Pat Carey
Patrick Carey went to be with his Lord Saturday evening as the result of a plane crash. Born on May 23, 1958 in San Pablo, California, Pat was the first child of Roger and Jeannette Carey. He graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1976, and attended Western Baptist Bible College in Salem, Oregon. In 1985, Pat met Joy Crumpton, and they were married on July 25, 1986. Pat was a member of Grace Community Church since 1986, where he served as deacon, and elder. He also played piano and keyboards, and worked in the sound room. Pat owned Carey’s Yard and Landscape Maintenance, and had great pride in his work. In 1995, Pat achieved his dream of becoming a pilot, and owning a plane. Family and flying were the things Pat enjoyed most in this life.
Pat touched so many lives because of the way he loved God and loved people. Those who came face to face with him will not soon forget. He gave us a friend, always willing to listen and offer a kind of word of encouragement. He was the one to depend on, with an ever willing hand to assist or give in times of need. He inspired laughter with his great sense of humor and tireless teasing. He brought out the competitor in us when the game wasn't over until he won. Most of all, Pat showed us the love of Christ with his genuine and sincere heart.
He is survived by: his wife, Joy Carey his two sons, Nathaniel Carey and Mitchell Carey, all of Visalia, his mother, Jeannette Carey, of Eureka, his brother, Timothy Carey, of Visalia, his sister, Elaine Larsen, her husband Robert, and their four children, of Visalia, and his sister, Barbara Carey, of Visalia. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Roger Carey.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, April 15, at Grace Community Church, 424 N. Lovers Lane, Visalia.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Carey Family Scholarship Fund at Visalia Christian Academy, 3737 W. Walnut Ave., Visalia, CA, 93277.
Eulogy
presented by Bob Craine
Little did I know April 6th, 2002 that I was sending our sons with an angel from GOD, but that is truly how I feel. There is no other pilot I would have entrusted them with other than Pat. I want you, Joy, and your sons to know that Pat must have been an Angel sent by God to fly my son and his friends home to heaven. Pat will be truly missed by many. I have no doubt that he stands before our Lord playing God’s heavenly piano and leading our sons in worship, in between innings.
Joy, I have told you many times this past week that you have been my ROCK. So here is a ROCK for you as a reminder to continue to TRUST GOD. Whenever you need us, Jeannie and I will be there for you.