Listen to this article
Patrick promoted to Glory soon after retirement
 Majors David and Effie Patrick |
His master replied: “Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; Come and share your master’s happiness.” (Matthew 25:21)
“Come” said the Master, and Major David Patrick, the “gentle Ambassador,” joined his Savior for breakfast on Sunday, September 15 after only 14 days of official retirement. He had been visiting with family in Wyoming.
Two weeks earlier, Patrick, along with his wife of 46 years, Major Effie Patrick, and his three children, Captain Shawn Posillico, Sherri Collins, and Randall Patrick had celebrated 33 years of active officership in retirement ceremonies in Phoenix. Southwest Divisional Com-mander Lt. Colonel Don Mowery and Adult Rehabilitation Centers Commander Major Ron Strickland jointly conducted the retirement.
At this service Patrick said: “We are grateful to God for calling us into ministry where we have been privileged to see the grace of God at work in the lives of men and women. We are grateful as well to The Salvation Army for being the vehicle through which this calling was made possible.”
The Patricks became acquainted with the Army while living in Hawaii. Dave had been waiting to meet residence requirements before accepting a position in the police department.
During this period he accepted a position as general supervisor of the Honolulu ARC. They became soldiers at the Kauluwela Corps, and at a youth councils experienced a call by God to Salvation Army officership.
They joined the “Evangelists” session in 1967 and were commissioned two years later. Following service in a number of corps, the Patricks became part of the ARC ministry where they spent most of their careers.
A “Celebration of Life” service was held at The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps on September 18. Patrick’s son-in-law, Major Joe Posillico, conducted the service. An additional service conducted by Mowery, was held in the Phoenix ARC on September 22.
Expressions of condolence may be sent to Major Effie Patrick and family at 833 E. Royal Ridge Dr., Oro Valley, AZ 85737.
