Patrick L. Billings

Patrick attended Elmwood Park High School in Elmwood Park, Illinois. His love for learning and literature led him to earn his Bachelor’s in Education at the University of Nevada. He later perfected his craft by receiving a Master of Education at the University of Nevada in 2007. With Patrick's achievements, he became a beloved educator teaching Journalism and English for the Clark County School District. Later in life, his career led him to become a Physical Education and Health teacher at the Academy of Math and Science in Glendale, Arizona.

Patrick had a diverse array of skills that would make him a valuable voice in every community he became a part of. Throughout his career, he actively participated as a girl's cross-country coach, fundraising coordinator, educational consultant, and small business owner of My Hound Walker LLC where his love for the hound breed truly shined. With his extensive writing experience and ability to masterfully write about nearly any topic, he would become a freelance writer for Las Vegas Review while also providing a unique portfolio of projects he managed and excelled in as a demonstration of his undeniable way with words.

Beyond the classroom, Patrick had an enduring faith in God and would describe himself as a lover of Jesus Christ. Patrick was a self-proclaimed regular guy connotating his kindness, compassion, ability to learn and teach with anyone, his down-to-earth personality, and his easy-going demeanor. Patrick found great joy in being with family, his hound dog, listening to music and podcasts, and traveling for fun in the sun. He loved it when he visited Huntington Beach the most. He dreamed of visiting the stunning landscapes of Ireland and buying a van to travel with his hound and enjoy the world around him. He recently was considering a change of scenery by moving to Good Bay, Alaska to accept a new career role until his untimely passing.

Patrick was a son, mentor, and a true friend to many but one of his greatest achievements was becoming a father of three children. Patrick's Mother, Kathleen, is heartbroken at the loss of a son who turned into such an extraordinary man. As he may view himself as a regular guy, to Kathleen, he is her loving and truly exceptional boy in her heart forever.

In Patrick's own words, "I go where God leads." A man of profound statements, Patrick's legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, students, colleagues, and friends. Patrick will be deeply missed, but his impact on the lives of so many will forever be remembered.

He is preceded in death by his father Arthur Billings and stepfather Barry S. Roth and grandparents Harry W. Lahiff and Ann (Paich) Lahiff.

He is survived by his Mother, Kathleen (Lahiff) Roth, former Wife, Kristie (Grochowski) Billings, Children; Easten Jabrie, Jax Jordan, Ember Lahiff, Aunts and Uncles; Daniel and Judy Lahiff of South Daytona Beach, FL, Dennis Lahiff of Pahrump, NV, Laura (Lahiff) Graham of Pahrump, NV, Cousins; Tasha Bahr, Bruce Lahiff, Devin Buttum, Jason Lahiff, Jessica Groenendyk, Joseph Lahiff, Michelle McCune, Ian Kutsche, Kelsey Graham Austin and Lynn Graham, and many friends, students and colleagues.