Patrick Francis McCartan, died peacefully with his wife, Brenda Wilkinson and family at his bedside. He was just shy of 68 years old and fought a progressive neuromuscular disease for the past year.
Patrick grew up in Adelaide, Australia. Born to Charles and Carmel McCartan, he was their oldest child followed by Moyra, Danny and Brendan (deceased). Patrick loved rugby and was a proud member of The Old Collegians Rugby Club in Adelaide and Little Rock Rugby Club, Arkansas. Patrick also loved his new passion of cycling and a good Cabernet, but most of all, he loved to be with his family and friends. Patrick worked as a registered nurse for over forty years, working in Adelaide, Australia, Little Rock, AR, and Phoenix, AZ.
He is now playing on the greatest of pitches and will sorely be missed by his teammates, friends, colleagues, and most of all his family. He was a wonderful husband and the best friend a rugger could have and had a lasting impact on a generation of rugby friends and players.
Patrick’s wishes were to be cremated followed by a Celebration of Life in Phoenix, AZ in late April. There will be no funeral or memorial services. Patrick is also to be remembered with a Celebration of Life in Little Rock AR and his hometown of Adelaide, Australia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ALS.org or to Bridget Claire McCartan’s Legacy in honor of Patrick, please contact family for details. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Eddie Blakely
Very sorry to hear about the untimely passing of my friend and teammate. Condolences to the family. He will be sorely missed.
Teresa Graves Fiser Wacker
Dearest Pat, you were there for me as a single mom, trying to work on the heart team and not quit, you helped me through a divorce and played with my son. You stayed by my side, through so so much crap. You met the most perfect mate Brenda and I watched y’all sore. I will cherish those sweet memories and continue to live, love and think you for so much more than you’ll ever know. Love T ps, I’m gonna miss those stories and your crafty art and wit.
Dan Stainton
Thinking of you all during this difficult and sad time. Patrick will be missed by all who knew him.
Roy R Colglazier
Roy “RoyDog” sending all the appropriate emotions from Little Rock – shock, sadness, grief and a deep sense of loss, joy for a life well-lived, just some of the many crashing ’round in my head!!! All that said, it was my extreme pleasure to share a big chunk of my life with Patrick, I’ll miss him ’til God calls me too! My extreme condolences to all y’all – family and friends alike!
The Rowen Family
Please accept our deepest condolences on the news of Patrick’s passing. He was a good man. It’s so very sad.
Suzanne Sharp
Condolences to the family of Patrick McCarten –
I worked with Patrick at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark many years ago – Patrick was a co-worker and close friend at that time. I have such fond memories of Patrick and am very sad to hear that he battled a neuromuscular disorder in later years. Patrick had such a zest for life and friends at that time. My prayers are with you!
Suzanne Sharp
Rex Luttrell
Patrick and I worked together in the OR at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. He was one of the best nurses I ever worked with and will be missed. He was always energetic with a smile on his face. Blessings and peace to you Brenda.
Denise Buercklin
I worked with Patrick in the early 80’s on 5A at Baptist in Little Rock. He had a wonderful laugh and fun spirit. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends.
Denise Buercklin, RN
Susan McCartan
Brenda,
I have been thinking of you daily. Patrick was such an amazing, bright light in our lives. His smile and warmth is a powerful image that I hold dear. I am so thankful to have been part of his life, and feel lucky to be part of yours!
Alan Nesdale
My thoughts are with the Patrick’s family, a great man and great loss to the world rugby family.
Patrick was a great mate, I’m sure many can say that, he often went well out his way to help others in so many ways.
Again he was a great person and will be missed by many.
RIP
DEP
Eileen Hughes
Condolences to Brenda and all of Patrick’s family.
Patrick was a very kind, caring, generous and funny guy. We became friends in the early 1980’s and remained friends throughout the years. He always checked on me to make sure I was okay.
I have so many great memories. He will be greatly missed.
Ivan Morton
Well Patrick, never thought we would lose you this soon. Those of us left are comforted by the fact that you lived your life to the fullest. You were my best friend in Little Rock. I will always have great memories of our rugby trips. All the best mate! Condolences to Brenda, Danny, Moira and family.
Gerard Joubert
I always loved seeing Patrick entering my bar accompanied with his sparkling smile and cheerful attitude. His “zest for life” was infectious. My condolences to his family. RIP
Laura Clark
Condolences to all of Patrick’s family and Brenda. Patrick was a friend to my family. I always enjoyed times he came to visit our family, even in Germany and Colorado. My daughter who is 35 remembers him as a really nice guy. We got to meet his dad on the rugby trip to Ireland. I remember Patrick talking fondly of his family in Arizona. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. He was a sweet man. He lived a full life. Thinking of you Brenda.
Henry Himstedt
My prayers to Brenda and all of Patrick’s family. I trust that you have many wonderful memories of Patrick’s time with us to keep his spirit alive. Patrick was a wonderful mate and team mate. I enjiyed many a rugby trip with Patrick over the years. He left us way too soon. Cheers mate!
Robert Arnold
Hugs to Patrick’s family and my deepest condolences for your loss, Brenda.
Patrick was loved by everyone. He was the renaissance guy wherever he went.
I had the pleasure of knowing Patrick as a housemate, medical ally, rugger teammate, fellow pizza lover, .. so many memories.
Well done and ‘Good on you’ my friend, RSA
Peter Callan
My deepest sympathy to Brenda, Moyra, Danny and extended family. I met Patrick in Little Rock in 1982 and was immediately struck by his wit, sense of adventure and friendship. He was the coolest person in town, with his new Toyota sports car. I’ve enjoyed his friendship for almost 40 years and am so sorry that I’ll never hear him say Hiya Mate again. We miss you Patrick.
Dennis R. Franks CRNA
I have fond memories of my RN time in CCU, sharing the graveyard shift with Patrick (OR) & watching him & his rugby mates compete. I later worked with him often in OR 14, “ where the lights suck and the suction doesn’t “, in my role as a CRNA. I pray God will grant you comfort in your loss.
Roxana Ursea, MD
My deepest condolences to Patrick’s family.
I was very saddened to hear about Patrick. I have worked with him for a few months when he assisted with our surgical program in the Ophthalmology clinic. He was such a gentle, kind, professional and dedicated Registered Nurse. It was a pleasure to work with him and an honor to know him.
Chris Robinson
Brenda, the Celebration of Life dinner this last weekend was WONDERFUL. I was … JUST. RIGHT. I was so moved by all that came from faraway distances to be there; that speaks volumes about how much he was loved and respected. I just wanted to say “thank you” for including us in this truly special celebration.
Chris, Carrie and Jack
Jacklyn Hull
Patrick,
I’m so so sorry to hear this news. You were the best friend to me and my Son, Shields. I met you at Baptist Hospital and you introduced us to the Rugby world, your cooking skills, your special humor and so many moments that I don’t have words for. I’m so grateful to have known you and hold a special place in my heart for you. Fly with the angels my sweet friend. Jackie
Jacklyn
Rest In Peace my sweet friend. Jackie and Shields.