"Wilma" Pygora Goat Memorial Sculpture Dedication Ceremony Sheep to Shawl Festival Mission Mill Museum Salem, Oregon May 16th, 2009

Good morning! I’m Laura Ableman, and my husband and I own Cattail Meadows Farm in Deer Park, Washington.   I first met Pat in 2004 when I inquired about purchasing some of her beautiful Verdant Vistas Pygora goats. Soon thereafter, she not only became my highly respected mentor, but a deeply cherished friend, as well.

Pat was my role model as a new Pygora owner, taking me “under her wing,” and I had often benefited from her gentle spirit, friendly advice and kind words of wisdom. Many times I had written or called her with a particular concern, and she always responded to me in her ever-helpful way. No question was ever treated as unimportant or silly, or was ever left unanswered. Last year, during my first attempt at breeding, Pat graciously went out of her way to quickly answer a question I had about a newborn kid whose mother wouldn’t allow her to nurse. Knowing the urgency involved with the situation, she found the information I had asked her about in one of her reference books, and soon called me with the details I needed. I cannot describe how thankful I was for her assistance and words of encouragement. She was always a cheerfully patient and wonderfully thoughtful teacher. Pat set a very high standard for me to aspire to as a Pygora breeder, in the way she genuinely cared for, and thoughtfully interacted with, new Pygora owners. She’s truly my inspiration.

To say that Pat was an amazing woman is an understatement. She was indeed a very remarkable lady, always giving her time to “promote the Pygora.” She was a staunch supporter of the Pygora community, and spent endless hours enthusiastically sharing her knowledge and wisdom about this unique and fascinating breed of goat with young and old alike. As a way to advance the Pygora breed, Pat eagerly participated in such events as Sheep to Shawl and the Oregon Ag Fest, and selflessly volunteered her time to co-chair the fiber division of the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. When I spoke with her about a new fiber event being held in my home area of Eastern Washington, she strongly encouraged me to set up my own exhibit to educate the public about the wonderful world of Pygoras. Acting on her advice I did so, and I have her to thank for my first fiber show success.

Pat was also a warm and welcoming hostess to visitors of her farm. I remember feeling like she and I were longtime friends after my husband’s and my very first visit to Verdant Vistas. We shared many ideas that evening… about small farm management, animal husbandry, website creation, and numerous other topics… and before we knew it, it was late into the evening.  Pat had a special gift for knowing how to make her guests feel uniquely special and “right at home”, and our visits to Verdant Vistas were wonderful times that I’ll never forget.

Not a day goes by that I don’t think back fondly of Pat and wish she were just a phone call away.  In spirit, she will live on forever in the hearts of all of us whose lives she’s touched, and she will be respected, honored, and remembered always, because of the extraordinary lady she was.