This past Friday, Bobbie King received word that the cancer she was being treated for, is now in remission. This good news, fell in dim light as the very same day she was to render Pat over to the care of Hope Hospice.
As many of you know, for the past few years, Pat has been battling the disease, Hepatitus C. Since Thanksgiving, he has been in and out of the hospital with complications. In January, he was placed on a list to receive a liver transplant.
Recently, his health care needs became very demanding and currently he requires 24 hour assistance, as his body is displaying symptoms of the disease taking over.
Pat, is a fighter and truly loves life. With his free spirit he has embraced much of what it has to offer. Several years back, he reunited and married his high school sweetheart, Bobbie.
I bonded with Pat King, almost immediately upon meeting him at my very first Letterhead meet. He, was the 'nut' sporting the baseball cap with a long gray ponytail attached to it! His overalls, were completely splattered with day-glow paints.
His humor, sometimes a bit on the dry side, yet sometimes calculatingly subtle. Like that pin he had attached to his knee, it was a banjo. He'd say; "I'm from Alabama, with a banjo on my knee!" Or, that five gallon bucket he toted around with him, always filled to the brim, with trash. Ha! Who knew? It was a well insulated cooler and the 'trash' was ever so cleverly glued into place! And, this guy definately has a passion for ducks:
Pat, was the first person to lend me a brush and show me how to use it. I spent that entire weekend with that brush in my hand, a sponge to his knowledge and technique. Even today, as I pull a stroke, I feel him looking over my shoulder...
Please keep Pat & Bobbie, in your hearts & prayers...
Cher.
[ January 25, 2005, 03:02 PM: Message edited by: Cheryl Lucas ]
Posted by Del Badry (Member # 114) on :
Im with ya Cheryl.... I too met these two love birds at their duck soup meet,,,, the love they share is inspiring....
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
hmmmmmmm. A very ispirational man to say the least.
Pat was the first to inspire my son with a brush too. Simply handed him one started to show him how..
I'll never forget that banjo on the knee and the duck nose. And, we traded some books of gold so i would have some patten gold too..
He would never say no to any request or wish from any one..
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Thanks for updating us Cheryl on Pat & Bobbie.
They are two very special people and they are in our Thoughts & Prayers.
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
They will both be in my thoughts and prayers. Pat was the first person I met off the BB. To say he is special would be a major understatement. He personifies the Letterhead spirit. I always enjoyed cutting up with Pat at meets. I, along with Bill Masters, were always targets of the "pony tail hat". His Duck Soup meet was one to remember. The giveaways had Pats humour written all over them, though that dang corn cob back scratcher really works great
Get well buddy.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Pat, you are in my prayers! I hope the best possible outcome for both Bobbie & yourself with transplants, remissions, & overall general grace & peace in your golden years together. May they be as abundant as they are cherished.
After lurking around the board for a few short days, I'll never forget my first post. I was defending myself (& all Letterville newbies) against something I thought Pat had said in a manner that was condescending to newbies & at the same time questioning why so many run off & dissappear so fast.
Well, topics like that have come & gone many times since, & I'll admit it was not the last time I sparred with Pat on meaningless semantics or imagined undertones, but I have grown to hold great respect for the man, and to appreciate his huge popularity among heads who have met him, his incredible talent in this trade as well as his wit & love for life. Pat never held any grudge & through a few emails over the years I'm confident he knows I never did either.
I just felt inspired to acknowledge Pat here, with not only my prayers, but with my friendship as well. Be well brother!
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
Thanks for the very thoughtful update, Cheryl.
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
very nice to see pat in these shots...sadly i've never met him or bobbie in person. they are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
I doubt that Pat remembers me, but the first time I ever saw him was doing the eagle mural on Joe's in Mazeppa. He was wearing those infamous overalls. He made quite an impression on me. He sure has a zest for life, I hope he gets his groove back real soon. It is good news about Bobbie's remission. I will include them both in my prayers. Love....Jill
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
Well lets hope Pat pulls thru, I feel bad that all this has happen. When I was on the road in '98. I was in New Orleans at the time he put a post looking for me, I drove over to Birmingham, there was no work to be found in Nawlins, they just had a tropical storm and the city was under water. So I drove over to meet Pat, little did he know all I had was $22 in my pocket and a quater tank of gas in the RV. I will never forget him and his dear mother, they are very beautiful people. Happy to say he made me his lead man and we lettered a 100 foot four sided tower, I left with a pocket full of dinero! Anyone got a number I can call him? He's true down to earth guy, don't give up Pat!! I wish I could offer you part of my liver, but it might do you more damage then good...
