Daniel Patrick Desmond VI December 23, 2024

Daniel Patrick Desmond VI (a.k.a. Pat, Dan, Diz-a-Babe) was born February 21,1945 in San Francisco. He passed on April 17, 2023 at the age of 78 in Lake Stevens, WA of a worn-out body and a much-used heart. Pat was the patriarch of the Desmond family, never too busy to lend an ear or share his wisdom.

He is survived on earth by his wife of 20 years and soulmate, Sharon Rose Desmond, his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and John Dillon, his brother and sister-in-law Tom and Tracy Desmond, and his children; Dan Desmond (VII), Tracy Desmond, Katie and (Ryan) Kowalchuk, Meghann and (Paul) Simpkins, Anna Hackett and Sarah Hackett. Pat is preceded in heaven by his parents, Daniel Patrick Desmond V and Barbara Jean (Wilson) Desmond.

Pat grew up in San Francisco and will tell you he had a wonderful childhood. He was a bright and active child who loved his friends and sports. Among his favorites were baseball, football
and boxing. Pat attended Our Lady of Mercy Catholic school and maintained friendships with his classmates for more than 70 years. One of his favorite childhood games was ‘Cowboys and Indians,’ and he maintained his entire life, though his blood is Irish, that he wanted to be a ‘real-life’ Indian. One of his favorite stories to share was about his mother giving him money to go get a haircut. Somehow, young Pat convinced the barber to give him a Mohawk, so that he would look like an Indian. Through his life he loved learning about Native American history, art and culture.

Pat was equally fond of his Irish heritage. He often talked about the Desmond’s that migrated from Ireland to San Francisco during the Great Potato Famine [1845]. He enjoyed learning about and connecting with cousins near and far and dreamed of someday visiting his homeland. He would have reveled in seeing the rolling green landscapes and standing in the place where his Desmond ancestors began.

Pat graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School in 1963 and studied business and accounting at San Francisco State and UC Berkley. He was drafted to the military in 1965 where he served as a Petty Officer, Second Class in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. Pat was always proud of his service and remembered his lost brothers with the utmost reverence. After his naval service, Pat completed his accounting degree and began his business career.

He married Linda Graser, the mother of his children, in 1972.

Pat and Linda raised their four children in Issaquah, WA and he was an amazing father; the type of dad every child deserves. He would sing ‘An Irish lullaby’ to his babies. He was gentle, patient and prioritized his family above all else. Pat coached t-ball, baseball, basketball and softball for his children’s sports teams and made a lasting impression on many as a kind and caring leader. When he wasn’t coaching, he was present for every match, game and event with full support and a smile on his face. Pat told his kids every day that he loved them and that they were beautiful. He instilled confidence in his kids that only a ‘Desmond’ can acquire.

In 2002, Pat married the love of his life, Sharon. He felt like he ‘hit the jackpot’ and often said, “God blessed me with an angel.” Pat immediately embraced Sharon’s kids as his own and became a father figure to them. Pat and Sharon had many common interests including their California roots, traveling, history, spending time with friends, playing cards and enjoying great wine. Mostly, they shared a great passion for their Catholic faith and family. Their family grew over the years to include thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. ‘Papa’ Pat passed along many traits to his grandkids including his love of sports, competitive nature, intelligence and witty comebacks. You would often find him on the sidelines of his grandkids’ sporting matches cheering them on. If you are lucky enough to meet any of Papa Pat’s grandkids, you will find his kindness towards others, his love of God, his gentle mannerisms, his wisdom, his smile and his love of life.

Though Pat endured decades with Type 1 Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases, you never heard him complain. His body was failing him, but he woke up each day with a smile, grateful to have more time with his family and to enjoy one more evening with Sharon as they sat on their back deck with the firepit burning, sipping red wine and reflecting on their beautiful life together.

One of Pat’s greatest strengths was his vulnerability. His love and emotions for his family and friends was transparent. His ability to shed tears while watching a sad movie or telling a nostalgic story was absolutely endearing, another sign of a truly great man. Pat loved being around people. I have heard many times that “Pat genuinely wanted to know me.” He was curious about everyone and thrived on his relationships with family and friends. In the weeks prior to his passing, Pat was surrounded by family, love and laughter.

He enjoyed phone calls and letters from his friends and kept his sense of humor throughout. Pat could make you cry and laugh all in the same moment. This adored husband, brother, father, papa and friend is missed every day, but will live in our hearts forever. We imagine him in heaven, sitting with friends and all the earlier Daniel Patrick’s, eating a scrumptious hotdog and watching a ballgame. Thank you for your legacy and a life well done. We love you.

Services for Daniel Patrick Desmond VI will take place:
Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10:30 AM – Funeral and Memorial Proceedings at the Holy
Cross Catholic Church, 6915 SR 92, Lake Stevens, WA 98258

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following non-profit organizations in memory of Pat:

Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Donate to CDF
(childrensdiabetesfoundation.org)

Holy Cross Outreach, Outreach | Holy Cross (hccclakestevens.org)