Patrick Cammann, 74, of Meridian, passed away on December 22, 2023, surrounded by those who loved him.
Pat was the second of five boys born to Jerry and Betty Cammann on August 11, 1949 in Ontario, Oregon, and grew up in Vale, Oregon. Vale always held a special place in his heart and the memories of growing up there with his brothers, who were his best friends until his last breath, brought him endless joy. Entering a lifelong love affair with sports, Pat was a multi-sport athlete through high school and went onto play baseball and basketball for the College of Idaho. After college, he worked in telecommunication sales until he retired.
Pat married Allison Shook, the love of his life, in 1975. Kids Chris, Erin, and Jeff followed. Theirs was a home full of laughter, love, and motion. Pat’s job kept them on the move, and it is a testament to Pat and Allison’s love, support, and good humor that the kids adjusted so well with each relocation. Despite all of the moving around, one of the constants in their lives was sports, and all the life lessons that come with getting out and playing. He coached all of his kids up to high school, hardly taking a season off, and passed along his love of sports – especially baseball – to all three. Once the grandkids came along, he was a fixture in bleachers, along fence lines, and at the dining room table for a game debrief over dinner.
The love Pat had for his wife and kids knew no bounds, that’s true; but the love he had for his grandkids was unfathomable. He was “Papa” to the most important people in his life: Cooper, Gracie, Cora, Amelia, Tucker, Jordan, and Austin. A big softie and prolific napper, he was always open to giving treats and snacks, often offering donuts and milkshakes for breakfast, followed by a quick rest in his favorite chair. He was happiest watching his grandkids in their activities, be it school plays, music lessons, and especially sports, which was Pat’s love language. He would drop everything for them – and often did. In true all-star form, he left It all on the field when it came to loving them.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Betty; his wife, Allison; and his brothers-in-law Steven Shook and Jerry Ekhoff. Pat is survived by his children Chris (Jessica), Erin (JR), Jeff (Susanna), and his grandkids; his four brothers Mike, Jeff, Tom, John and their families; and sisters-in-law Martha Ekhoff and Merrilee Nowlin and their families.
Pat left us all with lasting memories and full hearts. He was smart, funny, kind, and loved his family fiercely. We will never have to wonder what a ‘life well-lived’ looks like because that is exactly what he showed us. Those who knew Pat are invited to a celebration of life to be held on April 28th at 1:00pm in the old gymnasium at Bishop Kelly High School, 7009 Franklin Road, Boise, Idaho 83709. In lieu of flowers or donations, those who want to honor Pat are encouraged to get out and play a sport with the kids in your life. Arrangements by Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel where an online guest book and full obituary is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com