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
I'm praying for ya, Brother Pat! and Bobbie, too!
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Thanks for the update Cher!!!
I've had the privelige of being in Pat's company a couple of times and he is definitely a special man.
Both he and Bobbie are in our thoughts, and we pray for recovery for both.
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Every time Pat and I hooked up at a meet his friendship was always there.
Patsee and I really enjoyed his meet in Alabama a few years back...he's one of a kind, he and Bobbi both.
Our prayers are with them both ...they are fine people!
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Thank you for this information, Cheryl. This is both good and bad news. It's good news about Bobbie's remission, and Pat would have wanted that above and beyond his own prognosis.
I didn't know until last week when my mother passed what hospice care is or anything about it. In short -- hospice care is reserved for patients who have exhausted all other attempts to get well. That means if he does not receive a liver soon, there's nothing more that can be done for him. Hospice centers are governed by different guidelines than hospitals. They are primarily dedicated to making the patient feel as pain free and comfortable as possible. Their settings are homey and they are family oriented. Visitation is around the clock, and if the one he's at is anything like my mom's, he will be surrounded by a dedicated and comforting staff that can give his family and friends comfort and understanding. I can't say enough here.
If you are anywhere near Pat and are at all close to him, I would encourage you to go see him NOW! Each day counts.
I am honored to have been with Pat at 4 meets and got to know him the best at the 2 Atlanta, IL meets. I was honored that he asked me to make some doodles on his cane. You can be sure the folks in Atlanta will want to know this news about Pat, and I intend to give them this update. He left quite an impression in that little town with his colorful ways. He was the last person at the 2nd Atlanta meet, and after we were all packed and leaving, he was still there with his weiner dog, Shorty, trying to finish a job he promised to a local auto mechanic. I'm going to try and find a picture of that. He also lettered a window for a church in Atlanta at the first meet there. He had prearranged that job, because Pat's faith was important to him, and he wanted people to know that he had found the Lord and it made a difference in his life. In my heart I know this faith lead Pat to Bobbie and enabled them to enjoy a love of a lifetime.
He also had the best kit box, I've ever seen. Pat must know our prayers are with him!
Posted by Camille Norvaisas (Member # 501) on :
WOW! What sad news. I had the honor of meeting them both last year. I still have the flowers that Bobbie painted and a coconut that Pat pinstriped for me. I spent a whole day them after the "Meet at the Beach" - they are true people!
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
Sage advise and good humor come to mind whenever I hear Pat's name. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him in person, but I enjoy his posts immensely and have emailed him on several occassions that he touched my heart. My prayers go out to Pat and Bobbie.
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Somebody please pass the kleenex. That was a very touching update Cheryl ... thank you.
Well, Pat and Bobbie, ... they are just real good people. Pat called me earlier last year when he read that I was feeling kind of mushy on the board one day. Ironically, I think it was my "I love you guys" post.
Wow, what a surprise to hear his voice on the other end of the line.
That day, I was expressing my gratitude for this place, and all of my friends here. This post just re-enforces to me how we need to acknowledge the good stuff more in life.
I just really hope that Pat is able to have the operation he needs, and that he can have another chance at a healthy life.
I'm very happy for Bobbie on her remission. And I'm thrilled that Bobbie and Pat met as they did and enjoy each other so very much. What a blessing.
I'm sending the best possible wishes and blessings for the two of them as they ride this out together and I hope they know how many friends they have thinking about them.
Nettie
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Hey Cher
Nice tribute to those two wacky kids! Never met them, but I have enjoyed their contribution here. Hope all goes better than expected!
Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
The man is magic. Personality Plus. Pat sees the good humor light heartedness in things helps others see them too. I'm praying for Pat and Bobbie and hope to see them both again soon.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Thanks for the update. Our hearts go out to both of them.
-grampa dan
Posted by Harris Kohen (Member # 2139) on :
Pat and Bobbie are the perfect picture of the Letterhead spirit.
I can only Smile for Bobbies great news and will keep praying for Pat and Bobbie in this trying time. Hopefully some sort of miracle will give Pat the chance to spend many more days enlightening our lives and making Bobbie a happy woman as he has done for years.
Pat and Bobbie your loved by many here and love is one of the things that will help you through it all.
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Pat's meet was my first. Very sweet and humorous guy. When the family went on a hunting trip last year to Alabama, I took a day & drove down to see him & Bobbie. I'm very glad that I did.
Sending good energy to Pat. And smiling for Bobbie.
