Patrick Michael Royster

Patrick Michael Royster died in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at Tall Pines Nursing Center in Show Low, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 60 years old. Patrick was born on July 1, 1950 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri to Charles Edward Royster and the late Norma Jeanne Shippley. Patrick had special needs his entire life and, even through all of his personal struggles, he attended and graduated from La Sierra High School in Carmichael, California in 1968. That was a huge accomplishment for him and, his family was so very proud of that achievment. Following his high school graduation, Patrick worked a short while for the U.S. Postal Service as a janitor. It was even said of him that he "was the best custodian they ever had." He was so dedicated to that one, and only, job he ever had. In 1990, the Royster family moved to Tempe, Arizona. Their most recent move was in 2009 to Show Low in the White Mountains of Arizona. Wherever Patrick lived during his lifetime, he always loved it. He was friends to all his neighbors. In Show Low, he lived at the Senior Citizen Apartments near the Senior Center and "everybody loved him!" Patrick loved watching old movies at home. He was somewhat of a trivia buff, in that he could always tell you when one of the old-time movie stars had died. One of the greatest joys and pleasures that Patrick found in life was playing BINGO. He loved that game and some would endearingly refer to him as a "Bingo Nut." Patrick always appreciated lunchtime at the Show Low Senior Center, not only for the delicious food but, for the great company he was able to keep. For the most part, Patrick was a home-body however, he did enjoy walking, regularly, to Starbuck's at Safeway for his cup of hot chocolate! This gentle soul of a man, who touched the lives of so many, will truly be missed. His father always counted him as one of his greatest blessings. Patrick is survived by his father and step-mother, Charles "Chuck" and Beverley Royster of Show Low, Arizona; 1 brother, William C. Royster of Kentucky; 2 step-sisters: Debra Kuhl (Glenn) of Gold Hill, Oregon, Lori Pierce (Randy) of Zimmerman, Minnesota; 1 step-brother, Kenneth East of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of cousins. Patrick was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Jeanne Shippley in 1987 and by a sister, Kathleen Codromac in 1991. His family truly would like to send a special "Thank-you" to everyone who looked in on Patrick and considered him their friend throughout his life. May each of you be blessed for your kindness.