Tributes
Pat Worth
“Take some time to reflect within yourself, it could be the most important thing that you could ever do for someone who has never felt the real, human, inclusive contact.” – Pat Worth
The self-advocacy movement nation-wide has lost “one of its godfathers.” Patrick Worth died suddenly Thursday, November 11, 2004. He was 49.
The Toronto resident was an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, co-founder of People First of Ontario, an author, speaker and consultant. He was a mentor and he was a friend. Patrick was born and raised in Oakville. The news of his death came as a shock to his family, the disability community and self-advocates alike.
Pat meant a lot to a lot of people. He was a champion who had our deep affection and support. He had a unique ability to relate to his colleagues as a fellow advocate and at the same time make a meaningful connection with people. I was impressed with the clarity with which he could present the issues and the power of his conviction. It was very clear how motivating that was for the people who listened to him. He was a wonderful speaker and good trainer. He was a superb diplomat. Patrick was also a man with a good sense of humor, who was patient with people but intolerant of inaction or abuse. Patrick traveled to Europe and Latin America, representing the issues facing people with intellectual disabilities. Patrick was an advocate for closing institutions and said he wouldn’t be “free” until the very last person was transitioned into life in community.
Keith Powell
Executive Director, Community Living Ontario
More than 20 years ago, Patrick, along with Peter Park, co-founded People First of Ontario to address concerns about people with intellectual disabilities being labelled and segregated.
“Pat and I walked the same lifestyle. Pat was my mentor. He taught me a lot but the biggest thing he taught me about is respect. Patrick always had kind words to share about someone and always did things out of compassion.”
Richard Ruston
Past-President, People First of Ontario, National Treasurer, People First of Canada
People First - always PEOPLE first. Organizer, Mobilizer, Empathizer. Pat felt the pain of injustice, but unlike most of us, he would pick up his cane, and his pen and begin to act. Pat was a leader in a modern 'underground' railroad to freedom. Thanks to his work - and his many friends nationally and internationally, the railroad to freedom is no longer so invisible. More people are on it. But there are too many people still waiting for their glimpse of freedom. That was Pat's gift and vision. It got him up in the morning - and will push us to partner and continue his relentless advocacy so that no one is left behind. We owe him that."
Jack Pearpoint
Inclusion Press International & The Marsha Forest Centre: Inclusion • Family • Community
I had the privilege of working with Pat over the past two years. Pat taught me more in that time about the human spirit than most people will learn in a lifetime. He challenged me, debated me, laughed with me, cried with me, and all the while never judged me. He was modest about the work he did, never losing sight of the people he was advocating for. When Pat and I would do workshops together, he would enter a room, this big, “gentle giant”, and ensure that he personally connected with every person in that room throughout the course of the day. He touched many, many people all over the world, but died one of the most lonely people I know. Isolation and loneliness – no matter how many friends, colleagues, or acquaintances a person may have in their life, Pat taught me that if you are not a peace with yourself, nothing else matters. Rest in peace “buddy”, you will be remembered always.
Shelley Rattai
National Coordinator, People First of Canada
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