In Memory

On January 23, 1998 the Georgia Mineral Society (GMS) lost not only a past president but also a good friend. Pat Angel Wyatt (aka. PAW) helped with every aspect of the Society. She was our Gem and Mineral show Dealer Chair twice a year for three years. Now, that was a lot of work! The job of the dealer chair is often stressful and frustrating, but Pat did it so well that the dealers enjoyed working with her greatly. Generally, Pat preferred to stay in the background - a warrior rather than a chief. It was a difficult decision for her to accept our invitation to be the President of the Georgia Mineral Society from 1996 to 1997.

All of the work she did for GMS in the last two years was particularly amazing. Just before our December 1995 Gem and Mineral Show, Pat was told that she had breast cancer. She did the show dealer chair as usual.

A year later, in October 1996, Pat was going to have breast reconstruction, but the doctors discovered there was a problem with her blood work. Her breast cancer had echoed to her liver. She and I had never heard of this before. This was breast cancer attacking her liver, not liver cancer, and there is a difference. Pat even wrote an article for Tips and Trips about her experiences with cancer. One of the most important things a woman can do is to take a couple of minutes every month and do a breast self-exam. It just might save her life.

Pat started her chemotherapy with an incredible attitude, and through it all, she continued to run full throttle. Well that was Pat ... a classic "Type A" personality.

Did you know that Pat had a degree in Chemistry from Emory University? She even worked at the Centers for Disease Control for eight years. After "retiring", she had to have "something" to keep her active! But, Pat wasn't just active in GMS. Her time and energy went into the Chamblee High School Science Olympiad Teams. With her help, Chamblee placed first in the State of Georgia in 1997 and went on to compete at the National Science Olympiad Competition. Many of her students placed very high in most of the events. And, how about the Chamblee High School Band Boosters? (Many of us bought their oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits). Then add her work with the Avon Collectors to the ever growing list. Along with all of the above, Pat was also active in helping her Shallowford Presbyterian Church.

All through the battle against cancer, Pat said that she was 100 percent sure that she would beat this, even though there was only a 15 percent success rate. She continued her chemotherapy and endured a stem-cell transplant. PAW slowed down a little, but not by MUCH!

In early December 1997, for the first time, Pat told me that she had doubts about being one of the 15 percent to beat this cancer. She said that she just wanted to see Tom, her son, graduate from Chamblee High School this June. Pat was still dealer chair for the December 12-14, 1997 Gem and Mineral Show. She wouldn't take no for an answer.

Pat started to become weaker and on January 22, 1998 she was rushed to Emory Hospital at 12:20 A.M., and on Friday, January 23, 1998 Pat Angel Wyatt died. She is survived by her husband, Ed; their son, Tom (18 years old); and then there is her seven year old daughter, Heather (she's much less shy now).

Pat had a passion for cats. She and I have a lot in common in that respect. Even her precious "Yellow Cat" (its name) is mourning her loss!

The way Pat lived her life, always active and giving, was an inspiration to anyone who met her. Pat was fun and funny, hard working, always good natured.... and a good friend to many.