Patrick John Klinger

1948 - 2022

Patrick John Klinger obituary, 1948-2022, Vancouver, WA

BORN

1948

DIED

2022

Patrick Klinger Obituary


PATRICK JOHN KLINGER
August 30, 1948 ˜ April 20, 2022

Patrick John Klinger passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2022. His contributions of creativity, integrity, and service leave a lasting legacy in our city of Vancouver. He was a father, a friend, an innovator, an advocate for kids, a best friend to his dogs.
Born to Marsha and Leonard Klinger on Aug. 30, 1948, in Vancouver, WA, Pat was the second oldest of four boys. Brother Rich was 10 years older and Jim was 8 years younger. Less than two years apart, Pat and Mike had many adventures in their childhood with their neighborhood pals - likely contributing to every gray hair on Marsha’s head. Pat attended St. Joseph’s School through 8th grade - and then transferred to public school, attending Mac Junior High and Hudson’s Bay High School (class of 66).
Pat married Margo Paulson in 1967. Daughter Kristin was born in 1968, and daughter Erin was born in 1970. They lived in Vancouver. Pat was very proud of his girls.
Pat enlisted in the Marines in 1967 and served in Vietnam through 1970. He did not often talk about his military service. He earned the following recognition's: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Meritorious Mast 2 Awards; Vietnam Service Medal with Star; Good Conduct Medals; Rifle Marksmanship Badge. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Reserves on Oct. 31, 1972.
Pat started his long career for Burgerville in the 1970’s, first working behind the grill. He worked his way up to manager, then area manager - and finally found his way into marketing and futures initiatives. His passion and work ethic earned the respect of his mentor, George Propstra, founder of Burgerville/The Holland, Inc. Pat’s desire to think outside the box contributed to new restaurants under BV/The Holland (remember Henry’s? Noodlin?), fueled many successful advertising campaigns, and also helped re-brand Burgerville from fast casual to their focus on using local ingredients.
In addition to his heart for his work, Pat was a champion for kids, and he was in awe of teachers’ hearts and work. He volunteered at Fruit Valley and King Elementary Schools, helping students with early literacy skills. In his retirement, he became a lunch buddy for students at King and Sacajawea Elementary Schools, where he often brought extra treats, so the students sitting around his buddies could also enjoy the goodies. (Smore’s and strawberry shortcake were highlights.) He regularly sponsored students’ 4H cows for the Clark County Fair.
Pat was incredibly happy on his boat, fishing. He liked the peacefulness of being out on the water, whether he caught fish or not. His favorite fishing spot was at Lake Merwin. When he took his grandsons fishing, he turned it into an adventure, packing delicious food, watching for eagles, and looking for pirate treasure along the banks.
In 2014, Pat founded the Facebook page, Growing Up in Vancouver - a live archive of our community’s past and present. His meticulous research, engaging photos, and commitment to maintaining respectful “conversation” contributed to the popularity of the page. At this time, there are more than 10,000 members.
Those who know Pat know that he had a heart for his furry friends. Zak, Cosby and Kaz were Pat’s dogs over the years and each was well-loved! Kaz was dad’s “through thick and thin” best friend. Pat and Kaz were a fixture on the Vancouver waterfront for years, sitting on a bench after a long walk as people walked by and commented on Kaz’s sweet smiling face.
It is said that the measure of a man is based upon the lives he’s touched. In reading the hundreds of responses about his passing on Facebook, it is clear that Pat had a tremendous impact on those who were close to him, as well as those who’d never met him. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the Growing Up in Vancouver community. He is survived by daughters, Kris Janati and Erin Klinger; grandsons, Nic Janati and Jared Davis; brothers, Rich Klinger, Mike Klinger, and Jim Klinger.
The Klinger family is planning a public celebration of Pat’s life, on Wednesday, May 11, from 4-6 p.m., at Black Pearl on the Columbia, 56 S Street, Washougal, WA. Please join us.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations, in Pat Klinger’s memory: Clark County Historical Society and Museum; Second Chance Companions; or The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on May 1, 2022.
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Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Klinger

Not sure what to say?





My first job at 17 as a singke new mother was at Burgerville so I'd like to say in some way my start in 2004 is because of something Pat hand a hand in... But it wasn't until many years later when we were both part of a Facebook food box group that I actually got to meet Pat. He had helped our family with I'd say a months worth of food and he kept the fact it was him secret well he thought he did. He later found out I had worked at BV and we laughed at the coincidence. But there are no coincidences in life I've come to realize. If making a positive difference in people's lives is what we are meant to do while we are here, That's exactly what Pat did, and he did it without the need for recognition of his good deeds. He was a blessed man.

