Patrick Anthony Wilborn

Patrick Anthony Wilborn, PAW, passed on March 21, 2026, at age 74. 

His path started in Kansas City, Mo., then took him to Kodiak, Alaska; Lawrence, Kan.; San Antonio, Texas,; Milwaukee, Wis.; and in 1991 to Port Washington, Wis., where he lived for more than 30 years. 

Water became a life theme beginning with his stint in the U.S. Coast Guard serving on a Coast Guard cutter and working as an electronics technician, then owning a long line of sailboats, exploring how to use fish and water to grow greens in an aquaponics greenhouse and living on lakes Michigan and Pepin.

Pat was a project guy, learning along the way with an eye for innovation and working with persistence. He renovated boats and houses, made and repaired sails, created PortFish LLC and built aquaponics systems in Port and schools in Milwaukee, grew businesses, started and supported the Port Washington winter farmers market, gave to and advocated for what he cared about and accrued the best teams of folks to work with him. (You know who you are.) And through all of this he was true to his life’s mantra, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

He raised two sons whom he marveled at, Anthony (with his wife Mary, who we love as a daughter) in Seattle and Aren in New York, and was the perfect love and partner in life for Amy for more than 57 years.  Pat lived a life that he and his family are proud of. He was grateful for all that life gave him.  

A 19th century Irish music hall song says it all: “Be easy and free when you’re thinking of me, I’m a man you don’t meet every day.” While Pat would never say this about himself, his friends and family know it to be true. 

We’ll raise our glasses of whiskey and wine (his would be NA) with family and friends in June. All who knew and loved him are invited.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.