We are sad to report that Jarad Patko (RU LA '03) has passed away. He was always enthusiastic and curious. Jarad was willing to try new things and follow new paths with little concern for consequences or how others would see him. He even got a letter published in LAM a few years ago. He was far too young, but will be remembered for a very long time.His memorial service is on 8/14 Thursday at Temple Sinai, 208 Summit Avenue in Summit, NJ at 2pm. But for those that can't make it, feel free to use the comments here to post remembrances and comments.
UPDATE: The Star-Ledger has published an obituary for Jarad. It said, "He loved sunrises on the beach, sunroofs and all about the universe." Yep. That sounds like Jarad.
37 comments:
Jarad was a student when I taught Intro to Design at Rutgers and I remember him being a really nice guy-one of the few who stood out in my memory. He always went out of his way to say hello to me at L.A. conventions and social functions after college. I'm sad to hear he has passed away & I offer my condolences to his family and friends. ~Nick Cavaliere
While I never knew Jarad, the loss of an up and comer, 'one of our own' from rula, was still shocking to see. I wish the best to his family, exending to them my thoughts and prayers. ~Dominick Mondi rula '00.
Jarad, your sense of humor was addicting and your smile contagious!
You had so much enthusiasm and spontaneity that you helped make the stressful moments at Blake a little less stressful. I'm sorry life had to end so short for you, but I wish you peace and tranquility in the after life... rest in peace brother.
much love, Nichol and Dave
I don't think Jarad realized how many lives he has touched. He showed grace and maturity well beyond his years. You will be missed my friend.
XOXOXO
Jill
Jarad was a wonderful person and friend. Brett Russ, my self and another friend of ours went to Pittsberg, PA, one fall to see falling water. Its was one of the most fun and wonderful trips of our lives. I have great memmories and pictures of a great trip. I will miss having deep conversations with him about life and LA designs. I send my love a prayers to a wonderful person and to his great family for creating such a caring person. I will miss him and never forget the talks we had about life. Prayers and Love, Adrianne Scheick-Parent
Cards can be sent to:
Family and Friends of Jarad Patko
519 Morris Avenue
Summit NJ 07901
There will be an obituary in tomorrow's Star Ledger.
JeanMarie
Jarad Patko, 28, from Randolph, NJ died Aug. 8, 2008. Memorial Services will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, Aug. 14th at Temple Sinai, 208 Summit Ave. Summit, NJ. Born in Summit, NJ, Jarad graduated from Randolph High School in 1998 and from Rutger's Cook College in 2003 with a BA in Landscape Aricheture. He loved sunrises on the beach, sunroofs, and all about the universe. Predeceased by his mother Nancy, survived by his father Lou and brother Jon. He will be greatly missed. Donations in his memory may be made to NARSAD, 60 Cutter Mill Road, Suite 404, Great Neck, NY 11021.
Jarad and I became good friends while working together in Denver. He was a truly unique individual and I loved him like a brother. After he moved to Delaware we still kept in touch and I looked forward to seeing him again in the near future. I will miss him, and it deeply saddens me to think he is no longer with us. My thoughts and sympathy go out to his family.
Take care Jarad, I will miss you.
Your friend,
Paul
I remember Jarad when he first became employed at the RBA Group.
He was always a well mannered young man with goals and a drive like no other 17 year old I have ever met.
His death deeply saddens me and many of the employees he has worked with. My deepest sympathies to his family.
I met Jarad when he came to work at RBA in his teens. He also had a bright smile and seemed shy at first but had a great sense of humor. Everyone could always count on him for his tremendous talent and dedication. He was always reliable and was proud of his work. When he was in college the engineers tried to convince him to be an engineer instead of a LA since we wanted him back to work directly with us. He did return after school and was again a great asset. We're sorry that we did not once again have that opportunity upon his return back east. Everyone here that had the pleasure to know him is deeply saddened. Sincere condolences to his family and many friends. We'll never forget that smile so greatly captured in the photo.
Jarad worked at Nuszer Kopatz in Denver and all really enjoyed his cheerful demeanor. He was a hard worker who always had a kind word and "good morning" to everyone who crossed his path. It is very sad that we have lost someone so young. We send our condolences to his family.
