On Wednesday evening hundreds of people from all over Virginia and beyond gathered at McLean Bible Church to remember and honor the former chairman of RPV Pat Mullins. Many politicians came to honor Mullins including Governor George Allen and his wife, Governor Bob McDonnell, former Lt. Governor and Chairman of the party John Hager, current Chairman of RPV John Whitback, state senator Dick Black and former state senator Jeannemarie Davis, Delegates Dave LaRock and Tim Hugo. Those are just of few of the elected officials who I happened to see. Our favorite farmer, Martha Boneta was there and everyone’s favorite radio host and TBE blogger, John Fredericks.
I have never attended a memorial service with so much laughter. It was perfect for Pat because it’s impossible to think of Pat Mullins and not think of the laughter he brought with him to every event. His son Steve has definitely inherited his father’s gift of telling a humorous story. He had us laughing over and over. Steve has missed his calling, he should be a stand-up comedian. He told one great story after another about his father and his family. Pat Mullins loved his family, his community, sports (all kinds) his alma Mater Columbia University, and, needless to say, Republican politics. Growing up in a family of Democrats, his first vote for a Republican came in 1968 when he voted for President Nixon. Later in life he came to love horses. Although Pat had a fear of horses he knew how much therapy horses could help the disabled and that became one of his greatest passions. Pat had so many interests it’s difficult to capture them all. He never slowed down, right up until his death he was busy with his community interests, his job of insuring thoroughbred horses across the country and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Not only did Pat attend his four children’s sports events and recitals, he did the same with his six grandchildren.
The Reverend Steve Harvey, from Ohio, spoke about his long friendship Pat Mullins. He left us with five things Pat did every day and urged us to do the same:
- Stay active. Pat stayed active with his family, his community, his job, his church and his many other interests. He never slowed down, never stopped moving. Because Pat stayed active for his entire life he was able to make a difference for so many people. Stay active and make changes in the world.
- Pray about everything. It will make a difference in your life.
- Count your blessings every day. Embrace and love life as Pat did.
- Learn to love unconditionally. Pat never met a stranger, loved everyone, with no conditions on that love.
- Take time every day to laugh. Also, take the time to be quiet and think. Great ideas and great changes can only come to us when we’re quiet.
Pat Mullins did all those things and it seemed to make him a very happy man with a loving (and very funny) family. Pat loved life and lived it every day of his 79 years. The world was a better place with him in it.
We miss you Pat, your service, your love and your laughter.
