Patrick Anthony Wilborn, PAW, passed on March 21, 2026, age 74. His path started in Kansas City, Mo., then to Kodiak, AK, Lawrence, KS, San Antonio, TX, Milwaukee, WI, and in 1991, to Port Washington, WI where he lived for over 30 years. Water became a life theme beginning with his stint in the United States Coast Guard serving on a Coast Guard cutter and working as an electronics technician, owning a long line of sail boats, exploring how to use fish and water to grow greens in an aquaponics greenhouse and living on Lakes Michigan and Pepin.

Pat was a project-guy, learning along the way with an eye for innovation and working with persistence. He renovated boats and houses, made and repaired sails, created PortFish, LLC and built aquaponics systems in Port and schools in MKE, grew businesses, started and supported the PW Winter Farmers’ Market, gave to and advocated for what he cared about, accrued the best teams of folks to work with him (you know who you are). And, through all of this, he was true to his life’s mantra, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

He raised two sons whom he marveled at, Anthony (with his wife, Mary - we love as a daughter) in Seattle and Aren in New York; and, was the perfect love and partner in life for Amy for over 57 years. Pat lived a life that he and his family are proud of; he was grateful for all that life gave him.

A 19th century Irish music hall song says it all, “Be easy and free when you’re thinking of me, I’m a man you don’t meet every day.” While Pat would never say this about himself, his friends and family know it to be true.

We’ll raise our glasses of whiskey and wine (his would be NA) with family and friends in June; all who knew and loved him are invited.  

The Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com