Patrick Walz

FESCH.TV INFORMIERT:

Patrick Thomas Walz died on January 31, 2021 at the age of 68 after a brief hospital stay, with his wife Maureen by his side.

Pat was born in Lexington, Kentucky on May 4, 1952 to Raymund Carl and Mary Roberta (Nicklen) Walz. He graduated from Lexington Catholic High School in 1970 and attended the University of Kentucky from 1971 – 1973. He married the first love of his life, Jean Langendorf, on May 27, 1972. He and Jean moved to Austin, Texas where he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1976.

Pat joined Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to begin his year of service. He remained in OKC until 1982, working at the Mary Mahoney Health Clinic as an accountant.

In 1982 he moved to Dallas, Texas and was joined by the second love of his life, his wife Maureen. They were married in Iowa City, Iowa on September 3, 1983. While in Dallas Pat earned his CPA and continued his work in healthcare.

In 1990, Pat moved to Davenport, Iowa to become the CFO of the Davenport Medical Center. In 1991 he was named CFO of the Year for the Summit Health, Ltd. Hospital Group.

In 1993, Pat moved to Phoenix, Arizona and continued his work as a CFO and COO working for Maricopa Integrated Health System, IASIS, Tenet, and ORNDA hospitals. In 1995 he was awarded COO of the Year by ORNDA Healthcare.

In 2000 he earned his MBA in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix and then taught those same classes at the university upon graduation.

Pat began a new career journey in 2004 at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Arizona, first as the CFO and then as President and CEO. He was a dedicated organizational leader and well-respected community leader, making a significant impact on the hospital and in the community. He served for ten years before retiring to focus on recovery and rehabilitation following an extended illness.

Pat’s commitment and dedication to Yuma was ever present within the community. He attended numerous community events, served as chair of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, and was on the Board of Directors for the Yuma Community Food Bank and Yuma Airport Authority. During his career Pat also served on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Pat is recognized as a healthcare leader in Arizona and is well known for his legislative efforts alongside state officials including Governor Jan Brewer, to expand AHCCCS coverage. He served as a healthcare advocate in Arizona and specifically for the Yuma community and its healthcare needs.

Pat’s early retirement was not sedentary as he and Maureen continued to attend Diamondbacks, Suns, and Cardinals games. They enjoyed frequent trips to their second home in San Diego, California, and often travelled to visit family in Kentucky and Iowa, to Final Four basketball games, and the famed Kentucky Derby. During retirement, Pat continued to volunteer within the community with VITA, providing income tax assistance to the underserved.

Pat would tell you his favorite sports memories were attending all of the World Series home games against the Yankees in 2001, and with his family seeing his beloved Kentucky Wildcats basketball team take home the NCAA trophy in New Orleans in 2012.

Pat leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Maureen; brother Fred (Marilyn) Walz of Wilmette, Illinois; and sister Eileen (Ron) Davis of Bedford, Texas. He adored spending time with family including his beloved nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephew; Irwin in-laws Tim (Kris), Tom (Alice), and Tracy (Shelly); and family friends Mark and Julie Hillard.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Walz, brother Michael Walz, and sister-in-law Mary Irwin.

Pat will always be remembered for his legacy of service, kindness, and compassion. He loved dogs, sports, travel, and kept his mind sharp through voracious reading and a passion for lifelong learning.

The Walz family plans to continue to celebrate Pat’s life with a memorial service later in the year. In lieu of flowers now or in the future, please consider a donation to Pat’s charities of choice: Yuma Community Food Bank (www.yumafoodbank.org), Boxer Luv Rescue (www.boxerluv.org), or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation () in loving memory of Patrick T. Walz.