Patrick Lloyd Chase: what a wonderful man, what a gift to all who knew him.

He loved. He loved and adored his wife and two children and two grandchildren. He loved his brothers and sisters, his extended family, his in-laws. He loved and cherished his friends and his neighbors. He loved coffee and he loved food. He loved cars, and carpentry, and mechanical things. He loved working at Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs – a proud employee of 40 years. He loved helping others. He loved spending time at the lake. He loved pondering, and tinkering, and driving about with no aim other than enjoying the scenery. He loved blasting the same music over and over, wearing down the "repeat" button.

Patrick "Chatty Lips" Chase loved to talk. He always had a friendly word to share with anyone he encountered – he was so kind and so gentle. He was silly beyond reason and patient beyond measure. He was an unwavering support and a font of positivity and unconditional love for his family. He thought people were good, life was good, and he couldn't believe how lucky he was to share it all with those he loved.

We know we were the lucky ones.

There is an enormous, bespoke, impossible-to-fill Pat-Chase-shaped hole in our lives. Wherever he is, whatever he's doing, we know he's having a great time, lighting up the space around him, and cheering us on from afar.

Forever in our hearts: Patrick Lloyd Chase.