Patrick Michael Kessing, partner, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver Owen Jr. and Dulcene Bernice Kessing; and his brothers, Oliver Owen III and Rogers Moffet. Patrick was born in Norfolk, VA, the seventh of eight children. He attended Norfolk Catholic High School and graduated from James Madison University in 1982 with a BS in Political Science.
Patrick was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hiking, camping, kayaking, bird watching, gardening, and exploring nature. His professional life mirrored his personal passions. He owned Patrick Kessing Fine Gardens, a landscaping business in Fort Myers, FL, and previously served as landscape manager at The Urban Gardener and co-owner of Whitefish Garden Company, both in Atlanta, GA. Patrick was also a paddle and SUP guide and ACA kayak instructor at Gulf Coast Kayak in Matlacha, FL. Preserving and protecting the environment was paramount to Patrick, and he was the executive director of the Georgia Environmental Project from 1986-1991.
Patrick was a voracious reader, devouring biographies on the founding fathers as well as other historical writings and novels. He enjoyed all types of music and was especially fond of music festivals. Patrick was a committed democrat who served as precinct chair for federal and state elections in Fort Myers for several years.
Above all, Patrick was a people person. He was gregarious, loquacious, and captivating. Convivial, he kept in touch with lifelong friends and would strike up conversations with strangers as if they already were lifelong friends. Patrick was always willing to lend a hand, and in addition to helping care for his parents as they grew older, he became a celebrated figure amongst the community for his neighborly and generous spirit.
Patrick is survived by his partner, David J. Hart; brothers, Douglas, Kevin, and Bailey; sisters, Kathleen (Waylisa) and Dulcene (Betsy); along with many adoring nieces and nephews. He will be honored in a celebration of life in Sylva, North Carolina on July 17, 2021 from 10 AM - 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, Friends of the Refuge
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