Patrick Gaynor Middleton

was born on April 30, 1956. The youngest of four, he grew up in Port Orchard, Washington, alongside his older siblings, Mary, Tom, and Mike. Tom Middleton was his father, an MD who often took Pat along with him to medical appointments and raised him to love football and family. His mother, Carol Middleton, passed onto him an infinite love for the ocean, books, and sarcastic humor.After high school, Pat went straight to college at the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in history and English. Initially, he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a doctor. However, after getting his first and last D in Chemistry class, he turned to something at which he was a natural, reading and analyzing. He studied law and went on to get his degree at Gonzaga University.The first two years following graduation, he worked in Anchorage, Alaska at a local firm. It was during this time, that he met Amy Marie Williams, a young artist from New Jersey. He was attending a college reunion in Spokane, Washington, when they met. The two fell in love, soon got married, and moved to Seattle, along with Amy's seven year old son Timothy Jack O'Brien. Patrick gained a son. In 1985, the three of them moved to Bainbridge Island, Washington and bought a home on Mattson Place.Patrick became a partner of a law firm in Seattle, Forsberg & Umlauf, which he would go on to work with for 25 years. In 1988, Patrick and Amy had their first and only daughter, Kelsey Gaynor Middleton. And what a little joy she was. By 1991, they had a son, Connor Williams Middleton, a boy very much like his father. Family was one of the most important things to Patrick, so he made sure to assure that all three children attended college and received higher education and opportunity. He also made sure to take them on countless trips, to see other places, and create special memories that would last forever. To name just a few, he took them to Italy, Ireland, all three Superbowls, and many trips to the islands of Hawaii.In 2011, he slowed down his practice at the law firm, as he began pursuing yet another degree in the field of teaching, which had become his passion, his calling. He attended an online program through the Augustine Institute, and earned a master's in theology. He graduated in March of 2013, valedictorian of his class. For years he had taught the RCIA program at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, where he impacted many people converting to the faith. Now with the new degree, he intended to teach in Catholic elementary schools and high-schools. He loved to read, write, and learn. He was a scholar. And he was a man of God. Teaching theology was a perfect fit. It was his passion and he loved it. Other than his kids and the Seahawks, nothing was more certain to him than this calling from God. His faith was strong and he was not afraid, yet he loved life and would have continued to do so much more.Patrick died on September 3, 2015, in his home, surrounded by his loved ones. You had a beautiful life, Patrick Gaynor Middleton. And now you will live an eternal one. The love you have left on this earth, through all of us, will always remain and continue to grow. Your presence will never really, truly be gone. We love and miss you. See you soon.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the recitation of the rosary at 12:30 PM followed by the mass of Christian burial at 1 PM on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island. A reception will follow. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 PM. More information will follow. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.