Patrick H Reymann

Patrick H. Reymann, 63, of Akron, Ohio passed away on August 6th following a kayaking accident in Harbor Springs, Mich.

Pat was born on August 6th, 1947 in Akron to Gilbert and Marie Aileen Reymann, where he grew up in a large loving Irish family. He attended high school at the Borromeo Seminary before going on to Georgetown University where he graduated from the School of Foreign Service. After traveling around the world for three months, he went to Stanford University, where he graduated in 1972 with both a Juris Doctor degree and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science.

Following graduation, Pat joined the law firm of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP, in Akron, Ohio where he practiced law for 30 years, specializing in health care law. For over a decade he headed the firm's Health/Hospital Law Department. Pat gave selflessly to many non-profit organizations and always rose to leadership positions. As President of the Akron Civic Theater, he was instrumental in saving the landmark theater. He was also very active with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in the 1990's, helping author its first-ever Master Plan.

Pat had an enduring love of history and became involved with the Hale Farm and Village in the mid-1980's. His proudest achievement was the successful development of the new Gatehouse and Visitor Center complex. His involvement with Hale Farm led Pat to become a member of the board of the Western Reserve Historical Society where his boundless energy, vision, and diverse skills led him to become the Society's Chairman of the Board from 1995 to 2002, and then its President and CEO until 2006 when he retired at the age 59 ½.

In addition to spending cherished time with Adam and Blake, Pat loved boating and traveling. Nancy feels so blessed to have shared Pat's life-long dream of traveling to New Zealand last fall. He loved life and never tired of exploring the great outdoors or traveling extensively, both at home and abroad. It was all about adventure and discovery which greatly enriched his life and that of his family.

Pat was a member of Portage Country Club and chaired its board in 1992. He also enjoyed memberships at the Catawba Island Club, The Hermit Club and The Moorings Club in Vero Beach, where he and Nancy owned a condo.

Pat was a man of strong character: honest, considerate, energetic, compassionate, persistent, and loyal. He tried to do the right thing by everyone and he gave every project his absolute best. He tackled life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He may be best remembered for his cheerful, playful disposition that was contagious and uplifting. He will be greatly missed by all the many people who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Nancy Lambert Reymann and sons, Adam, 27, of Crested Butte, Colorado and Blake, 25, of Houston, Texas. He also leaves five siblings, Mary Beth Conroy Bob, Gilbert Mandy, Isabelle, Eileen Sherman Frank, and Tim Elly. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and a large extended Reymann family. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Don Lambert DeDe; brother-in-law, Tom Lambert, and by Nancy's step family, the Perkins family, Bill Catharine, Bob, Peter Middy, and Jeff, and their loving children. Pat also leaves many dear friends to mourn his loss.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., with Rev. Mark J. Pruitt officiating. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation, P.O. Box 13441, Fairlawn, OH 44334; the Jean Thomas Lambert Foundation, 3800 Embassy Parkway, Suite 300, Akron, OH 44333; or a favorite charity.


FAIRLAWN Chapel