Ocean Point Column: Remembering Pat and Shelley

Tue, 05/24/2022 - 7:45am

    The “unofficial” start of summer is fast approaching and I suspect that many will begin to open their cottages for the season. As of now, the weather forecast appears to be quite good so I hope that will continue to be the case for the holiday weekend.

    Mark your calendars for the upcoming “clean up the Point” day on Saturday, May 28 from 8 a.m. until noon. There is a limited supply of outdoor tools so if you have a favorite shovel or rake feel free to bring it along. They are also looking for anyone with a pickup truck to make trips to the Transfer Station. Light snacks will be provided. Come out and reconnect with Ocean Point friends while sprucing up our beautiful land and facility.

    Sadly, Ocean Point has lost a very dear friend. Pat Farrin passed away May 14 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. I, along with many Ocean Pointers, have known Pat for a very long time and recall with fondness his time spent as a teenager at Ocean Point and then as an adult often assisting many of us with various land projects that he performed with such ease; no project was too complicated for Pat.

    Pat possessed so many wonderful qualities too numerous to mention. He was so very kindhearted, thoughtful, compassionate and a great friend to all. He had an incredibly infectious smile and the ability to make you laugh in any situation.

    His generosity and bigheartedness knew no bounds; he was always there when needed no matter what the circumstance.

    He graciously gave his time and talents to so many community organizations and was responsible for the lights being installed on the high school football field.

    Pat was a devoted husband to his wife Robin and to his sons Kelly and Kipp, always supporting their interests, dreams and goals. No matter what your conversation was he proudly included mention of his family who were front and center in his life.

    At a young age Pat proudly served his country and was a Purple Heart recipient and received many other commendations, all examples of his courage and bravery.

    Despite his diagnosis, Pat’s work ethic and energy never slowed down. I loved referring to him as the “energizer bunny” and was in awe of his tenacity and persistence in getting the job done.

    We all are so privileged to have had Pat in our lives, not only as our friend but also as a confidant.

    His wife Robin predeceases Pat. Our sincere condolences to his sons Kelly and his wife Marcy and Kipp and his partner Elizabeth Tilton and to Pat’s partner Cathy Conn.

    A celebration of life will be held at a later date and donations may be made in Pat’s memory to Rebuilding Together, P.O.Box 22, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.

    Recently I was made aware of the passing of Shelley Daley last Nov. 10 at her home in Venice, Florida. Shelley and her husband Bob purchased Grace Ryder’s home a few summers ago and were so very excited to become part of the Ocean Point community.

    I first met Shelley and Bob immediately after their purchase and I could instantly observe what a wonderful, thoughtful and kind individual she was.

    Shelley was looking forward to getting involved with our activities and meeting our residents. I am so very sorry that that endeavor was cut short.

    She spoke lovingly of her children and it was quite evident that she was a great mom. She shared with me how much she was looking forward to her children’s visit to Ocean Point.

    Our condolences to her husband Bob and her children: Ryan, Caitlin, Eileen, Elizabeth and Patrick.

    Please check out the website for any and all information regarding membership, activities and sign ups for the Clean Up The Point Rally, racquet sports fees, and the July Town Hall meeting.

    The OPCT Board is seeking individuals who are interested in serving on the Board, please contact President Alex Hall or any of the Board members if interested.

    Stephanie Kaler and Kelly Robbins have once again organized the OP 5k Road Race on Saturday, July 9 beginning with the kid’s run at 8 a m and followed by the 5k at 8:30; please sign up for this event too.

    Have a great week and safe travel to all! Remember our deceased veterans on this Memorial Day especially those who have given their lives for our freedom.