WILMINGTON — Patrick Wendorf, 34, passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2017.
When I think of Patrick, I think of that great big smile; Patrick had a smile that would light up the room. Patrick never asked for anything; rather, he asked what he could do for you. If you needed some help, he would lend a hand. Always respectful of others, he was very much loved and cherished by many.
He had a big sister, Chrissy, whom he adored for they had been very close all of Patrick’s life and most of Chrissy’s. I think of all the trips that Linda made with Chrissy and Patrick from Charlotte to Wilmington and back for 15 years, going home for the weekend or holiday. I think of Chrissy, my oldest niece, whom I have known for all of her life and have watched her grow up into a beautiful young woman and be a big sister to Patrick, who loved his big sister. They had a very special bond, and I know there are no words to describe her sense of loss.
I think of Lindy slaving away night and day at every job she could find working two jobs often just to make ends meet and do the best she could for her children. Lindy made sure they had a roof over their heads, clean cloths and good food and worked night and day to do it. There is always a special bond between father’s and daughter’s and mother’s and son’s. Patrick and Linda were very close, and Linda and Chrissy both know how fortunate they were to have had Patrick in their lives, as do so many others, myself included.
I think of Patrick wearing his shades out in his kayak, paddling along going places exploring new territory, or going back to old favorite spots to explore them again. I think of Megan and Patrick paddling together and going camping both near and far, exploring together and enjoying their time together for over 10 years now. They truly Loved each other, and I cannot pretend to imagine how sad Megan must be. I think of Patrick in his Carolina Skiff and many other boats throughout the years taking his big sister, Chrissy; niece, Alyssa; nephew, Nicki; his many cousins, aunts, uncles and countless friends out on the water to go boating, swimming and air- conditioned camping over on Masonboro Island and points North and South. Patrick was ingenious, very generous and always willing to help one out.
Whether on the water in numerous craft, or out on one of many motorcycles and bicycles, Patrick always explored the limits, both his and the machines. He lived his life to the fullest. He was bigger than life, and that’s why we miss him so much; because he was such a great dude in so many ways. Most of all, he was a loving and dutiful son who very much loved his mother, Linda, whose loss is the greatest of all and who’s grief is unfathomable.
No one who has not lost a child can possibly feel the grief of someone who has. When I think of Patrick and his great big smile, one that would light up the room and light up our hearts for all of his life, from when he was a little boy throughout his whole life, he had a very special great big smile because Patrick was a very special person and touched the lives of many, and I for one will forever be better off for him touching mine. I love you Patrick as do so many others, you shall be greatly missed for the wonderful person you were, but you shall not be forgotten because you will live on in the hearts and minds of those of us who were so fortunate to have known you.
Love, U. Mike
Patrick was preceded in death by his father, Stephen Wendorf; grandparents, Ernie and Helen Gniadek and Linus and Margaret Wendorf; and ‘Miles,’ his four-legged son.
He is survived by his mother, Linda Gniadek of Wilmington; his girlfriend for life, Meghan Fuller; sister, Chrissy Wendorf, and her husband, Richie Carr, of Hampstead; brother, Cody Wendorf; aunts, Patty Gniadek, Lottie Arnold, and her husband, David, Debbie and Joe Latulipe and Tina and Billy McAllan; uncles, Mike Gniadek, and his wife, Kathy, Joe Gniadek, Matt Gniadek and Sue and Karl and Susan Wendorf; niece, Alyssa Martinez; nephew, Nickie Martinez; cousins, Jed, Flynn, Max, Cate, George Henry, Crystal and Cathy.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Services. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. with a memorial service following at 2 p.m.
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In lieu of flowers, and in support of Patrick’s activities and involvement, please consider a donation in his memory to Cape Fear River Watch; New Hanover Humane Society; Hammocks Beach State Park, Parks and Recreation Trust Fund; or PORT Health Services.
Thank you for your support and prayers at this time.