Jacksonville lost one of its most devoted citizens on October 25, 2015. Patricia “Pat” Dahl passed away peacefully at her home. Pat was a close friend to many and will be deeply missed. She gave such unselfish volunteer time with many community organizations, committees, and activities. She was dedicated to the preservation of Jacksonville’s history and to local open spaces, large and small, so that nature will thrive for future generations to enjoy. Pat held many offices in these organizations using her talent to keep things simple, thoroughly organized; always done with a touch of elegance or with gloves and boots when needed.
Pat could be found in Jacksonville raking leaves on Cemetery clean-up days, pulling invasive weeds from Scheffel-Thurston Park, planting flowers around the Post Office or Britt Gardens, delivering a delicious pie or cookies to friends. A favorite project of hers last year was spearheading the Garden Club’s 75th anniversary celebration at Daisy Creek Winery, and hostessing her private 75th birthday luncheon with friends who were also turning 75 in nearby months. Another favorite project Pat will be remembered for is Jacksonville’s Veterans Memorial Park’s Blue Star Marker and memorial trees. The tradition of flying American flags in Jacksonville began with Pat and husband, Pete, through the Boosters Club.
We cannot forget Pat’s love for her close pals, The Girls, Cinda and Sweet Pea, her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The Girls were Pat’s companions at Garden Club sales events, on walks through the parks, and at meetings she attended. She took The Girls for ‘socialization’ at Pioneer Village and other places where people needed some cheering up. We would see The Girls sharing rest time beside Pat in the midst of all these activities during these past few years.
Pat was born on July 3, 1939 to Ronald and Kathleen Rennie in San Mateo, California, the youngest of three children. Pat completed her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Latin at Dominican College of San Rafael. She then married Peter Dahl in May, 1959. They met on a blind date through the brother of a classmate. Pete predeceased Pat in 2005. They lived in various cities in the United States, in Okinawa, Japan, and the Australian Outback where Pete worked as an engineer.
During an oral history interview, Elizabeth Thompson discovered that living abroad occasionally created stress for Pat and Pete when left to process tragedies such as President John Kennedy’s assassination and the Vietnam War while oversees. Pat expressed, “We felt alone, far from our grieving country and friends,” anxiously waiting for limited news from distant time zones. Pat also kept up on news about feminism between the 1960s-1980s and was pleased with the 1973 14th Amendment decision for women’s right to privacy.
Pat and Pete moved to Southern Oregon, first in Ashland as owners of the Morical House B&B; then in 1995, they settled into Jacksonville/Central Point, motivated by their love for Jacksonville, its residents, visitors, and the beautiful open space view from their hillside home.
The couple was actively involved in many civic organizations such as the Jacksonville Garden Club, Friends of Jacksonville Historic Cemetery, Jacksonville Community Center, Jacksonville Boosters Club, and the City Parks and Visitors Committee. Pat was also an avid football and basketball fan. She was especially pleased when Title IX of 1972 US Education Amendment gave women further rights which led to millions of women in high school and college sports, and now as professional athletes. Pat had strong opinions about politics, technology, tattooing, food preparation and health.
Patricia is survived by her sister Jan Vasquez (Sal) and niece Cookie Vasquez of Sacramento and Peter’s brothers Chuck (Ann) of Jackson, WY, their children Jeffrey Dahl, Suzanne Dahl-Crumpler and Kristina Dahl-Sutcliffe; and Dick (Linda) of Bakersville, NC, and their children Cary, Clay and Stephen Dahl. Pat cherished her nieces and nephews as her own children. Her sister Carol Rennie of Modesto, California passed away a few weeks before Pat.
A graveside service officiated by Fr. Victor Perez of the Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church was held November 17th at the Jacksonville Historic Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Pat’s Life in the Naversen Room at the Jacksonville Library.
Pat’s family suggests you may continue Pat’s legacy of supporting organizations in her community by making a contribution to an organization of your choice in Pat’s honor and memory.
Services and Celebration of Life for Pat Dahl on November 17
Pat Dahl passed away peacefully on the evening of October 25th, 2015. She was a long time and greatly-contributing member of the Boosters Club. Pat and her husband Pete started the Flag Project, which remains one of the Booster Club’s gifts to the She will be missed by all who knew her.
A graveside service for Pat Dahl will take place in the Jacksonville Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. It will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life in the Naversen Room of the Jacksonville Library. Everyone is invited to attend. A limited number of chairs will be available at the Cemetery.
Here is a tribute from Pat’s good friend, Jeanena Whitewilson:
Pat Dahl passed away Sunday evening peacefully at home. Pat has been a close friend and will be greatly missed to many. She has given such unselfish volunteer time with many community organizations, committees, and activities. She was dedicated to the preservation of Jacksonville’s history and local open spaces so that nature will thrive and future generations can enjoy. Favorite photos of Pat doing what she loved – pulling invasive weeds from Scheffel-Thurston Park (above featured image) and spearheading Garden Club’s 75th anniversary celebration at Daisy Creek Winery. ~Jeanena
