Many a work day in Madrona Woods, third Saturday of the month…

We’d carry tools to our site for the day,

begin to pull out ivy, blackberries or other invasives,

to mulch or plant.

Soon Patrick would be there working beside us,

his own tools in hand,

lithe and tireless,

always a welcome addition to our little force.

Our gathering had pulled him north from his Leschi neighborhood,

bringing his strength,

his knowledge,

his friendship,

his enthusiasm.

Not that he didn’t have enough to do closer to home.

But he loved them all,

the struggling urban forests

that bring balance to our busy lives,

turn us into stewards,

draw communities together.

And I think he liked our scraggly band,

our dedication,

our laughter,

our way of looking at the world the way he did,

our banter over great lunches.

Madrona Woods is permeated by the work of Patrick’s hands

and the fruits of his love.

It is one of many places that are a little better because he was here.

by Judith Starbuck, 2005