Mark Kopatz
Jarad, you were one of a kind - and that's what made you great! You were a good friend to me and will be missed dearly.
Your friend,
Bryan
I met Jarad while working at Nuszer Kopatz. he was always cheerful and a very well mannered person. i loved talking music with him and getting to learn new music through him. he could always put a smile on my face no matter how bad the day was. my sincere condolences to the family.
Jarad you will truly be missed!
Justin
JP-
What an outstanding indivdual! Always putting others first in your acts and your thoughts. A great listener and someone who could brighten any day. I'll still think of your smile and character when I need that little pick me up, just like the skip in your step.
Peace with you,
MP
Jarad was one of the more unique and sincere people I have ever met. Despite many adversities, he always had a bright outlook and a smile for everyone. I will miss our conversations about things that led to everything else and our visits to Gateaux for sweets. I know everyone will miss your expressions and your loving personality. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
- Tiffany
Jarad:
My friend and protege. I will miss you greatly. Your intellectual curiosity about life and the Landscape Architecture Profession were boundless. I enjoyed sharing my experiences with you. The ability you had to learn and be a sponge was amazing. Ironically, I was just thinking about you in recent weeks and that I had not heard from in a while. I was hoping you were doing well. Your courage in the face of adversity in life should live on as an inspiration to everyone. You never complained when things were tough, you just pushed on courageously. I am so saddened to hear of your passing. I know your spirit is out there looking at us and encouraging us. Good by my good friend. I will miss our chats about life and the profession.
Jeff T
I have never had the opportunity to be around someone as genuine as Jarad. I too had the priviledge of meeting Jarad while working at NK in Denver, and knew I had made an instant friend. I will cherish every memory that we shared together. Its someone like Jarad, with his love and sincerity that makes you have faith in humanity. You will be greatly missed Jarad.
~Rick
I worked with Jarad in Denver and had the opportunity of spending time with Jarad playing in league volley ball and getting to know him as friend and colleague. He held himself like a gentlemen and only had kind words to say. A day never went by when he didn't ask how you were doing or a hello. Jarad will be truly missed.
Andrew
Of all the fine people that I had the pleasure of working with at NK Jarad was special. We shared a similar odd sense of humor and always enjoyed talking about our pets, families, movies, etc. I fondly remember our quirky email exchanges about all kinds of things. I am deeply saddened at the loss of such a nice guy and good friend. I will miss him very much. Stan
I met Jarad, through a mutual friend, when he was at RBA. He then made his way to Denver and took a position at NK. He was truly a unique individual and made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Always friendly, interested and up beat- his positive outlook was a great influence in the office and should serve as an inspiration to all of us. I will always remember Jarad as a very excited, passionate person. His quirky sense of humor and sly smile are unforgettable. I'll miss Jared.
JFR
Jrod, what a cool and crazy cat! I thought you were the neatest guy when you went out of your way to bring hot pancakes (with butter and syrup) for our entire team at work. You were a strong, couragous, and unique individual whom added a bit of zest and love to everything you did.
I pray that you're at peace and that you are dancing your head out in the stars above. I miss you.
Your friend,
Lindsay
Jarad - Although you left us - your memory will live on forever in our hearts. You were truly unique and will remain with us forever - my heart goes out to all you left behind - cc
Joan and I were very saddened when we heard of the untimely death of Jarad Patko. I had gotten to know Jarad better than most L.A. undergrads - - he was a very special kid, who knew what he wanted, and to many, marched to a different drummer!
He had more health and personal problems than most of us could imagine - - but, he always looked forward, with an unbelievable positive attitude - - - he was going to become an outstanding practicing landscape architect!
He had severe economic challenges, and I was able to help him in getting a number of well deserved scholarship awards. I also wrote letters of recommendation for some of his positions after he graduated. He kept in touch, and let me know when he changed positions and geographic locations - - until his most recent move to Delaware. While he faced occasional frustrations, he seemed happy with the progress he was making, advancing in the profession.
