Obituary

Patrick J. McKee, 69, of Charlotte, VT, died on January 25 of complications related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. 

Patrick had recently retired as President/CEO of Wake Robin in Shelburne, VT, following positions as President of Challenge Workforce Solutions in Ithaca, NY, and as director of Spring Lake Ranch in Shrewsbury, VT, where he continued to serve as a member of its Board of Directors. 

He received his BA in International Relations from Eisenhower College and held a masters degree in Public Health from Columbia University. His chosen career path largely included working for human service agencies serving individuals with mental illness, disabilities, or socioeconomic challenges.   

Known personally and professionally for his unique sense of humor, keen intellect, and humanity, Patrick had a passion for challenges, a gift for visionary leadership, and a widely appreciated knack for identifying and nurturing talent. Consistent with interests in world  affairs and journalism and respect for his own Irish heritage, Patrick loved nothing more than talking and learning about the interrelatedness of politics, history, and culture. 

This intrinsic curiosity and informed perspective not only provided a compassionate undercurrent to his life and work but also led to a lifelong interest in film. People and their stories were central to his interests, a characteristic that undoubtedly fueled his armchair ambition to be a documentary filmmaker. He instead served on the board of several film festival organizations, most recently the Vermont International Film Festival. 

Patrick is survived by his most trusted partner, his wife, Phyllis Mazurski, of Charlotte; daughter Hannah (Frank Espinoza), granddaughter Ella, and son Curran (Celia Brisson); as well as siblings Tom, Bob, and Penny Van Amburg. 

A private green burial will be held this week at Green Mount Cemetery, Montpelier. Due to current concerns for COVID, a celebration of his life is planned for late spring. An announcement with details will be forthcoming. Donations in his memory may be made to Vermont International Film Festival, www.VTIFF.org or Spring Lake Ranch, springlakeranch.org. 

Family Information

Patrick is survived by his most trusted partner, his wife, Phyllis Mazurski, of Charlotte; daughter Hannah (Frank Espinoza), granddaughter Ella, and son Curran (Celia Brisson); as well as siblings Tom, Bob, and Penny Van Amburg.