Remembering Patrick Grannan
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Thank you Susan L Forsburg for sharing your photos of Patrick.
A Life of Faith, Service, and Friendship
Patrick Grannan passed away this week, on October 8 or 9, at his home in Warner Springs. A wellness check requested by his sister revealed his passing. Though his health was fragile, Patrick’s spirit was anything but—his wit, intellect, and commitment to service left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
A retired attorney, Patrick had a sharp legal mind and a passion for understanding the fine points of parish, diocesan, and community life. He came to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church during Rev. Laura Brecht’s time as rector, around 2018. Once he joined the coffee hour, he quickly became a dedicated part of parish life, serving on vestry, finance, and property-use committees, and connecting with diocesan specialists.
Patrick generously shared his expertise beyond St. Barnabas. He guided the Borrego Ministers Association through the process of obtaining its nonprofit 501(c)(3) status and served on the executive committee of the Diocese of San Diego, frequently attending conventions and contributing to leadership discussions with care and insight.
He regularly traveled from Warner Springs to help at St. Barnabas events, including the food bank, Bring Your Own Bowl luncheons, and the Lenten noontime concerts. He faithfully managed the Zoom broadcasts for Sunday Eucharist and was seldom seen without one of his beloved dogs—especially Lefty, the friendly “usher.”
Patrick’s interests extended far beyond church life. A lover of history, he often engaged in deep discussions about the English Reformation, Cranmer, and Cromwell. He organized and led Zoom classes during the pandemic, helping the parish stay connected in challenging times.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Patrick found joy in fellow Ohioans, sports talk, and shared stories. He was educated at St. Charles Prep, Haverford College, and NY Law School. Before joining St. Barnabas, he was active at St. Thomas of Canterbury in Temecula.
Patrick lived his faith through action—what the church did in the community mattered deeply to him. Though he endured personal loss, including the death of his wife, he channeled his life into service, learning, and compassion. His was a quiet, steadfast holiness that touched many lives.
Patrick Grannan’s passing leaves a deep emptiness among those who served and worshiped beside him. May he be received with joy and love by the saints and angels in God’s eternal kingdom.
— Father Michael Plekon, Assistant Priest, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs, CA
Remembering Patrick
Patrick became a friend as we bonded over endless tech issues. We spent hours on the phone waiting for steps to work—and they usually didn’t. We’d think we had a fix, only to find out an hour later it hadn’t worked. But Patrick was always ready to go back into battle, armed with sarcasm, realism, and a dry sense of humor that made even the most frustrating problems easier to face.
I’d try to lighten things up, and he always played along. He loved quoting ’80s movies I hadn’t seen—and often reminded me how much I was missing. I read a lot, though my books aren’t quite as quotable in a tech support situation.
Every time I called, I’d start with: “PATRICK!!!” And he’d answer with a drawn-out, “Annnndrea…” already knowing I needed something. Usually it was a code. Or very specific steps. He was always there—even before or after shopping trips and doctor’s appointments—until the issue was solved or had morphed into something new.
He once told me it bugged him when tech reps said “No worries.” I laughed because that was my favorite part. “Patrick, I’m optimistic.” “I’m realistic,” he’d say. After that, it became our running joke—I’d say “no worries” and he’d grumble.
Patrick volunteered to manage the church website—and more that I’m sure will become obvious soon—along with Zoom, YouTube, and social media. He was fiercely protective of keeping it simple. He didn’t want to waste money or confuse people with complicated tech. He talked often about getting the word out about the Episcopal Church and showing how inclusive it is. He knew how open and kind the church is and wanted visitors to see what he saw.
He found joy when new people came to church—and even more when animals showed up. Recently, he noticed a new couple come in and was intrigued by how close they stayed during the service. It was a sweet moment, and he captured it with his camera.
Just last week, we decided it was time to rebuild the church website. He thought I might not want more work, and was glad when I said I was all in. He was ready to help shape it into what it needed to be.
He loved Mel Brooks movies and listened to Christina Aguilera’s Candyman on repeat. He laughed about how weird his YouTube history must look.
I’m grateful I knew him. I’ll build the new website with all his hopes in mind—and I’ll remember the sarcasm, the honesty, the problem-solving, and all the laughter. That’s what he gave me, and that’s how I’ll remember Patrick. I consider him my friend.
~Andrea McKenna
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