Nicole Cherie Southard

Other

January 5, 2023

We did not know Pat personally although he was a neighbor a street away from us. We are on the Growing up in Vancouver site which we love. Gary and I were born and raised in Vancouver and still reside in the Felida area. Pat has been an incredible man and asset to our community. We had met him but never personally.
Our very deepest thoughts and prayers to his family and a very long list of friends...he will never be forgotten.

Gary & Darla Warner

Friend

May 15, 2022

Sincere condolences to the Klinger family and his many friends and loved ones. Such a wonderful man.

Barb Crowley and Chuck Huffstutter

Friend

May 11, 2022

Enjoyed growing up in Vancouver on Facebook. What a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Heidilynn

Other

May 11, 2022

I first met Pat and his brother Mike when they shared a paper route he and mike were my folks paper boys we would pass each other over time, and of recent out on his face book page. I enjoyed seeing him again after all of the years has passed us by and now seeing that he has passed away to join his folks in heaven so sorry and my prayers an thoughts are with the family now one thing I always say is to keep him in your thoughts and when you look at that one huge cloud in the sky say to yourself that is Pat looking down on all of us now also to remember the good times he spent with you and the family and his friends. Always remember he loved you here on earth but he still loves you in heaven.

Debbie Greenen-Hren

Friend

May 3, 2022

As we thank you for all you have given of yourself to the Vancouver community, we recognize a core loss. Our families have known one another for many years, since back in the St. Joes days. Our deepest sympathies to your family and friends, for this deep void...you touched so many. Thank you Klinger Family, for sharing him.
The Munson Family

MARYKAY MUNSON-SYVERSON

May 3, 2022

I met Pat when I became a member of the Facebook group Growing Up in Vancouver Washington. I think we all felt like we got to know (and love) Pat through that connection. He brought us together by reminding us of what we love about Vancouver. We reconnected with old friends and met new ones on that site. He will truly be missed by the group members and we will always be grateful for for his having brought us together to share our photos and stories and to learn a little bit about the history of our home town. Vancouver may never have had a better friend. RIP, Pat.

Robin McMullen Hanna

Other

May 2, 2022

I got married July of 1991. I knew the Klinger family through my Mom and St. Josephs grade school. On a budget and needed a good one of a kind car and driver. My Mom suggested Pat. So i went down his office by the Holland and asked if they would allow such a thing. We were married at the Clark College Amphitheater. Good venue for a pit of a show. Pat showed up and no one knew. He pull the Turquoise Coupe De Burgerville Car up on the Lawn and hit the horn. My bride and I walked down the grass aisle and jumped in the back of the restored 61' Cadiallac convertible that Burgerville would raffle off weeks later. Great day for us, and really fun that Pat would take the lead. Of course we drove through the drive up at the Burgverville on 4th plain right below the amphitheater. Fun guy to be around. Thanks for making it special for us. Blessings Pat K Edgar/Caroline Butsch Centennial Colorado

Edgar W Butsch

Friend

May 1, 2022

Pat will be greatly missed. He was a true innovator, always thinking ahead on trends that appeared years later. I loved working with him on so many fun projects.

Loved ones past welcome him with open arms to that big dinner table in the sky, it is sure to be an amazing dinner party with Pat there.

Sending love and prayers of comfort to Pat's family and friends.

Kathy Casey

May 1, 2022

Pat, You have left so many memories, condolences to your family, rip

Gary and Sandy Pevey

Work

May 1, 2022

Deepest regrets on his untimely passing. I did not know him personally, but enjoyed the GUIV website. I went to FVHS class of 1965 with Don & Ken ('63?). Some of my cousins went to Hudson's Bay, so I'm sure that they knew him. It sounds like he was well known and respected by many. It's always sad to lose someone that had that much positive impact on others.

Daniel Lindberg

Other

May 1, 2022

Pat gave us such a gift with GUIV. It was a safe place to come and learn history, meet our school mates, share our memorabilia and laugh. He will be missed more than can be explained. The family has my love for sharing Pat with us, and you too are in our hearts for your loss.

Sheryl Rash

May 1, 2022

May rest in peace!!!

Jim Theer

May 1, 2022

I am so very sorry for your families loss. I worked for Pat at the downtown Burgerville when I was a sophomore at Hudson´s Bay High School in the mid 70´s. He will definitely be missed!

Susan Price-Taylor

Work

May 1, 2022

I will always remember you and your family. Huge loss for everyone in Vancouver, Washington. H.B. Class of 67.

Sharon Dole

School

May 1, 2022

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May

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Celebration of Life

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Black Pearl on the Columbia

56 S Street, Washougal, WA

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