Jarad was a very good student, and a most dedicated and sincere person. You never knew exactly what that smile on his face really meant - - - was he agreeing with you, or doubting you? He will be greatly missed by all who knew him - - - as a friend, a fellow student, and a young colleague in the profession. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle person, who showed great concern for people and the environment - - - but did not live long enough for him to reach many of his extremely worthwhile goals.
Jarad, thanks for being an important part of our lives!
Roy and Joan DeBoer
Jarad was my cousin, but he was like a brother to me. For the first 8 years of my life he lived next door to me. Jarad had a very encouraging role of my life. He taught me how to drive and took me to my driving test in Rahway. Then he took me back two weeks later, when I actually passed the test. He didn’t give me a hard time, telling me only how proud of me he was and how excited he was for me and this new found independence.
When I was 9 months pregnant with my daughter Jade, Jarad flew in for a visit from Colorado. He planned an entire day for us where he took me to the New Jersey Aquarium because he heard fish were calming to babies in the womb.
Jarad was forever looking out for me. We once had a long conversation about Global Warming on the telephone when he lived Colorado. A few weeks later I got a tape in the mail from Jarad. He had taped an entire special on Global Warming on the Discovery Channel for me.
When I was having a rough time, a card from Jarad with words of inspiration would never be too far behind. He worked for months on a scrap book he made me, I received a huge cardboard box from Colorado with a scrap book, extra photos, a picture cutter, and many other extras, incase I wanted to continue scrap booking on my own.
There are so many times in my life when Jarad went above and beyond to show me how special I was, how much he loved me, and how truly proud of me he was. Having him in my life was such a blessing to me in so many ways, and although I never felt worthy, I will do my best to live up to all he thought I was capable of.
Jarad loved music, dancing, long car drives, bagels and lox, deep discussions about life, politics, religion, dreams and the universe. He was 100% genuine and always kind. Anyone who knew him knew his unforgettable sense of humor. He could find something amusing in the most obscure of places.
I was driving the other day when the sudden wave of grief began to creep up on me. I was stopped at a traffic light and there were no other cars on the road. Just then a giant purple ball went rolling and bouncing across the street, perfectly in the middle of the cross walk. I watched it as it carried on its journey and on down the street. I know Jarad was with me, urging me to laugh. And so I did, I giggled, the way him and I would giggle since we were children, when we found something contagiously funny.
I found myself again driving down the road and the thought of how much I am going to miss him began to overwhelm me. A rainbow suddenly appeared in the sky as if Jarad was saying, “I’m always here, I am all around you.” Then I watched a tan Nissan Maxima drive past, identical to the one Jarad used to drive. He loved that car, even after he sold it, he spoke of it often, and how he missed it. I knew in that moment that although I’ll miss him, he will always be with me. I know Jarad was letting me know, on both those special moments, that everything will be alright, that I will be okay.
That’s the way Jarad was, forever comforting.
in the spirit of comfort, I give you these words from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
“For what is to die, but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered? Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then shall you climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, shall you truly dance.”
I know my cousin is dancing, and laughing. I know he is in peace and that he is watching over me, just as he has since the day I was born. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and spoken of Jarad, it means the world to me and my family. Our words can not express our gratitude enough.
Jarad was a wonderful person. His friends at RBA were devastated when we heard the news. He was recently at the office and many missed seeing him do to vacation schedules or because they were out during his visit. We thought we would see him again working with us very soon. He did not realize how many people cared for him. We hope his family and friends outside the RBA world realize how he touched our lives. Consider yourself very fornunate to have had the opportunity to have known him. Our office has been reminishing about him and every conversation includes remarks about that wonderful smile. Thank you for the chance to let his family know how he touched our lives.
Jarad was like a cousin to me. i grew up knowing him and his mom and brother john. the thing i will always remember him as the boy i knew growing up. i send my regards to his family expecially to his brother john. i will miss you, it is still hard to believe you are gone.
