It is with regret and sadness that we advise on the quite sudden passing of Pat Downing (Mac 472 ). Pat was a founder member and without a doubt one of the most dedicated and the single most ardent, active Honoury Life member. She was fearless and tireless in protecting the Clubs Constitution (well, her interpretation of it!). Pat’s love was not just for the Club but for the Table Bay Reserve as a whole and she dedicated many hours to representing the Club at the Table Bay Nature Conservation meetings. She will be remembered by hundreds, if not thousands of dinghy sailors as ‘Mama24” .She will be remembered  for her energetic involvement in the annual  ”24 Hour Endurance regatta”. Her participation in this event was complete – from the initial organisation and preparation, sourcing of sponsors to her enthusiastic encouragement of those on the water, her admonishment of the unruly ‘barflies’ in the ‘Wet Start’ Pub as well as overseeing the final Prize Giving – She really was the Mama of the event, no mean feat for one of the largest and most popular regattas in the Cape Dingy calendar.

Talking of Prize Giving, Pat was a regular, worthy and grateful recipient of the “Wooden Spoon” award – this she received with pride, as to her it was a clear indication and recognition that she had done a great job in pulling members into line and upholding the Constitution. To her eternal credit, she always also received it in good spirits and the manner in which it was intended. There is no doubt that Pat will be remembered with love and fondness by many and even the those who were on her regular receiving end respected and admired her passionate brutal candour.

There is a certain irony that MAC is at its quietest and most peaceful at this time, we have all been forced to pause and reflect…..we wish the same for Pat – it’s Pats time to pause and we know she will rest in peace. God bless you Pat and thank you for your lifelong contribution to MAC.

Ross Cowing
President

(Photograph Angela Gray)