Tales of Patrick Michael Gordonne

Attending the Outlands War, processing to Court, Sept 1990
Photo by Briony Blaaslagen

Ceara inghean mhic an Ghabhann

It was August 2002. I was at Lughnasadh, hosted by the Shire of Loch Ruadh. I was 19 years old and called into morning court. This man who was larger than life gave me my AoA, my first ever award after starting when I was a month shy of 16. As the herald was reading my scroll I meekly looked up to him and whispered "but my father isn't here." He looked up to the crowd and saw that my Dad, Sean, wasn't there. He whispered to me "We'll do it again in evening court."

So again, I was called into evening court to receive my AoA, and my father was so very proud of me. I realize now that I just wanted to see that smile of pride on his face, since he wasn't really around in my life to see it with school or my other achievements. We only really connected through the SCA, and I believe that's the only reason I stuck around in this game. He passed away in 2012.

Patrick Michael allowed me to have that moment, and I'll be eternally grateful. That kind of character stayed with me forever, the kindness he showed to that little girl.

May he find everlasting peace, and may his memory be a blessing to his family.

Biatrichi Canzoniere

I just heard of the passing of Duke Patrick Michael. He and Julia were instrumental in me joining and staying in the SCA. They always showed me hospitality and treated me with kindness. I made Coronation clothes for them and helped in their entourage. Julia even helped me get a job when I needed one and was a sounding board when I needed one. I will miss him but I miss them both. As a peer, I try to pass that love along. We all should. RIP Pat Mike.

Jean-Paul de Sens

I will attempt to write better words later, but the short version is I miss, and will continue to miss, his Grace, Duke Patrick Michael.

His personal influence to me, and his influence on the Kingdom he loved, are not a thing that can be easily put into words.

The time and energy he invested in me and others is greatly appreciated, and will attempt to continue to pay it forward.

Avery Shaw

Duke Patrick Michael Gordonne has moved beyond the veil. He was a stubborn, obnoxious, joyous, deeply caring man. He was a pain the ass sometimes, he was amazingly giving at all times. There were times I wanted to smack him, there were times where he was everything a Knight is supposed to be. He was one of the first Crowns I actually interacted with almost 30 years ago. The world is a bit dimmer this day with his leaving.

Rest in Peace, Good Sir. May your memory be a blessing.

Valeria Richila Navarro

There are people who make you feel younger with a smile and a hug. Duke Patrick Michael was one of them. When I last saw him, at Gulf War 2019, his smile and hug took me back to my early years in the SCA.

Patrick Michael was the first King of Ansteorra that I spoke to outside of Court. I was fencing in a list in Greywood and there weren't enough heralds. So the King stepped away from his throne to herald the field I was on. He was doing well until he got to my name, Valeria Richila Navarro. My name provoked a response of "Oh my God, what is this?" Since he had already called my opponent, I rattled off my name as quickly as possible in answer to his question. He grinned at me. That big wonderful smile of his that let you know that being here was the best place to be.

I will miss my friend.

Iago Cabrera de Cadiz

In the summer of 1990, I met a large blonde man at the Stargate practice on that back corner of Memorial Park. He wanted to fence that day, not fight in armor, and asked to borrow my foil. When I handed it to him and said, "Sure, buddy, go ahead," I got a lecture from someone else about the proper way to speak to the king.

It was short lived, because the king said, "No. He's new. We don't talk to new people like that."

That was my introduction to Patrick Michael. Rest in peace, sir. You made a hell of an impression.

Countess Rebekah Kleinspielerin adds: He played a washer woman for a rapier melee event in an early Tourney by the Loch - Early 90s, I think.

Robin of Gilwell

Patrick Michael Gordonne passed away recently.

Once when Patrick Michael was king, I had done something that really offended him. (I did it with my eyes open. I knew it would offend the King, and I felt it had to be done.) I heard later that he was fuming when it happened, and was talking about how to respond. One of his advisors said, "Well, you could remove him as Baron."

In his white-hot fury at me, he said, "I'm not going to remove him as Baron. He's a good Baron!"

This man defended me while furious at me. That is a great king.

Rest in peace.