Patrick Price ’67
Pat was born on the South Side of Chicago on September 25, 1943, to Donald and Marjorie Price
Pat had two younger brothers, Martin and Michael. When not causing trouble with his brothers, Pat was an All-Star baseball player referred to as “Fast Pitch Price” in the local newspapers. Luckily, he caught the eye of Joan who fell in love with him at first sight. His baseball and ‘smarts’ earned him with a scholarship to Hope College. During his second year at Hope College, he realized his desire to become a city manager. After graduating from Hope College and marrying Joan, Pat and Joan moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where Pat continued his education at the University of Nebraska. While in Lincoln, Nebraska, Pat and Joan fell in love with Cornhusker football.
After receiving his Master’s in Political Science from the University of Nebraska, Pat and Joan moved back to Illinois where Pat accepted a job as Assistant City Manager in Highland Park, Illinois. Their first child, Jessica, was born in Highland Park. They then moved to Mason, Michigan when Pat accepted a job as City Manager in 1973. Joan initially hesitated to move to a smaller community, but they went on to have three more children in Mason, fell in love with Mason, and they both passed away in Mason almost fifty years later.
Pat was very proud of some of the initiatives during his tenure as City Manager, including the street improvement program which resulted in all streets in Mason being paved with curb/gutter and drainage sidewalks, the establishment of the Downtown Development Authority which created a funding mechanism for improving downtown, negotiating a land share agreement which resulted in a large addition of land within the city limits, establishing the Mason Historic District and Mason as a Tree City USA. Additionally, Pat assisted in implementing policies and practices that produced a financially strong and stable municipal government with a more diverse and stable tax base. All in all, it has been said that Pat took Mason from ‘old school’ to modern, by assisting in the implementation of policies and practices that have positioned Mason to withstand all types of difficulty. His legacy is still felt 23 years after his retirement as the City of Mason continues to follow at least the framework of many policies and procedures established under his tenure.
Pat and Joan were involved parents who always supported their children in their education, activities, and personal lives. Some of Pat’s most cherished memories were when his family would vacation in Charlevoix in the summers while the kids were growing up. After his retirement, he spent his days playing golf, listening to music, and caring for his immaculate lawn.
Patrick is survived by his four children Jessica (Michael Spradling), Benjamin (Torye Santucci), Aaron (Anna), Daniel and 11 grandchildren: Cooper, Griffin and Sawyer Spradling; Jonathan, Natalie and Audrey Price; Chloe Price and Konrad and Lillian Wegge; and Taylor and Joseph Price. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Carol Giancola, his 3 nieces and 2 grandnieces. Patrick is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and his beloved wife, Joan.
Pat was a very kind and caring person. His children relied on his logical and pragmatic advice. His grandchildren loved his hugs and humor. Although we are heartbroken that Pat is no longer here with us, we find solace that he and Joan are together again.