Posted by William Holohan (Member # 2514) on :
I've never met Pat or Bobbie. My prayers of thanks go out for Bobbies continued remission and for Pats recovery. My first meet was the Mass Mayhem in Seconk. Too many people to remember all the names. I mentioned to one participant that the meet was really a fun experience, filled with an abundance of hilarious characters(SP. His reply was that I hadn't met a fun character until I had attended a meet with Pat King in attendance. "That'. he said, 'is an experience all to itself." After that I paid more attention to Pat's sometimes crusty, and often sage comments on the board. The man has a way of getting his point accross. He may, at times, be as subtle as a flame thrower, but he is most always right on the mark. Time for one of Gods miracles to fall on a good man and his true love.
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Although I don't know if I have ever met Pat, I've grown very fond of him the last few years through Letterville. He strikes me a humble person with a heart of 24K Gold who will go to any length to help someone. Whenever I see his posts, I think to myself: "I really like this guy."
A few months ago, when Robert Thomas had his "Meet at the Beach", Chip Carter invited me to come and stay with them. I just wasn't able to swing the trip. One of the reasons I wanted to go, in addition to hanging out with my buddy Chip, was to meet Pat and Bobbie. I still want to someday.
I'm wishing and hoping for the best for both Pat and Bobbie.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
I too have never met Pat or Bobbie in person, But in my heart they are close. I will keep them both in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
One can only hope that someone like Pat could remain here for a hundred more years. The world needs more people of his type and style. I too will keep him and Bobbie in my thoughts and prayers. And to quote Pat:
quote:HOPE THIS HELPS
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
Best wishes to both Pat and Bobbie. Lets pray that Pats deteriorating health will shoot him up to the top of the transplant list. Wouldn't that be a blessing?
Suelynn
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
Our prayers go out to Pat&Bobbie,God bless.Thanks Cheryl.
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
Cher!! I love the way you wrote that and added in these fantastic pics!!! What a lovely trubute to a very cool duck and his duckette!!
I first met Pat thru my brother-in-law, Jack. (I'll let Pat tell that story if he wants)
Then, over the years, I bumped into Pat a few times in B'ham, always at Sign-Plex, (lol) and where I also got to meet Bobbie once.
He tried to tell me then about Letterheads and the Letterville site . . .but I had never even met a computer at that time. . . . Later, my daughter went straight from the store to college with the one I eventually bought her . . .
Thankfully, but over 1 year after Pat's famous Dixie meet, my daughter gave me the computer and she and I stumbled onto Letterville looking for key words: 'Signs' - 'calligraphy' - 'lettering'...AHA!! Letters MUST live in LetterVILLE.
No wonder he was so excited about Letterville!! It's a great place full of great people of which Pat is one, and I'm honored to know him!!!
PS: Saying I'll be praying for them is like telling you I will be breathing and blinking today..it goes without saying . . .
[ January 26, 2005, 12:21 PM: Message edited by: Sheila Ferrell ]
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
I'd posted yesterday, but looks like it didn't go through.
Pat has been a mainstay of Letterheads for years. The last couple meets Pat and Bobbie weren't able to attend, and there's a very obvious hole in a meet when they're not there. It just doesn't quite seem complete.
Pat's attitude and infectuous smile have been missed, and hopefully this all will pass and he and his beautiful bride will be back with us soon.
PS. does anybody have a pic of the duckmobile to post? Posted by Cheryl Lucas (Member # 1656) on :
Here's a rather close-up shot of Pat's van:
Here's an even closer look of Pat's scratch & dent 'repair' methods:
How 'bout that sign kit?
How to pass the time at King Signs, 'Bama' style:
Cher.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
We're thinking about you guys, best wishes and prayers are coming your way. Great Photos by the way. Thanks for posting.
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
Here's one I sent him, it's actually curved
Posted by Cheryl Lucas (Member # 1656) on :
Duck Soup...
Kissy, remember this?
Cher.
**edited** to add... McCalla, AL (had to be there...)
[ January 27, 2005, 12:09 AM: Message edited by: Cheryl Lucas ]
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Anybody have Bobbie's phone number?
