Remembering Pat

Being surrounded by so many amazing bike racers and educators at Pat's memorial service this afternoon reminded us both of Pat's infectious optimism.

I met Pat last September while working as math coach for the Bay Area Math Project. While introducing myself to a colleague of Pat's, I metioned that I like to ride my bike.

"Oh, then you must meet our middle school teacher, Mr. Caurant," replied an eager teacher.

I was brought over to meet Pat and introduced to him as someone who likes to bike. I found myself in front this skinny guy with cartoon characters all over his tie. I will never forget the look we gave one another as we both thought the exact same thing: "There's no way he/she bikes as much as I do..." We both assumed that the other was a casual biker. Hah!

Wow. Two bike racers who are both middle school math teachers...not a lot of us out there.

Those of you who have read the accounts from Pat's students on this site know how much his students adored him.

As an educator, Pat was truly gifted. I'd get chills watching him teach as the way in which his students (7th graders!!) respected one another was truly amazing. One of the first times I came to Pat's class to do a demo lesson, I found him on the floor with his 35 students. They had moved the desks to a corner of the room, were sitting in a circle, and talking about the ways they had pushed one another to take risks in his class that week.

Pat has taught me so much about teaching middle school and I will always keep him in my heart as a friend, biking partner, and educator.

After a few months of both teaching in Pat's class and observing him teach, I was ready to bring him home to meet the family: Mike and little M.

Pat joined us for our First Annual Paris-Roubaix Party. Despite having suffered a crash at Clobberopolis Pat was very up-beat. His optimism and spirit were infectious. At the end of the evening we were all treated to a Norwegian treat - Salted Licorice (Yum). Pat was underwhelmed (his expression says it all) and he dubbed the treat 'Penguine Poop'.

More recently, Pat shared with us his thoughts about life after bike racing. Our admiration for him was affirmed as we heard his hopes to refocus his energy into his teaching and begin to take on more leadership roles as a coach for other teachers.

It is clear from the outpouring of love and support after Pat's accident that Pat has made a significant positive impression on our community. We feel honored to have known Pat, even if it was for a relatively short time. Although we will miss him we will cherish our fond memories of a truely great guy.

Ali and Mike