PORT ANGELES — Police officers serving as ushers had to set up more chairs to accommodate all the people who attended a public memorial service Thursday to say goodbye to firefighter Patrick Wyman Rose.
Hundreds traveled to the Vern Burton Community Center to hear stories about the Rose, 52, of Sequim, a 27-year firefighter, emergency medical technician, airplane aficionado, friend, father and husband.
And although flags in the city will return to full mast at noon today, Rose’s friends said the memories of the man they knew as Pat won’t soon disappear.
“Those are the things that can’t be taken away, no matter what,” said Fire Chief Dan McKeen, who worked with Rose for 22 years.
Rose was born in Port Angeles and graduated from the high school in 1971.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and following his discharge returned to Port Angeles and joined the Fire Department in 1979.
Rose planned to retire in November.
Friends eulogize
At Thursday’s memorial, his friends remembered a skilled builder, a man who could construct houses and airplanes, and shared his time, humor and expertise unselfishly.
Jim Lindsay, a fellow airplane builder and pilot, compared Rose’s ability to save lives, whether as a firefighter or a Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor.
“Pat is a life-saver,” he said.
The Port Angeles Fire Department’s most senior firefighter died July 6 when the ultralight airplane he was test-flying malfunctioned.
Rose was the only occupant of the Mini-Max 1100 ultralight when it crashed onto an empty hangar at William R. Fairchild International Airport. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
