06/09/2024
Saturday morning Marian went to Sanlando United Methodist Church for the Celebration of Life for Pat Byrd - her friend/our client for over 30 years. This afternoon she watched the video on YouTube the Church recorded. and this is what she wants to share.
“I wanted to tell you a few things said about Pat during the “Family Tributes” and I wanted to get it correct so I watched the Church’s video. Pat’s nephew Riley was the first to talk. He said his Aunt Pat was always at the events in his life. She was there when he graduated from preschool and again when he graduated from College. He said she probably enjoy the preschool event a bit more because at that point she still believed he would graduate college from FSU - the only college she wanted for those she loved. Loved a bit of humor and I know Pat would too.
Pat’s brother Jim then talked about the differences in his two sisters - they both had careers in radio. He said Linda would approach a locked door and she would find a way in, by checking other ways —- however when Pat approached the same door she would just kick it down. Loved that humor as well.
Pat was one of my first clients back in the late 80’s and she gave my name and phone number to so many of her co-workers. Jim’s talk explained everything - those co-workers just knew they had better call me! ….AND Now I believe Pat may have continued to refer her friends and associates to me because she knew the father of my two boys graduated from FSU in 1969-70 - then our son Michael Caraway graduated from FSU 20+ years later and now my Grandson is close to graduating from the college she loved.
I have always known when you know someone’s financial and tax issues - well you know their biggest concerns -so then over lunch each year you learn the personal stuff - and you become friends!
During the past few years, Pat was challenged with health issues that took her to Jacksonville (Mayo Clinic) often - she was one of the strongest people I have ever known. NOW because of her love of FSU football - as her brother said, she is shaking hands with her hero - Bobby Bowden. Rest in Peace Pat - I will always remember you as one of my favorite clients/friends. I will miss our annual lunch times.”
