Patrick J. Lipot Memorial

Patrick Joseph Lipot, Masters in Special Education
March 23, 1958-December 28, 1997

Patrick died suddenly of undiagnosed Acute Promylecytic Leukemia. He entered the hospital on Saturday, December 27th with flu like symptoms and died the next morning at 3:15 a.m. He was 39 years old.

In his life Patrick valued many things. He cherished being a husband to Teresa and a daddy to Zachary and Samuel. Many who knew us would comment on what an involved parent he was. He had a devoted Catholic faith, service his Lord with his many talents including youth work, drama, and music. The last song Patrick wrote was a song called “Falling Into the Hands of the Living God,” for a Catholic Men’s Fellowship Conference. Patrick loved education and prided himself in developing creative ways to motivate his students at Wadsworth Avenue School in South Central Los Angeles. He was proud of his achievements, having earned his Masters Degree in special Education at Cal State Dominguez Hills, the May before his death. He loved Literature and had earned a Bachelors Degree from CSULB after attending OCC for his early coursework. Patrick was a prolific writer and we are blessed to have boxes of original songs and poems he wrote. Patrick spent his high school years at Fountain Valley, participating in both the band and football. His television debut was at the age of nine when he went on Art Linkletter’s, “Kids Say the Darndest Things” Show. It was during this time the he began developing his interest in music eventually learning to play the clarinet, flute, sax and piano.

The years Zack and Sammy spent at OCC’s Lab School was a time of joy for the four of us. Patrick would bring his flutes into the boys classrooms to share with the children, while our boys would beam with pride. Patrick’s Christmas cookies, the infamous Rum Logs, better know as “Lum Rogs” were cautiously enjoyed by all the staff.

Patrick had a gentle spirit about him that others would frequently comment on. He survived the loss of a sister when he was ten and his father when he was 26, and despite these losses went on to find joy and meaning in his life. He is tenderly missed by all of his family and friends.

My Daddy
My Daddy was a good music man. I didn’t want him to die. I was sad.
It was hard for me, but I made it through. And I’m still sad but I
still love him. And I still wish that he was alive still but that doesn’t
mean that he can come back. Everyone has to die though. But the best part
about dying is you get as many treats as you want in
heaven. And I’m not afraid to die because my daddy is up there.
And when I die my kids will grow up and have kids.

By Zachary Lipot, Age Seven, Grade One, Spring 1999