On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Patrick Richard O’Malley Sr. (O’ Paddy O’ to many of his friends) passed away due to medical complications. Pat turned 79 on April 13, 2021.
Pat was a former long-time resident of Sandy, Oregon, but had lived the past 30 years at the Northern Oregon coast. He spent the last six years in Astoria with his constant companion and beloved feline friend Fred. He absolutely loved the view of the Columbia River from his home which included watching ships glide up and down the river and being privy to many spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
As a young man, Pat served four years in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. Thereafter he was self-employed at Woodpecker Woodworking as a cabinet maker in Sandy. Pat lived an unpretentious life but was a keen businessman who wisely invested in real estate which enabled him to live out his dream of semi-retiring when he was just 42.
Pat was preceded in death by his mother Ruth, step-father Clarence Mason, his father George Edward O’Malley, and Pat’s first wife Vicki O’Malley. Survivors include his former second and third wives, Pam Forder and Sharon O’Malley, his siblings, children, stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pat’s children, Dawn Sayles (Roger), Patrick O’Malley Jr., Shannon Dirks, Melissa Newberry (Jeff), Michael O’Malley (Nichole), and Colby Charlton (Mark) have many fond memories of his bigger-than-life persona. Pat’s grandchildren are Summer Ruegger, Jeff and John Sayles, Samantha Deegan O’Malley, Nicholas and Michael Dirks, Jacob and Justin Newberry, Taylor Koch, Presley and Vance O’Malley, Arleigh and Maddox Charlton. Pat’s great-grandchildren are Oliver, Aspen and Oakley Ruegger, and Harriet Dirks.
Pat was a deeply spiritual person who loved telling stories, being outdoors, fishing, playing cribbage, stamp collecting, cars, motorcycles, going to garage sales, listening to music and refinishing antiques. He loved people, especially the laughter and joy of children. Pat loved to laugh and was as witty as he was talented. Pat enjoyed building unique things including a turn of the century cabin and a vintage logger shack.
Pat was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for 38 years. He was very proud of his sobriety and loved helping others in need. Pat’s home was always open to anyone. There is a guest sign-in book at Pat’s home in Astoria which is filled with hundreds of entries from people all over the US. Pat’s charisma and charm will be sorely missed by all who love him.
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer in Astoria.
In honor of his memory, donations can be made to your favorite charity.