Patrick Mark Baldwin

Our beloved Patrick is now in the loving arms of Jesus. Patrick Mark Baldwin passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on the evening of March 11, 2010. Patrick was an amazing young man, spiritually mature well beyond his 23 years of age.

Patrick was born on September 30, 1986 to Mark and Debbi Baldwin. He was diagnosed at the age of two with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He was highly motivated not to let this disease interfere with living a full and productive life. He attended Gilbert Elementary School where he received the Most Inspirational Student Award in fifth grade. His middle school years were spent at Wilson Middle School. He attended Eisenhower Senior High School where he received a number of academic awards and was member of the National Honor Society. He also was a contestant in the Mr. Ike Contest, which raised money for the local charity, Children’s Village. Patrick graduated magna cum laude last spring from CWU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology and Administrative Management. Recently, he was doing independent web design from home.

Patrick had a near death experience last March that changed his life in an amazing way. On an ambulance ride to Seattle, in the middle of the night, he felt the presence of Jesus and sensed his work on earth was not yet done. Since that time, his sole focus was to live a life pleasing to the Lord. His was a witness to everyone in his presence. He had a beautiful smile and was tender and loving. Patrick truly was a man after God’s heart.

Patrick is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Yakima. He was enrolled in Bible Study Fellowship. Recently, he was active in the Healing Room Ministry, and was hoping to be involved in the Young Life Ministries. He developed a website www.fromwhereimseated.com in order to share his spiritual journey with others.

Patrick will be dearly missed by his family. He is survived by his mother and father, Mark and Debbi, his two older brothers, Blake (Mindy) and Michael, and his younger sister and spiritual mentor whom he adored, Julia. His family also includes his grandparents Thomas and Bonnie Eglin and Wayne and Marilyn Baldwin, his aunts and uncles Tom and Margaret Eglin, Carol and Paul Slocum, and David Baldwin, and his cousins Sam Eglin, Chris Eglin and Lindsay Slocum.

His faithful black Labrador, “Asheni”, will also dearly miss Patrick. Asheni was his loyal service dog gifted to him by KSDS. Her name, Asheni, means

angel in Potawatomi Indian. The Potawatomi tribe sponsored the litter of puppies in which she was born.

The family of Patrick wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Gabe Nunez , Jessie Petry, and Robert Draney, caregivers who helped make his high school and college years a success. We also are very grateful for the prayers, meals and loving gestures of our friends.

Memorial donations may be made in Patrick’s name to Children’s Village, First Presbyterian Church Foundation (Yakima), or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

A Private Graveside Service will be on Friday. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are under the care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

Arrangements under the direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.