The Brown & White

Please take a moment to remember one of Lehigh University's own.

Patricia Barker Doyne, born March 18, 1930, was the youngest of three children. She is survived by her two older siblings, John Barker of Bethlehem and Catharine Karver of Longport, N.J.

She was a graduate of Hellertown High School, class of '47. Soon thereafter, Pat began a career at Lehigh that began in Dr. Tremblay's office. It was a short tenure, and she then began her greatest feat: raising six children.

Not one to play favorites, she had three sons and three daughters, all with the same husband. What a concept! