In Memory

Patrick Fenton

Patrick Fenton

Sorry to hear Pat has passed on. Condolences to the family.  I went to David Lubin, Sutter and Sac with Pat.  He was such a nice guy.  His Celebration of Life will be in Santa Clara where he lived.  No information yet. RIP Dear Classmate.



 
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02/21/23 10:12 AM #1    

Fred Barbaria

Very sorry to hear of Pat's passing. He was a good friend at Sac High - we had a fun car rivalry with our "crank start" vehicles. 


02/21/23 01:27 PM #2    

Sonia Salcedo

Pat Fenton was one of the nicest classmates, always had a smile, and always said, "Hi" when he saw you.  I'm sorry to hear of his passing and my sincere condolences to his family and friends. 


02/21/23 04:14 PM #3    

Fred Weber

How sad it is to hear of his passing. He meant so much to all of us; he made my high school experience so much more meaningful and indeed richer. I shall never forget his friendship.


02/22/23 01:48 PM #4    

Gary E. Myer

It was a shock to hear of Pat's passing.  I often met him on the way to school as I transfered buses at 39th and Folsom and sometimes walked to school with him from there instead of taking the second bus.  Sometimes we would meet up with Ron Gatten further along and even stopped in to see Fred Weber as we got close to campus.  A loss, indeed.  Praying for his family.


02/26/23 02:56 PM #5    

Barbara Puntillo

Pat's boss and good friend wrote to Mission-West Valley College to announce Pat's passing.

Dear Colleagues,

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news of the passing of one of West Valley Colleges most dedicated educators, Pat Fenton.  Our friend Pat was 76.  Pat devoted more than 40 years of service to the college and district and left an indelible mark on the tapestry of this community.  I offer our most sincere condolences to his wife of 55 years, Marsha, his five children, his grandchildren, and his countless friends, students, and colleagues.

Pat began his time at West Valley in 1982 as faculty member in the business division following a successful career in private industry.  He taught for more than 30 years, and his distinguished career also saw him serve as faculty union president, vice president for administrative services, and, most recently, associate vice chancellor for facilities.  The consummate budget professional, his financial acumen and pragmatic business instincts were deeply respected throughout the district and helped lay the foundation for the district's current fiscal strength.  He was always ready to share his considerable gifts of knowledge and experience, and he was quick to recognize and celebrate the contributions of others.  His impact at the college and on countless students was immense and we will all miss him greatly.  The enormous outpouring of love for Pat since his passing is a testament to the respect and admiration so many had for him.  I liked to refer to Pat as a renaissance man - so diverse were his gifts that he seemed to have an effortlessly brilliant grasp of just about everything.  He was a classically trained chef who spoke three languages, jazz aficionado, FIFA-certified soccer referee, Apple coding expert, and of course had that world-class laconic wit.  I used to tell him that he reminded me of a fine whisky - a little strong on the palette at first, but soon you appreiated his depth, complexity, and uniqueness.  I don't know anyone else who would get up early and bake scones from scratch for the team to enjoy while he simultaneously educated them on all the details of a $20 million building project.  He was truly one of a king.

Pat was not inclined to brag about his children, but those closest to him knew that his favorite role was that of dad, and that he was immensely proud of them, their families, and their many accomplishments.  Those who worked most closely with him appreciated his thoughtful mentoring, intellectual grace, and pragmatism.  I deeply appreciated his unwavering professional support and wise counsel, but most of all I will miss his friendship.  We will coordinate a celebration of Pat's life and work together with his family and provide details in the coming weeks.  Those wishing to leave flowers or cards may do so under a picture of Pat in the lobby of the chancellor's office beginning tomorrow.  We will share all notes and cards with his wife, who is grateful for the support of the West Valley-Mission Community.  Take good care, Brad


02/27/23 12:32 PM #6    

Gary E. Myer

Wow!  Thank you, Barb, for posting this tribute.  I had no idea what an impact he had.  He truly gave to others.

Again, thank you.


02/27/23 05:21 PM #7    

Sonia Salcedo

Wow, an amazing and well deserved tribute to Pat Fenton.....and he was a Sacramento High School Dragon!  Thank you Barbara for sharing the tribute.


02/28/23 05:48 PM #8    

John Cook

It makes me proud to have graduated with such a wonderful person like Pat. He had always been an inspiration at David Lubin, Sutter Je. High, of course Sac High and in his community. He will be missed. My condolences to his friends and family.

Thank you Barbara for posting his boss's announcement, a very nice tribute to a very nice man.


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