Patrick David McLain passed away on May 26th, 2025, in Shoreline, WA due to complications of Huntington’s Disease. Born on January 17th, 1950, in Hutchinson, KS, he was the youngest of four children of James T. McLain and Juanita (Kennedy) F. McLain.
Pat pursued his education with dedication, attending Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson Junior College, the University of Kansas, and last at the University of Washington, where he earned his master's in electrical engineering in 1977. His career at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began soon thereafter, where he participated in oceanic research, designing and building circuit boards for studies in the Pacific Ocean. He worked with an amazing, tight, productive group at NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. Pat often traveled aboard NOAA ships, deploying, and maintaining research instruments throughout the region. He received an award in Washington DC for his work. His work brought him great fulfillment, and he retired after an accomplished 38-year career.
In 1973, Pat married Karen Wilson, and a few years later settled in the Seattle area. Two children were adopted, Kelly and Jae, completing the family. A devoted family, Pat cherished his time traveling with the family, particularly to Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, and to Kansas to visit family and friends. He loved being a dad and participated in their lives fully.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jae, in 2021, and his brother Mike, in 2023. In addition to his wife Karen and daughter Kelly, of Shoreline, WA, Pat is survived by his brother, Larry (Pat) McLain, and his sister, Merilyn Harris, of Hutchinson, and his beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews of the McLain and Wilson families.
Pat lived his life to the fullest and had wide-ranging passions, including hanging with his kids, reading (voraciously), skiing, gardening, boating at Lake Winnipesaukee, watching the Seahawks and KU basketball. He enjoyed jazz music and Tai Chi and most of all spending time with his family. He was a fun and loving husband and father. He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, intellect, devotion, his warm smile, and beautiful blue eyes.
Pat was an exceptional man, and he handled his Huntington’s Disease with grace, never complaining.
A celebration of his life is planned for August 10, 2025, at St Theresa’s Catholic Church at noon.
Memorials or Tribute can be sent in his name to Huntington’s Disease Society of America: washington.hdsa.org