Pat Means

Interviewed by Harlan Lyso

As one pages through the Activities section of our 1964 Sinewesah, Pat Means shows up on almost every page – Most Likely to Succeed, ASB president, MC of the talent show, with homecoming queen Marilyn, director of one act plays, on the track team, etc., etc.  Yet, as someone who had not been especially active throughout much of my high school career, I realized I really didn’t know this guy. A 45-minute conversation with Pat assured me that his accomplishments in high school were not a fluke. This is a man who throughout his life has used his prodigious talents to enhance the quality of life for so many.  It is a compelling story.

Pat grew up in what he calls a working-class family on a farm where his dad grew alfalfa and had some sheep and cattle. He was part of the PHS Eltopia contingent, attending school in Eltopia through eighth grade before joining the rest of us at McLaughlin Junior High in 9^th grade. His leadership qualities were apparent early on, as our 60-61Tumbleweed confirms that even as a newcomer to the school he was elected to the Student Council. As I noted earlier, Pat’s involvement and leadership while at PHS were diverse and instrumental in enhancing the high school experience for the rest of us. His favorite high school memories include choir and a summer spent in Bern, Switzerland as an exchange student.

After high school Pat planned to attend Bible School. However, Ms. Boothe told him that she thought she could get him a scholarship at Whitman College, so off to Walla Walla he went. Pat is profusely grateful for his experience at Whitman, which introduced him to a variety of perspectives and opportunities.

As he was committed to serving Christ in all that he did, upon graduation from Whitman Pat joined Campus Crusade for Christ. For 19 years he developed programs, visited college campuses and sought opportunities for college students to come to know Christ. Over the last few years with Campus Crusade, he worked on getting people into the former Soviet Union to witness there. He trained college students to visit the Soviet Union as tourists and developed business covers through which American Christians could be in contact with underground churches there.

Life doesn’t automatically go perfectly just because one was identified as “most likely to succeed.” Like many of us, Pat faced significant challenges, including alcohol dependency and marriages that ended. He says that he is grateful to God for his grace throughout these difficult times. Rather than letting these struggles diminish his life however, he chose to use what he learned from them to help others facing similar difficulties. He went to work for Christian Recovery International, an organization dedicated to supporting people recovering from addiction, abuse, and trauma. With them he planned conferences and edited their magazine.

Having earlier earned an MA in Biblical Studies, Pat proved himself to be a lifelong learner, earning an MA in Psychology at the age of 59.  That’s 59, when many of us were looking forward to retirement! Based on his experiences and his graduate courses, Pat established a psychotherapy practice in Seattle. He realized that by drawing on his training and everything he had experienced personally he could assist others, one person at a time, working with them over longer periods of time. At 80 (yes, we are all about 80 now) he is still working with individual clients several days a week and plans to continue to assist those recovering from addiction, abuse and trauma as long as he can. Pat authored a book, Men’s Secret Wars, in which he draws candidly from his own struggles and those of numerous other men, and provides tested strategies for defeating the habits and secrets that threaten men’s private lives.

Pat’s fundamental philosophy is that giftedness carries one only so far.  Character eventually catches up with you. His advice to classmates in the PHS class of 64, “Stay real, be kind, do your best, and let that be enough.”

As I reflected on my conversation with Pat, I came to recognize that he epitomizes what it is to be real. He has experienced significant challenges, recognizes his weaknesses but has effectively used his experiences to become a vital resource for many who suffer from similar issues. PHS class of 64 has yet another classmate about whom we can be proud, and grateful for his commitment to improve the lives of many.  Thank you, Pat.