To know him was to love him. And everybody knew Pat Boggs.

Famous for his mischief, admired for his sense of humor, cherished for his personality and adored for his heart for others, Ironton lost this perpetually smiling one-of-a-kind man on July 14th of this year. He was 60.

But the legacy of Lawrence County’s champion flagpole climber, risk taker and practical joker refuses to leave this world. The many people he touched cannot let go of his memory.

Since Pat’s passing, a Facebook page appropriately titled “Pat Boggs the Legend” has been filling up with contributed memories of the man local officials deemed so popular he earned his own banner of recognition — appropriately, within eyesight of the Laidback.

Also, in honor of Pat’s contributions to others during his life, a multitude of his friends have created the Pat Boggs Celebration of Life Poker Run, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7. Sign-ups will begin at 10 a.m. at Frog Town. Stops along the route for riders to obtain their cards include Shenanigans, Augur Inn, Murphy’s Bar and Fuzzy Duck. The final stop will be at the Laidback, with the last bike in at 6 p.m.

Following the ride, a pig roast dinner will be offered at the Laidback, as well as a 50/50 drawing, a raffle and an auction.

All proceeds will benefit Pat’s parents, Clarence and Fern Boggs, and his daughter, Heather Clark.

According to Rick McKnight, one of the organizers of the event, the Pat Boggs Celebration of Life Poker Run is intended to be an annual event. All future proceeds will benefit a charity chosen by Pat’s family.

To commemorate Pat’s love of life, a ceremony sharing the innumerable memories he created for others will also be conducted. In true Pat Boggs spirit, laughs are sure to be aplenty.

Anyone with items they would like to donate for auction, or with pictures to share at the ceremony, is asked to bring them to the Laidback.

Also, those wishing to send donations in Pat’s memory can do so via Citizens Deposit Bank in care of Jodi Rowe Collins.

For further information, feel free to contact Rick McKnight at (740) 525-8011 or Lu Ann Bartram at (740) 533-7798.

 

Billy Bruce is a freelance writer who lives in Pedro. He can be contacted at hollandkat3@aol.com.