Patrick George Carroll

After almost 12 years of facing cancer with courage, optimism and strength, Patrick George Carroll of Dallas, Texas passed away at home on February 11, 2022 at the age of 57. A creative and kind soul, Patrick brought passion, humanity, laughter and adventure to the lives he touched. Patrick had a heart of gold, a backbone of titanium and a creative mind of pure genius.

Patrick was born in Galveston, Texas and grew up in LaMarque, Texas. He graduated from LaMarque High School in 1983 and from Texas A&M University in 1988 with a degree in engineering technology. He worked as an engineer and product designer for Lockheed Martin, Diamond M Offshore and Greenlee Lighting Inc. His career was diverse and while he excelled in engineering, his passions drove him into careers as a professional brewer, stay-at-home parent, professional photographer and museum exhibitor/maker.

In 1994, Patrick became the head brewer at Hubcap Brewing Co. in the West End of Dallas and later Coppertank Brewing Co. in Deep Ellum in Dallas. Except for the year the venue mishandled his kegs, Patrick won medals at The Great American Beer Festival every year that he brewed, for a total of seven medals – a Gold medal for his India Pale Ale, Gold and Silver medals for his coffee ales in the Herb & Spice category, two Silver medals for his honey ales, a Silver medal for his Vienna style lager and a Bronze medal for his amber ale. Patrick helped create the Craft Brewers Guild of Texas, an organization of small brewers in Texas that advocates for the craft brewery industry. Patrick also organized beer tastings and festivals showcasing local breweries.

In 1995, Patrick married Laurie, his true partner in life. When their son Jack was born in 1998, Patrick decided to switch his career once again to being a full-time, stay-at-home dad. Patrick once wrote that “Brewing beer may have been the greatest job I ever had, but being a dad was the greatest thing I ever did.” While controversial at the time, Patrick was the perfect choice to be the stay-at-home parent. Patrick not only strived to learn the best way to raise Jack, he made life fun and adventurous, with lots of learning opportunities along the way. Patrick also created a home focused on being together as a family and where all three members thrived because Patrick just made everything better.

Patrick was actively involved as a volunteer for Alcuin School where his son was a student. He spearheaded the Precious Moments portrait fundraiser, which was the impetus for Patrick starting his photography business that focused on child portraits and student sport team pictures. Patrick had a way of capturing the true essence of a child in a photograph by connecting one on one with each child. Patrick was also the Cub Master for the school’s Cub Scout Troop 425. He was a master storyteller, whose tales could captivate the attention of a roomful of rowdy scouts and their parents.

Patrick’s final career began when he worked for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science as the Maker Program Presenter and finally as Resident Maker. This was the perfect fit for his creative mind. He designed projects to engage children in understanding nature, showcased 3-D printing and developed many projects to highlight scientific principles. Patrick loved presenting and explaining the science behind his projects. He could engage both young and old through his enthusiasm. He was best known for his work in designing the TECH Truck and the inspiring creations he made for the Social Science and Night at the Museum events. Patrick helped people become excited and engaged about exploring the natural world and finding their own creativity in the process. This had enduring impact on so many people.

Patrick was a maker by nature. He made 3-D printed objects, beautiful portraits, graphic art, award winning beers, hands-on projects to explain scientific principles, carved wooden statues, laser-cut and molded/cast objects, children’s books, games and adaptive devices to help people. Patrick spent time during his last months writing about the lessons he had learned in life and on the day he passed, he had been editing pictures for a book containing those stories. For Patrick, every day was a chance to create something new and he had a never-ending list of projects that he wanted to finish.

Patrick was kind and thoughtful. He made friends easily, difficult situations pleasant, mundane tasks fun, and always made the best out of any situation. Patrick made everyone he met feel seen, heard and special. For those closest to him, he made their lives full of love, adventure, projects and laughter – he made their lives complete. We will miss his unconditional and unwavering love.

In July of 2010, Patrick was diagnosed with metastatic cancer of an unknown primary. For almost twelve years, Patrick optimistically and bravely faced the realities of cancer - over 80 rounds of chemotherapy, over 75 rounds of immunotherapy, five surgeries, three radiations, seven clinical trials, various targeted therapies, paralysis and a collapsed lung. Throughout it all, Patrick continued to live his life to the fullest with grace, compassion and always thinking of the next project to make.

Patrick is survived by his wife of 27 years Laurie A. Carroll of Dallas, Texas, his son Jackson A. Carroll of Dallas, Texas, his mother Bettie Carroll of San Augustine, Texas, his brother Michael W. Carroll and sister-in-law Debbie D. Carroll of Christoval, Texas and his nephews Carson Carroll and Cooper Carroll of Austin, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father James M. Carroll of La Marque, Texas.

Laurie and Jack are so grateful for each day they had with Patrick and for the wonderful support of family and friends through this journey.

A Celebration of Life reception for Patrick will be held on May 17th at 5:30pm at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and a family memorial service will be held May 19th in San Augustine, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDAnderson.org), Alcuin School (alcuinschool.org) or Perot Museum of Nature and Science (perotmuseum.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Carroll family.