Pat Kerrigan

Our beloved Patrick Kerrigan, age 62, of Northfield, formerly of Minneapolis, born September 20th 1959, passed away November 8, 2021.

Pat enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Lake Forest, Illinois with his four younger siblings, parents, and grandparents, all of whom he adored. He found many of his life-long friends during his time at Gustavus Adolphus College. From Gustavus, he went on to graduate from Metro State University and quickly began his work in hunger relief and climate activism.

He loved his work with the Emergency Food Shelf Network, VEAP, Wedge and Linden Hills Co-ops, Youth Farm, and the Organic Consumers Association. His colleagues described him as a dear friend, mentor, ally and a rock in the regenerative ag community. Pat was a walking encyclopedia for local, organic, and hopeful farming news. He spent his life building bridges for good health and resiliency for mother earth. His dedication, spirit, and deep passion will have lasting effects on the survival of our planet, its creatures, and the farmers who he so revered. The seeds he planted will bear fruit for years to come.

Pat's generous spirit, inclusive and engaging nature, and contagious joy captivated everyone around him. Everywhere he went he found old friends and made new ones. He celebrated people for who they truly were and especially enjoyed sharing in life's delights, his favorite being blueberries, beer, and boogying. His love for food and music, especially reggae, were things he celebrated each and every day. For years he biked everywhere and was delighted when he could break out his cross-country skis. He was an astute political animal. He loved watching sports and had an opinion about every aspect of each game.

He met his perfect match in Mary Laurel True who he married in 2003. With this couple, there was never an occasion too small for celebration and their extraordinary hospitality knew no limits. They were famous about town for their extravagant outfits, outrageous dance moves, overflowing generosity, and visible adoration of each other. Pat was an incredible and dedicated parent to their daughter, Laurel, and filled their family home with laughter, treats, music, and a bit of mischief.

Pat was a great light to this world. His unique storytelling, booming laughter and the twinkle in his big blue eyes could turn around even your darkest mood. Mr. Abundance, our lucky leprechaun, will live on forever in our hearts.

Pat is preceded in death by his father, Don, and brother, Dennis. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Mary Laurel True; step-daughter, Laurel (Jake Rudegeair) True-McCarthy; beloved pup Ollie; siblings, Susan (Andy) Smith, Brian (Lisa) Kerrigan, and Kevin Kerrigan; siblings-in-law, Nancy Doherty, Michael (Kerry) True, John (Mary Julie) True, Christopher (Angie Riley) True, Betsy (Brian Keiney) True, and Anne (Laurie Toll) True; nieces, nephews, and a host of other loving family and friends.