Patrick Quirk Nestor sailed from this world to the next on January 28, 2025 after a brave and graceful battle with pancreatic cancer. Pat, who so loved and treasured his family, was an explorer, a handyman, a scholar, an investor, a prankster, a leader, an athlete, a sailor, an outdoorsman, and the best friend a person could have.
Pat was born in Wyandotte, MI to Verna Marie McGrath and Wilfrid Leo Nestor on May 14, 1953. He attended St. Patrick's school and graduated from Roosevelt HS in 1971 where he was the 'stroke' on a championship row team. He obtained a degree in Finance from Western MI University and a MA in Health Administration from Central MI University. His varied health career began at NW MI Employment and Training and finished as manager of Munson's Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center. Pat helped The Traverse Health Clinic develop its services and was a board member for many years. As work and pleasure took him through NW MI, Pat was on a first name basis with numerous coffee and bakery shop operators from Cadillac to the Soo.
Pat began his love of the water and boats from his grandparent's home on the Detroit River. He and his pal, Ron, navigated the river in his small motored skiff to Canada's Fighting Island. Pat grew to have many boats, with as many boat stories, and loved sailing Michigan waters. Pat was happy with family/friends with fishing, hunting, camping, sailing, table tennis, pickleball at the Dog Park, visiting over coffee, rehabbing dwellings, and enjoying his lake cottage.
Pat and Jennifer Kohr married in 1981 and shortly thereafter began their adventures serving in the Peace Corps in Ecuador. Pat continued his love and learning of the Spanish language and its peoples as he and Jennie attended Spanish language schools in Central and South America and hiked on several Caminos in Spain.
Pat is survived by wife Jennie, children; Katherine (Matthew) Hamburg, Sara Nestor Sovis, Jacob (Amanda) Nestor, grandchildren; Lucia and Bodhi Hamburg and Josephine Sovis; sisters Julie (Richard) Saxe, Katherine Nestor (Jim Brantley), Annie (Scott) Davidow, brother Lee Nestor; and brother and sister-in-law; Tim and Lynne Kohr along with accomplished nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral home on April 11, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am. You may toast Pat with a sunset sail or a visit to the Boardman River.