JD Perry writes-
The morning of August 3, 2012 saw 17 full foursomes of friends, many old and some gained that day, gather at the Cape Ann Golf Course in Essex. The goal was to memorialize the brothers Patrican, — both of whom passed on far before their time: Aran this past January, and Ryan in 1991 — while raising money for the fund established to benefit Aran’s son Thomas, who was just a year old when he lost his father. The Patrican boys grew up on Bass Ave, just a few houses from Good Harbor Beach, with their mother Pauline, who, sadly, succumbed to cancer just six months before Ryan died. From an early age the boys were perceptive, bright, athletic, had a great sense of adventure, and were spirited pranksters. Aran’s commitment to community was exemplified through the 18 years he served as a decorated and beloved officer with the Gloucester Police Department.
Aran and Ryan’s maternal aunt and uncle, Bernadette and Peter Blackburn of England, have been appreciatively following the various fund-raising events that have benefited their great-nephew, Thomas. Upon hearing about the golf tournament, they asked if they could donate a trophy for the tournament champions. This tournament was organized by the same committee that arranged the Aran Patrican Hockey Skate back in June and it was determined, knowing the love of hockey that Aran, Ryan, and Pauline shared, that the trophy choice would be a no brainer. Anticipating that this would be the first of an annual event, we decided to go big: a replica of the NHL Stanley Cup. Bernadette and Peter wholeheartedly agreed and insisted on funding the trophy purchase entirely. Humbled by their generosity, we asked them to mark the trophy with their dedication. The inscription reads:
In memory of
our dear Nephews Aran & Ryan
with enduring love Peter & Bernie Blackburn
The scramble format leveled the playing field so that every foursome had a shot of winning. Tony Bille, Ken Sholes, Steve Howard, and Bob Marshall won the tournament/day with a score of eleven under par. In addition to the trophy, which will be inscribed with their names, each winner received a $50 gift certificate to Cape Ann Golf Course and will house the trophy until the next year when the event will continue as the First Annual Patrican Memorial Golf Tournament. Three foursomes finished in second with scores of ten under par.
All golfers and volunteers retired to the 19th hole to continue the good cheer while dining on a roast beef dinner, enjoying frosty beverages, and to taking chances on the donated raffle prizes and 50-50 drawing. Many walked away as winners with gifts that included a pair of official MLB Red Sox warm-up jackets, golf hats, and Marshall’s Farm Stand gift certificates.
Thanks for all the money raised ($5000 has been added to the growth fund for Thomas) goes to everyone that played, volunteered their time and effort, donated raffle gifts, or otherwise helped this cause and, of course, to the Stavros family for hosting this event at the Cape Ann Golf Course.
JD Perry
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