Patrick Callahan, age 47, of Cambridge, MN, was discovered at home on January 26, 2022, where he had passed away unexpectedly. A small, private memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bridging (www.bridging.org) in Pat’s name. A public Celebration of Life will be held in spring.
Click here to watch the prerecorded service (avail. for 60 days)
Pat was born on May 17, 1974 to Michael and Mary Callahan. He was the second of four children and the indisputable comedian of the family, taking any and every opportunity to crack a joke or pull a prank. After graduating from Cambridge High School in 1993, he went on to become an accomplished Swiss Machinist, ending his career supporting the medical device industry. His confidence, curiosity and mechanical inclination served him well, not only as a machinist, but as a true “jack of all trades.” There was no challenge too big when it came to fixing things around the house…unless it was a situation involving mice or bats. In those instances, Pat, the tough hotshot known by many around town, would seek refuge behind the locked bathroom door, likely crouched on the toilet for safety.
Fear of mice and bats aside, Pat was a true force of nature. His caring spirit and generous heart could be felt by anyone he came into contact with. He combined the most beautiful, compassionate personality with an infectious smile and unmatched wit. He could find humor in the most mundane circumstances and thrived on keeping his friends and family laughing. Although he waged a valiant and excruciating battle with addiction, his family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was unendingly proud of his children, Zachery, Zebulun, and Emme and always tried his best to support and encourage them.
Pat was also passionate about mixed martial arts, hunting, fishing and travel. After an extensive backpacking trip to Thailand he developed a special place in his heart for Southeast Asia and was fortunate enough to be able to return on multiple occasions.
Anyone who knew Pat will remember him as a kind-hearted, empathetic friend who was slow to judge and quick to love. But, perhaps it’s his own words, written at the age of 14, that describe him best. “When I look at my reflection, I see a person who likes to have fun. This person doesn’t worry about everything other people worry about. I care about others’ problems and listen to them. I notice people for who they are and not how rich they are or how they look.” This is truly how Pat lived his life and he will be sorely missed and forever remembered by all who loved him.
Pat was preceded in death by his father, Michael Callahan. He is survived by his mother, Mary; his brothers, Steve (Beth) and Ryan; his sister, Erin; his children, Zachery, Zebulun and Emme; and many cousins, aunts, uncles and nephews.
Oh my Mary, and family,
I am shocked and I am sure you are as well! Sweet gentle compassionate Patrick, who shared a love of Southeast Asia with me. I am so sorry, he was one of a kind!
This is such a sad time hearing of Pat’s passing. I think about his kids and family and send them my thoughts and prayers.
My “little cousin” Patrick…we shared a fear of mice, and love of family and fun! To anyone who knows Patrick, you know he would never want us to grieve and be sad. He would want us to remember his kind, fun-loving spirit. When we were young, we used to put on these corny shows for our extended family and it generally consisted of collaboration with Steven as well as dressing Erin and Ryan up in some outlandish costume that we found in the basement! =)
Sending love and God’s peace to all of Patrick’s family…no doubt he is smiling upon us! Fly high little cousin!
When things happen that we don’t understand:
Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun. For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. They did notice that every once in awhile one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more. “Look!” said one of the water bugs to another. “One of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk.
Where do you think he is going?” Up, up, up it slowly went….
Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight.
Its friends waited and waited but it didn’t return… “That’s funny!” said one water bug to another. “Wasn’t he happy here?” asked a second… “Where do you suppose he went?” wondered a third. No one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled. Finally one of the water bugs, a leader in the colony, gathered its friends together. “I have an idea”.
The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why.” “We promise”, they said solemnly.
One spring day, not long after, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Up, up, up, he went. Before he knew what was happening, he had broke through the surface of the water and fallen onto the broad, green lily pad above. When he awoke, he looked about with surprise. He couldn’t believe what he saw. A startling change had come to his old body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail. Even as he struggled, he felt an impulse to move his wings…The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from the new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself up above the water. He had become a dragonfly! Swooping and dipping in great curves, he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere.
By and by the new dragonfly lighted happily on a lily pad to rest.
Then it was that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why, he was right above his old friends, the water bugs! There they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing some time before. The dragonfly remembered the promise: “The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk will come back and tell where he or she went and why.” Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away. Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water… “I can’t return!” he said in dismay. “At least, I tried. But I can’t keep my promise. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body.
I guess I’ll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too.
Then they’ll understand what has happened to me, and where I went.”
And the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air….
~Doris Stickney
Sending peace, strength, grace, and so much love….Tom, Laurie, Caroline & Sarah
I am so very sorry to learn of Patrick’s death. I remember his fun-loving, joyful spirit and love for the outdoors on our many camping adventures with your family and fun times at your lake. Praying for all of you.
To Pat’s family, I am so sorry for your loss! He was always so kind to me. I will always remember his smile, the little twinkle he would get in his eyes before he would say something funny or joke with his friends. Sending you all my prayers and heartfelt condolences.