James "Pat" Patrick Fitzgerald

James Patrick "Pat" Fitzgerald, age 90, a lifelong resident of La Grande, died Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at a local care facility. A funeral will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in La Grande. Committal and interment will follow at the Union Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Friday from 4:00 until 6:00 p..m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

Pat was born on December 23, 1918, the son of David and Cora (Coleman) Fitzgerald in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High school in 1936. On September 3, 1939 he married Helen Davis at her grandmother's home in Union. During World War II he enlisted in the United States Navy. After a medical discharge he worked in a training program at Eastern Oregon College with young airman preparing to become pilots. Before the war, Pat worked with his brothers running Fitzgerald Furniture. In 1944, he established Fitzgerald Flowers which he ran with his wife and family until his retirement. He operated a greenhouse and in the early years, grew all the flowers to supply the flower shop. In 1972, he established Pat's Alley. He also owned other businesses including a nursery and landscaping service, cherry orchards, a carwash, and a caramel corn and candy shop. He had a passion for plants and gardening. He built a cabin at Wallowa Lake in 1950 where the family shared many happy times over the years.

Pat was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a lifelong scout and was a Boy Scout Troop leader for many years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Kiwanis Club and the Knife and Fork Club. He enjoyed being a part of the "Liar's Club" which first met at DeBorde's Café in Pat's Alley and later at the Smokehouse Restaurant. He was a pilot and loved to fly, making many trips into Red's Horse Ranch. His Irish heritage came out in his playing of the bagpipes. One of his great joys was teasing his children and grandchildren and filling them full of silly stories. He had an incredible memory for details and was a local historian.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Fitzgerald of La Grande; children, Kathleen Fitzgerald Curtis and her husband, Paul of Pendleton, Jeanne Fitzgerald Firstenburg and her husband, Bill of Woodland, Washington, Brian David Fitzgerald and his wife, Ella of DuPont, Washington and Julie Ann Fitzgerald Bodfish and her husband, John, of La Grande; grandchildren, James Mychal Choate-Deeds, Scott Allen Deeds, Todd William Spence, Jill Kristine Snyder, James Patrick Fitzgerald, Matthew Paul Curtis, Shea Marie Fitzgerald, Kipp Mychal Curtis, Katelin Ann Fitzgerald, John Davis Bodfish,Erin Elizabeth Bodfish, Lindsey Joseph and Logan Joseph; great grandchildren Paxton, Camden, Hunter, Chase, Alana, Keanen Patrick, Justice Patrick, Kayden, Kendall and Aiden Patrick; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Patrick Merton Fitzgerald, brothers, Ed and Clark Fitzgerald and sister, Mary Larsen.

Memorials can be made in his memory to Neighbor to Neighbor in care of the Presbyterian Church.

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