Obituary for Patrick Sundance Heath Mack

Patrick Sundance Heath Mack, age 35, died Monday January 14, 2019, in a traffic accident in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Patrick was adopted at age 8 by Michael Mack, then a teacher in the Osseo School District, and graduated from Park Center High School in 2002. The children in his life, who brought Pat his greatest joy, are his daughter Cheyenne Stipp (13) and son Cody Martindale (9), their sister Lizzy Martindale (6), nephew Caden Etter, and niece Cailey Etter.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Brooklyn United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Center at 1:00 PM, Monday, January 21, 2019. Memorial donations may be made to the Brooklyn Church Mega Sale, or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Patrick Sundance Heath Mack was born in Minneapolis on November 13, 1983. After his adoption at age 8, Pat lived in Brooklyn Center with his dad, Mike Mack, and his beloved cat Camden (Cammy). He attended Garden City Elementary School, and graduated from Park Center High School in 2002. His teachers and classmates were dear to him, and he to them, a pattern established early in his life that followed him always, as Pat was known for his big heart and generous spirit.

Pat’s greatest joy and pride were his two children, Cheyenne (13) and Cody (9), and their sister, Lizzy (6). He was loved as well by his nephew, Caden, and his niece, Cailey, who received Pat’s love in full whenever they were together.

Having been taught the basics of swimming by the daughter of a family friend while on vacation in Tucson soon after his adoption, Patrick became an excellent swimmer. Later, he taught swimming and worked as a lifeguard at Camp Courage, an enduring special place in his life. Most importantly, Pat passed his love of swimming on to his children, who continue to thrive in weekly swimming visits to the Community Center pool where Pat once worked as a lifeguard. Those visits were continued on the Thursday just past with Pat no doubt supervising in spirit from the rafters.

Patrick enjoyed many activities, all of which he shared enthusiastically with his beloved children and their sister. Regular visits to the Minnesota Science Museum fed Pat’s, and later his children’s, curiosity and love of learning. He shared adventures with them—kayaking, biking, sledding, and above all, camping. Pat’s genial and open nature fed his children’s ability to make friends wherever they camped, and his love of nature has been adopted fully by them.

Patrick loved dogs—every dog he ever saw was a beautiful dog—but it must be said that Montana, the wonderful pet of friends, was the Top Dog. Patrick sometimes assisted in Montana’s daily walks, and the two of them bonded. Montana, too, will miss Pat.

Patrick was a man of numerous interests. He enjoyed music, especially the tunes of his dad’s Big Band, another gift he passed to his children. As with most young people his age, he liked video games, but his interests were broad—he could be found practicing Spanish, eagerly cooking up an hors d’oeuvre for a dinner with family and friends, or reading books on a wide variety of topics. Patrick, indeed, was rather well read, definitely a life-long learner.

In addition to his work at Camp Courage, Patrick was proud to have been employed by Tasks Unlimited, where he did janitorial work. His most recent and perhaps most rewarding work, however, was with the members and volunteers of Brooklyn Church, where he was a heavy lifter in the furniture tent during the annual Mega Sale, and where his supervisor, Sherry, became his honorary “Mom.” Pat was also a year-round volunteer, helping with whatever tasks needed doing. In fact, on the morning of the day of Patrick’s death, he was here, helping “The Sorters,” some of his favorite people, with their work.

Patrick will be sorely missed by the many, many lives he touched, but as his children have come to understand, he remains here, in a different form, all around us whom he loved and who loved him. He will continue to live in our hearts and minds, and his love will always surround his children. Donations in memory of Patrick Sundance Heath Mack may be directed to the Brooklyn Church Mega Sale, or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). JRC Tucson, AZ 1/17.2019