Patricia Chatfield Obituary

I enjoyed skiing with Pat in my Ladies Day group at Purgatory. We enjoyed skiing the steep, but groomed! slopes, and powder, of course. Her enthusiasm was infectious!

I first met Pat on the phone, when she called me at KSUT in, I believe, late 2003. A couple days before, I had done an anti-war set of music observing the birthday of Bush's Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, a fact I heard on NPR's Morning Edition, Wolfowitz having been the chief architect of the Iraq invasion and war.

When she, who I only knew from her somewhat shaky voice was probably of a generation before me, asked whether I was the one who chose the music, I said yes and prepared for an argument. She then proceeded to tell me she really liked it, and also touchingly asked whether I was in any trouble. I was gratified and relieved, told her I wasn't, which relieved her, we began talking about and finding common ground on the issues, and from that point our friendship to come, augmented by our mutual love for and experience in Mexico, was off to the races.

This incident is indicative of Pat's perceptive, independent mind, as well as her warmth and kindness. The conversations we were to have are among the most stimulating I've had in my life. When being with and talking to Pat, wherever my mind and heart were on any particular occasion, I always was encouraged to move to a higher level of intelligence, ethics, and compassion. And, as typically accompanies such conversations, where irony, absurdity and paradox abound, we found much to laugh about.

Primarily a simply delightful person, Pat Chatfield was also a model citizen, something in short supply these days, an example for a democracy to try harder to live the way it talks. She didn't seek power, she had power. Pat's body is gone, but she is not. She is an example to us all, and as if there is any doubt, she matters.

Pat was such a bright light in this world and the world is diminished by her leaving us. I will miss her inquisitive mind and her sparkling smiles. Rest in peace dear friend.
Susan Dahl

We will greatly miss you at the book club, Pat. Rest In Peace, and may your family live in peace, knowing your life was well lived.
Dorothy Tarpley