Patrick A. Müller Died October 29, 2016

Patrick A. Müller

1954 ~ 2016

Patrick Alfred Müller, of Northport, passed away serenely at home on October 29, 2016, after a battle with cancer, ushered to the other side by the love of his family and friends.  He was 62.

Patrick was born on March 21, 1954 in Interlaken, Switzerland, the son of Dr. Albert and Ursula (Naegeli) Müller.  He enjoyed a fairly happy childhood, aside from the two years he was compelled to attend Stella Matutina, a Jesuit school in Austria, from the ages of 11 to 13.  After two years of suffering the school’s barbaric practices, he succeeded in his express goal of being expelled.  “Morning Star” – quite the misnomer!

Upon completing high school, Patrick apprenticed as a machinist in his home town.  After four years of work and study he achieved his Journeyman’s License, enjoying a trade that supported him well around the globe.  In 1976 he emigrated to South Africa, only to leave a few months later because of the violence and brutality under Apartheid.  He was present during the several weeks of the Soweto Uprising, and decided that it would be prudent to get out while he could.

He then hired on as a machinist with Nestlé, working and living in eleven different African countries over the next seven years.  His particular specialty was troubleshooting, and his skills were welcomed and valued everywhere he went.  During those same years he traveled extensively in other parts of Africa, as well as Central, South, and North America.  The United States was the place that most interested him, as the Americans he met in Interlaken were the friendliest, the most interesting and the most open to new ideas and experiences.  In 1978 he made the first of many trips to the US, eventually settling there in 1989.

In 1990 in Homer, Alaska, he met Nancy, the love of his life.  Both were there to work in the fisheries.  They camped on the beach for four months, collected driftwood daily on the beach and cooked halibut cheeks over an open fire.  At the end of that season they spent the next eight months working in Anchorage and in 1991 they moved to Nancy’s home town of Waialua, Hawaii and started a family.

After several years on North Shore of O’ahu they moved to Morristown, Tennessee, where they spent the next six years.  In 2001 they came to Leland to visit Nancy’s aunt, Alice Peterson.  They fell in love with the area, put their Morristown house on the market and moved to Northport in September of 2001.

Their three children attended Northport Public School, and Patrick was the biggest fan and supporter of Pohai, Nina, and Fiona.  He delighted in their academic, athletic, and musical accomplishments, and was the proudest father that all three children were valedictorian of their classes.

Patrick was a generous and thoughtful man, someone who would literally give you the shirt off his back if you admired it.  He was extremely well-read, spoke six languages, could build or repair anything, and had an excellent sense of humor.  He loved to camp and hike and travel, and did all three extensively with his wife and children.  Patrick and Nancy lived modestly to make that happen, happily foregoing many of life’s “luxuries” in order to live life as an adventure.

Patrick loved his dogs, Max and Sandy, and was beloved by them in return.  He loved and appreciated all manner of fine machinery – classic cars and motorcycles in particular.  He was an excellent cook and a rösti (Swiss fried potatoes) chef extraordinaire.  Patrick did many good things for others, but even more important, Patrick had the rare gift of appreciation.  He generously and warmly expressed his happiness and gratitude for any gift or service anyone gave or did for him.  He knew how to be a friend, and he never failed to make every friend feel like an honored guest in his home.

Patrick is survived by Nancy Peterson, his wife of 26 years; his beloved children, Hans Einer Pohaikealoha; Anina Lee Punahele, and Fiona Howe Maluhia; and by his aunt, Fleur Naegeli Ten-Brink, of Lichtenstein.  He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Alfred Müller.

Patrick will be cremated and there will be no memorial service.

Gifts in his memory may be made to the Northport Promise, P.O. Box 292, Northport, MI 49670, which helps fund the college education of Northport Public School graduates. 

Patrick was enormously touched by the love and outpouring of support at the end of his life.  For all the wonderful souls who knew and loved him, there will be a gathering to celebrate and remember him at a later date.

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