Memorial bench honors Ponderay Rotary charter member
Rotarian Barb Carver unveils the Pat Gavin Memorial Bench to the Gavin family at the Ponderay branch of Mountain West Bank. Carver, who was president of the Ponderay club in 2019 when the project started, said the bench will be placed along the Sand Creek Trail this spring. In the meantime, people can go see it at Mountain West Bank.
(Courtesy photo)
The Rotary Club of Ponderay Centennial unveiled a hand-crafted bench in honor of Patrick R. Gavin, a charter member of the club who exemplified “Service Above Self” throughout his life, in and out of Rotary.
The bench will reside in the lobby of the Ponderay Mountain West Bank until it is placed along Sand Creek in a special celebration next spring.
Pat’s nickname was “The Big Woofie.” Despite seeming low key, he always filled the room with his awesome presence and dove into everything he did. He loved to spend time with his family. He loved to cook, eat and drink good wine. He loved boating, skiing, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his dogs.
Pat was invaluable to Ponderay Rotary. He was smart, generous, kind and witty. With a constant passion for learning, Pat played an integral role in the creation and success of the club’s scholarship program. Pat was not only passionate about the process, but the adults and youth it affected. He always took time to genuinely learn more about anyone in the program, or anyone at all for that matter.
“He was passionate about our scholarship process and cared deeply about encouraging talented students to go forward towards their career goals,” said Nanci Jenkins, Ponderay Rotary Scholarship Chair.
Furthermore, Pat was a great teacher, not only through his veterinarian and radiology skills, but also his numerous other skills. He loved to challenge people to think outside the box which helped Ponderay Rotary move to the next levels of success also.
JP Carver mentioned, “He and Kathy contributed a lasting legacy to Ponderay Rotary. Their “Changing of the Guard” parties for many years, and his culinary skills with brisket, were unsurpassed, especially served with a nice glass of wine!”
For many years, Ponderay Rotary partnered with Community Cancer Services for “A Night to Remember,” a rousing dinner fundraiser to help support locals affected with cancer. Pat was critical to both the fun and huge success of this event.
Pat was born on February 14, 1947 in Laramie, WY. He graduated high school in LaGrande, OR, attended Oregon State University, then Washington State University where he graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He then spent three years in the Army as a Captain in the Veterinary Corps. Pat married Kathy Kortekass on December 23, 1978.
He was dedicated to his career as a veterinarian, a professor at Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine for 29 years, and his world-renowned radiology skills. He authored over 200 papers and wrote the original textbook, Practical Small Animal MRI. Sadly, Patrick R. Gavin, 72, passed away after battling prostate cancer June 26, 2019 at his home in Sagle, Idaho.
“We are happy to have had Pat as a Ponderay Rotary leader and will try our best to carry forward his passion for helping others!” Jenkins commented, “We all miss his smile, laugh and positive attitude. We hope this bench, that offers a resting place for community members while walking and chatting in any weather, would make him happy.”