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
I had it...can't find it right now. It was reciently in a post on the BB when Pat was trying to sell his brushbox...if you can look that up. This news has hit me hard today. Pat has been a huge influence on me as well. I was involved in the Birmingham Tower re-painting experience along with Cisco too. I learned a huge life lesson then too. Just reciently I got to recount (to Pat) just how much Pat's presence in my life meant to me. I wish I could jump in the van right now and head to see him and Bobbie today. But this news hit when money is tight here... I am certainly very glad that Bobbie is in remission...that weighed heavily on Pat. I just pray that he gets favor and the liver transplant will occur soon. I am with Sheila on that saying that I'll be praying for them is like saying I'll be blinking or breathing. On one hand, I wish it was in my power to reverse these circumstances...But I also have to realize that there's a bigger picture here and I don't see the end from the beginning like God does. I am grateful that we can all rest assured that Pat has made some very wise personal choices and that he will continue in them...He's definately been a good influence in my life.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Pat always has been the spirit of letterheads to me. Always ready to teach and share his knowledge with anyone. Pat & Bobbie are very special people and they will be in my every thought and prayer.God be with you. Judy
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Cheryl, thank you for the moving tribute. It's always good to tell each other how we contribute to elevating the quality and depth of our earthly experience. There are many here that I've never met in the flesh, but certainly feel that I know, and P-King is one of them. I hope they find a liver for him real soon.
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Thanks for digging that pict up Cher.
Pat was the first person to try to teach me how hand lettering was really done, instead of the cluster*&^% way I was doing it. He'll always have a special place in my heart.
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
More pics of walldog P-King
Hang tough, Pat!
Posted by Linda Schmidt (Member # 2337) on :
I had the privilege and honor to meet Pat in Atlanta, IL, two years ago. I had read so many of his posts on the Bullboard previously that I felt I was meeting a real celebrity. We became friends instantly- he is a man of genuine wisdom with an unselfish heart. I hung on every word he said and to this day still laugh at his funny way of putting things.
I proudly display the panel he painted for me and love telling people about him when they notice the artwork.
My prayers are with you Pat- I just know you're going to pull through this. You've made our world a better place. Posted by Cheryl Lucas (Member # 1656) on :
Dearest Letterville neighbors,
Thank you so much for contributing to 'Pat Loves Bobbie.'
Yesterday, Bobbie printed this thread and took it to Pat. It brought him laughter, a sense of being and above all, we were all there with him. Bobbie said, 'It was perfect!' She, thanks you, from the bottom of her heart.
At 5am this morning, Pat's spirit rose into the heavens.
I considered sharing this with you in a new thread, but figured no better place than here, imbedded amongst your wonderful memories of Pat. Please keep them coming...
The Moose Lodge, will host a memorial in Pat's honor, on February 6th, at 2pm. Currently, I do not have the address.
Pat's desire was to be cremated. When plans are secured, his remains will be placed at a family plot in McCalla, Alabama.
Bobbie, is doing as well as can be expected. Coping.
Here is information to contact Bobbie King:
124 NW 50th Ct. Pompano Beach, FL 33064
954-725-6151
With this news, my heart is heavy, though my thoughts are filled with the countless joyful memories, Pat and I share. What a paradox. I know, Pat would rather I laugh, than cry. He, is with his creator. Peace be with him...
Bobbie, my heart goes out to you. I'll be in contact and am only a phone call away, if you should need anything.
Cher.
Posted by Del Badry (Member # 114) on :
im speechless, my heart and prayers go out to Bobbie....
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
May you sleep well Pat. Your spirit will now reside amongst the stars with the other Letterheads who have left us. My heart is heavy.
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Oh Cheryl, I'm so,so sad about that. I was worried it was going that direction, because like with my mom, once they enter hospice care it means they're not going to get better.
Our heart goes out to Bobbie. She is surely crushed, as all who knew the man are. One thing is for sure he will be in heaven, because he was a true believer, and if there are signs to be painted up there, they've got one big hearted man coming that way who can take care of it.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
I am stunned, as I had Never met Pat, I always fealt like he was a man i always wanted to meet. When this post came up I was saddened that he may not get his wish for a liver. I am deeply saddened.
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
SOB!
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
He's got a new liver now . . .. . Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
And the Pearly Gates has a new sign.
Lay down my dear Brother, lay down and take your rest † I want to lay your head upon your Savior's breast † I love you, but Jesus loves you best † I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight † I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight † ...Traditional Bahamian gospel song, performed by Aaron Neville
[ January 27, 2005, 05:29 PM: Message edited by: Santo ]
Posted by Robert Salyers (Member # 5) on :
Pat does love Bobbie! And it was a mutual thing which all could see! I'm sure God gave Pat the "Job well done"! Col 3:14And above all these things charity (Love), which is the bond of perfectness.
AirbrushBobby
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Thank you for posting all the pictures of Pat. They are awesome to see. I pray that the Lord will comfort the pain in Bobbie's hurting heart. I am so happy that the Lord brought them together as He did before Pat had to leave.
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
I just returned from Isla Mujeres Mexico where Dave Grundy, his wife and mine all had dinner and talked extensively about Pat King and his sense of humor...to come home and find that he has passed saddens me.
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