Last evening friends and family members of the late Pat Donovan got together on Eagle Beach to celebrate his life, share memories and toast to his blessed memory.
Patrick was a resident of both St Paul, Minnesota, and Aruba. He was first hired here by the Radisson Aruba Resort Casino & Spa in the early 90s, as Director of Sales and Marketing, and when the resort closed for renovations, towards the end of the decade, he went next door and became Director of Sales at Westin Resort & Casino.
Along the way, he collected many friends, from among his colleagues and clients, and enjoyed a very active social life here that included ritual Friday Happy Hours, and great fun at Carnival for ten consecutive years, as a dedicated member of Los Laga Bai.
Friends report he was excellent with a glue gun, sticking rhinestones on fancy costumes; his technique, fueled by one or two glasses of wine, and pasta with shrimp, was excellent.
A while before the Westin was sold, Patrick tested retirement, and found that he wasn’t quite ready to lie in a hammock, so he dabbled in real estate and in destination management. He collected some more friends and fans along the way.
Patrick loved his parents, his 6 siblings, all nephews and nieces, his neighbors at Palma Real, his formers colleagues from the Radisson, Westin, ECO DMS, his cats, and his discounted outlet finds, including a collection of Portuguese tweed caps. Patrick collected just about everything.
Friends will miss cooking and eating, good food and wines, travelling, staying up late, dancing.
Overall, Patrick loved Aruba, and Aruba loved him.
The circle of friends, last night on Eagle Beach, with presbyter Vincent Sterring, against a backdrop of a spectacular sunset, was a testimony for a life well lived.
From His Eulogy: Patrick Donovan, Age 69 of St. Paul and Aruba. Passed away suddenly after a courageous battle with cancer on October 20, 2023. Preceded in death by his parents Daniel & Albena. Survived by siblings Dennis (Cindy), Kathy (Jim Henk), Michael (Ann), Kevin (Rosa), Shawn (Lara) & Daniel (Amy); Aunt Angeline Kucera & Uncle Emil Kucera, Uncle Pat Ricci & Aunt Anna Mae Parker; many nieces & nephews and their families and the Island of Aruba. Pat had a wonderful sense of humor, and a generous heart. He was a caregiver for both of his parents and gave freely of his time and talents to care for each of them, always coming home when he was needed, and putting his life on Aruba on hold to take care of his ailing father.