Jarad was like a cousin to me. i grew up knowing him and his mom and brother john. the thing i will always remember him as the boy i knew growing up. i send my regards to his family expecially to his brother john. i will miss you, it is still hard to believe you are gone.
amanda
I remember Jarad from when we both worked at the RBA Group in New Jersey. He had gotten over some daunting physical challenges and had taken up Tai Chi as a form of exercise and spiritual renewal. He said in addition to calming him it helped channel his energy and empowered him.
He needed to be empowered because while we worked together his Mom passed away. I had had the pleasure of meeting her at an RBA summer picnic that they both attended. She was so proud that he was about to graduate from University. Jared, who wouldn't dream of touting his accomplishments, sat and smiled while his mom beamed and spoke about him.
Given what I saw of their relationship, it was extremely troubling when she passed. As a consequence, Jared was deeply concerned about the welfare of his younger brother, who as I recall, was nearing the age of 18. I recall Jared struggling with having the possible role of Gaurdian thrust upon him. Not because he would dream of shirking this responsiblity but because making suggestions to a younger brother who was soon to be an adult could introduce conflict and friction between them. To my recollection, Jared would have prefered to avoid conflict and any conflict that may have arisen from this situation was a result of the circumstances that he faced and not because he chose these circumstances.
I've shared these recollections about Jared's interactions with his family because they show how he loved and was loved by his family. He is missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family.
Derek Hughes
Were to start...I met Jarad at RBA. Here was this young man who so bravely and eloquently faced the challenges of his life. What a wonderful person who found goodness and hope in everything he turned his focus to. He was also a very compassionate person who would never turn someone away when they were caught up in their own issues...even when they were trivial to his own.
Jarad thank you for touching my life and for reminding me that there are some truly amazing and wonderful people yet left in today's society. Whenever I hear Primus I will think of you. You will be missed by many. Holly
It has taken me some time to collect my thoughts and put them into words. Its obvious that Jarad touched many lives who crossed his path, to know him was to love him and his infectious personality. But the one thing about Jarad that keeps sticking out in my mind was how his face would light up when you walked into the room. No matter who it was, no matter what he was in the middle of, it was a complete interruption of anything to give you a bright smile, and a warm hello. I think the only thing that has made this easier to deal with is all of the laughs I've had thinking back to all those good times we had back in school. Our lives are all richer for having met him, and been taken in by his warm hello. Jarad, you are a great friend, and the Class of '03 will never forget you.
Your eternal friend,
Andy Steen
Please Join for the walk in Memory of Jarad Patko
I will be joining with thousands of people nationwide this fall to walk in AFSP's 2008 Out of the Darkness Community Walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I would appreciate any support that you give me for this worthwhile cause.
Our team, In Memory of Jarad, is walking in memory of Jarad Patko October 19th in Saddle Brook- COME WALK WITH ME! I would appreciate any support that you give me for this worthwhile cause. If you want to donate let me know too! I hope you will consider supporting my participation in this event, by walking or donating a little.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide. With more than 32,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. and over one million worldwide, the importance of AFSP's mission has never been greater, nor our work more urgent.
I hope you will consider supporting my participation in this event. Any contribution will help the work of AFSP, and all donations are 100% tax deductible.
Please go here for my information....
https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=512&participantID=13833
Jarad truly was one of the most kind and thoughtful people I have ever met...
Here's and update on The Out of Darkness walk, please go here http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&eventID=512&teamID=7164 and like on join the team, if you are planning on walking. Thanks!
The time I knew Jarad was really too short. I remember with a smile some of the times we shared and it's sad that the world lost someone as caring and enthusiastic as you. I appreciate you and your openness, your desire to share, your caring nurturing nature, your excitement for new things, and of course, the tai chi. Time has passed since I knew you, but you have been and will continue to be a part of my thoughts. I'm sorry.
This is hard to believe. My thoughts go out to Jarad's family.
Christel
Jarad, I think about you every day. It's been nearly a year and I can't get myself to take your cell phone number out of my phone. Every time I see it, my eyes well up because I remember I can't call you anymore. You had more friends than you knew and your kindness and concern for others meant more than you knew. I will miss you.
Happy Birthday Kiddo. I will forever love and miss you. Aunt Becky
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