Birth date: May 17, 1952 Death date: Nov 8, 2024
Major Andrew P. Evanko, of Ashburn, Virginia, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024. Patrick retired from the United States Air Force and also served in the United States Navy during Vietnam aboard the U.S.S. Newport News. Patr Read Obituary
Uncle Pat,
Today is your first angelversary, to which I can hear your sarcasm now, "Yes, I'm well aware - and your point is?" #LOL
Following up on weekly sports and current events hasn't been the same with out you. Rest assured my appreciation for silicone spatulas and dexter knives lives on, as does my indifference to cooking with saffron and sipping peated whiskey.
Miss you lots,
Eve
Uncle Pat encouraged all learning,
when he gifted N-G magazine.
Fly to LA in fam time yearning,
fueled a surge of needed dopamine.
Over the years we would stay in touch,
summers or grad school residencies.
In my potential he saw as much,
aimed for better life consistencies.
Found old photos and noticed a trend,
side by side was he begrudgingly.
He spoke in wit and rarely did bend,
but always showed love so nudgingly
Spent the last of my challenged forties,
watching his tv and sipping dirt.
Started the first of my cockeyed fifties,
branching his famtree and soothing hurt.
Gone too soon may he rest in all peace,
loved fiercely by his wife/aunt Nancy.
T’was their steadfast support for this niece,
sharing chicken soup I did fancy.
Cheers to you, Uncle Pat :)
We met Pat in the early 80’s while stationed together at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, several years before he married Nancy.
Pat was not a person that could ever be accused of flamboyance or silliness. In fact, he tended toward sourpuss. He had no time for fools and when he had something to say, it was delivered in a matter of fact, deadpan style. So when he issued forth some kind of clever quip, it seemed twice as funny! I can still hear his impish laugh and see him lift the front of his foot up and tap it down for emphasis.
I hated Wyoming- I’m pretty sure he loved it. All those wide-open spaces and cold climate. He and his housemates would go hunting and fishing together. Pat wore the classic hunter’s outfit- those plaid shirts and the hat… I used to call him Elmer Fudd. But he definitely knew his way around the kitchen and Eddy and I totally enjoyed those feasts. I think they prepared us for our gastonomique experiences when we moved to Europe.
Eventually Tracy Tynan joined the crowd, and introduced Pat to his sister, Nancy. When I met her, I loved her instantly. Bubbly and vivacious, laughed easily and more than that, thought Pat was so cute! After a time, I noticed that Mr. Sourpuss was less sour, and when he asked me if I thought it was a good idea for him to marry Nancy, I was overjoyed! She and I quickly became drinking buddies and life-long friends. When we went out together, Pat would always remind us to behave because he would not come to visit us in jail.
We all ended up leaving Wyoming and moving to Riverside. Both Eddy and Pat were at March Air Force Base. Friday nights were for me and Nancy to go have margaritas or find a place with 50’s and 60’s music to dance to- again the warnings about jail. Our dog Tita and Pat’s dog Travis were in love. We would die laughing when Tita humped Travis’ head and left a wet spot.
Pat was not a fan of hot weather or the beach, but somehow, we managed to talk him into a beach day. While Nancy and I played in the surf, Pat prepared his “Pat Cave”, consisting of a small tent, battery operated fans, cooler filled with water and a good book.
I have the dubious honor of bringing Pat to his knees. Yep! He was on a roll with his sarcastic remarks and impish laughter, and I just had enough. I gave him what Eddy calls “the Lees Look” (a warning for most) and reached out toward a nostril hair I saw hanging down… just as a threat- I never thought I’d actually grab it. But grab it I did and I pulled! After that all sarcastic remarks were made out of arms length.
Eddy and I moved to Europe and by the year 2000 we were in Guam, where we remain. I visited Pat and Nancy in 2005- got to meet Egon and Brodie and reconnect. Really it was just like we had seen each other the day before. That’s what it’s like with excellent friends.
About a week before Pat decided to let go of this world, I had watched a YouTube video on Caravaggio and realized that Pat had given me a book on this artist so, so many years ago. I reached out to Nancy, because I wanted to send the link, thinking Pat might enjoy watching but as the universe would have it, I could not connect with her on Facebook. So, on the 8th (the 7th in the states) I sent her a text to see how she was. Her message was cryptic, and I knew things were not going well. She called me a few days later to confirm my worst suspicions.
There is so much more I could say, but these memories are what stand out to me at the moment. I know I will remember more later, and even more even later. Pat Evanko was a fine upstanding human being. An excellent friend. He loved Nancy so deeply, and his dogs were so important to him. He accomplished so much in his life and overcame many difficulties. Brave, stoic, and considerate to the end. He will be sorely missed in this world.
Uncle Pat and Auntie Nancy blessed our family immensely over the years. Our car broke down in 2021 and without even a question, they donated their red Rav 4 to our sweet family. Our sweet son, Hayden and our beautiful Daughter, Margaret love that little car! We have built countless memories with it! So many fun adventures and so much laughter shared!
I never got to officially meet Uncle Pat, but his kindness, his spirit, and his joy will live on with all of us here in Colorado.
We love you Auntie Nancy and we send our deepest condolences 🫶🏽
Love - Christopher and Cecilia Davis
And Hayden and Maggie 🫶🏽
I’m so, so sorry Nancy for the loss of your beloved, Patrick. He was a tremendous human being and will certainly be missed. All of the family is sending you love and prayers during this unimaginable time. We love you, Nanc—Please let us know if you need anything. Xx
My heart goes out to all who love Patrick. What a wonderful life he lived
full of so much love and laughter. I am praying for your comfort and hope that the memories you hold will carry you through until you are reunited with Patrick again.
