Thomas P. Patrick, DDS Fund
The Thomas P. Patrick, DDS Fund honors the legacy of Dr. Thomas Patrick by supporting Boy Scout Troop 96 in the Canaan Valley/Davis/Thomas area, with a focus on enabling high adventure scouting experiences.
TYPE OF FUND: Designated
DATE ESTABLISHED: 2001
PURPOSE: To honor the memory of Thomas P. Patrick, DDS by providing funding for the Canaan Valley / Davis / Thomas Boy Scout Troop 96 with emphasis on supporting high adventure treks.
DISTRIBUTION: To Boy Scout Troop 96 upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee, and approval by the Board of Directors of TCF.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: Donations from family and friends. TCF received $50,900 from a life insurance bequest made by Dr. Patrick prior to his death.
BACKGROUND: Dr. Thomas P. Patrick was a charter member of the Board of Directors of Tucker Community Endowment Foundation, serving from 1988 until his untimely death in 2000. He was elected President in 1995 and, during the five years he served in that role, helped grow TCF’s assets from $243,657 to $645,251. He is perhaps best remembered as the originator and enthusiastic emcee of the Foundation’s annual Fourth of July fundraiser, Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party.
A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Dr. Patrick came to Tucker County in 1976 to open a dental practice and quickly fell in love with the community and the outdoor lifestyle, making it his permanent home. He was born on October 26, 1951, the fourth child of George Spicer and Nan Peyton Patrick. After graduating from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1969, he attended West Virginia University, earning his DDS from WVU’s School of Dentistry in 1976.
In 1984, Dr. Patrick helped establish Boy Scout Troop 96 and served as Scoutmaster for 16 years. He led the 35-member troop on high adventure treks ranging from the local mountains to the Adirondacks, New Mexico, and Key West. His leadership helped 11 scouts earn the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. A 12th scout was working toward the award when Dr. Patrick stepped down. For his contributions to Scouting, he received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Allohak Council.
Diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 1996, he continued practicing dentistry for three more years and remained active in the community. In 1998, he helped establish a Cub Scout troop and volunteered for the Read Aloud program at Davis-Thomas Elementary School, where his youngest children were enrolled.
Dr. Patrick’s service was widely recognized. In 1998, he was named “Tuckineer” by the Tucker County Chamber of Commerce, and in 1999 he received the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism.
He passed away at home on December 15, 2000. At his request, a Celebration of Life was held at the Davis Fire Hall with over 200 in attendance. Dr. Patrick is survived by his wife, Donna, and four children: Anna Lea Patrick and Matthew Russell Patrick of Canaan Valley, and daughters Erin Patrick McKnight and Keri Patrick of Florida.
