.

[fionagh.livejournal.com]

I'm very sorry for your loss. If there's anything I can do, let me know.

Fiona

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Fi. Just send some thoughts for peace and healing over the family's way. Sigh.

[ogre-san.livejournal.com]

Sigh. I never met Pat, but I always thought I would, one day. Most of the people I'm fond of were fond of her, which I always took as a high recommendation.

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. I'm sorry you never met directly, but glad you met indirectly, and that it was good.

[planetalyx.livejournal.com]

Thank you for posting these. I only knew Pat as a sane and always-interesting presence on many of my mail lists, and knowing that we will never meet in person has saddened me greatly.

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Alyx. I'm sorry that her influence in the phosphors will be gone as well as her in-person-ness. She had a wonderful online personality.

[planetalyx.livejournal.com]

She certainly did.

[daerlynn.livejournal.com]

Silly me, reading these postings makes me cry. I didn't know Pat, but part of me cries because I wish I did.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, are with Pat's friends, and with her family - especially with her daughter Nora, who will need love, support and affection from her mother's friends.

Perhaps that is the best gift you could ever give to your friend.

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

Thank you, daerlynn. You're very right. It heartens me to know that your prayers have gone out for Pat's family and friends. I believe that makes a difference.

[norilana.livejournal.com]

Pat was so full of life, energy, zest, wonderful humor, that it is still a very sick and strange dissonance to think she is no longer with us. HUGS, Ti.

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

Hugs, back, Vi, many times over.

[remaines.livejournal.com]

I can't get over how many people Pat touched...in addition to her many friends, everywhere I go I run into people who met her briefly or knew her online or were acquainted with her in some other, often tangential way, and yet were deeply saddened to hear of her passing.

Her family didn't have a funeral but rather a celebration of her life, which Pat would have liked (except for being ticked that there was this great party and she didn't get to be there). It was good to be there, but I still felt the need for public, communal grieving. Been doing that with friends, and also a little online. (http://www.maines.org/2005/06/this-is-not-in-memoriam.html)

Pat was the greatest. I hope she realized how much she was appreciated and loved.