We celebrate the life of Patrick Clark Braxton-Andrew (PBA, Pato, Pibba), a life that ended far too soon on October 28, 2018. Yet in those 34 years, Patrick experienced more than many would ever dream.
He lived his passions: teaching his students to love the Spanish language and Latin culture and food as he did ; setting up his own tutoring business to promote not only academic excellence, but also to instill the desire for lifetime learning and curiosity; traveling to far off places (Central and South America, SE Asia), interacting with locals wherever he ventured, and finding kindness and generosity throughout.
As Patrick wrote in the intro to one of his photo albums “I’ve stood breathless… with loved ones at the feet of world-class wonders and made lifelong friends, oh so many unforgettable friends, and eaten oddities and delicacies, often in the same bite. I’ve contracted exotic illnesses and learned a language and forgotten to call or email and survived the recklessness that perhaps inherently afflicts anyone who’s willing to pack a backpack full of belongings and, simply, leave. Along the way, while learning to shed belongings and preconceptions, I’ve accumulated more stories than I can ever (or, in certain cases, should ever!) tell.”
No matter how far he ventured, he always returned to the Davidson community where he grew up, graduating from Davidson College in 2006.
Many here will miss seeing him on his daily runs along the roads near town; others will recall the meals shared, his voracious appetite, and especially his love for dessert.
We will all continue to be inspired by the commitment he had to his students, the joy he found in his travels, the friendships he cherished worldwide, and his love of life.
Patrick is survived by his mother, Jean Braxton and father, Gary Andrew, his brother, Kerry Braxton-Andrew and sister-in-law, Kathleen Braxton-Andrew, and countless extended family and friends who will carry on his memory.
Patrick’s family wishes to thank the Davidson community for their outpouring of love and support and the yellow ribbons of hope.
We want to thank the friends of Patrick who worked tirelessly to effect the search efforts in Mexico. And we wish to acknowledge the courageous leadership of the Governor and the Attorney General of Chihuahua in finding Patrick’s body and returning him home.
Gifts in Patrick’s memory may be made to one of the following: (1) via check to the Patrick Braxton-Andrew Memorial Fund, Davidson College, Box 7170, Davidson, NC 28035 or using the following link: www.givecampus.com (search for Patrick). This fund will provide grants to Davidson students to study or travel abroad. (2) via check, payable to E2D (www.e-2-d.org), a non-profit organization where Patrick volunteered his time-dedicated to helping people in his community learn technology skills. Mail to E2D, Inc., PO Box 1299, Davidson, NC 28036, writing PBA (or Patrick) in the memo line or donate online at www.e-2-d.org/donate(under “special instructions”, note PBA or Patrick).
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 15 at 3:00 pm at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, 100 N Main St, Davidson, North Carolina, 28036. There will be a reception following the service at the college’s Lilly Family Gallery in Chambers Building on campus. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is serving the family.
Published in Charlotte Observer on Dec. 2, 2018.