When looking back at the 50 year history of the Southern Arizona Region, the names of two people are very prominent …
Rink and Pati Reinking. It is with a heavy heart that I am informing you of the passing of one special member of that Reinking “team” … Pati Reinking.
Pati was a Lifetime Member of SAR. She and Rink were instrumental in its success. Some of Pati’s contributions included being SAR President in 1977 and again in 1985. (She loved to tell the story about presiding over her first meeting as President when the entertainment was belly dancers!) Early on, (1968-70 she was our newsletter editor.
She even designed our first SAR logo! She served as a Board Member four years, was Membership Chair (1989 and ’90), and was Social Chair in 1999 and 2003. She and Rink enjoyed all the benefits of club membership and participation … especially the social aspects and the life-long friendships it fostered. We have such great memories of the fun times shared.
Pati had many talents. She was a gourmet cook and organized many SAR “Progressive Dinner” events. She was a renowned batik textile artist. She was also a creative jewelry designer. Most of you are well aware of her generous donations of her pieces at Cinco and Holiday Party Silent Auctions.
A Celebration of of Pati’s life was held on Jan. 4. So many of her PCA-SAR family turned up to share their memories. Pati would have liked this party … there were lots of great stories and lots more laughter than tears. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to either the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or the Tohono Chul Park Botanical Gardens.
To SAR, Pati was an enthusiastic club supporter. To recent club members, she was welcoming. To long-time members, she was like family. To Rink, she was a soulmate. This creative, gifted, lovely woman will not be forgotten. She will be missed.
The memories of our times together
Will stay deep inside our hearts forever.
Check out the pictures from our fun holiday party, 63 people attended! There was a silent auction and charity raffle for Holiday Food baskets.The custom entrees especially prepared by the La Paloma Country Club chef were “Santa” Fe style. Everyone had a great time. Happy Holidays and have a happy and healthy New Year!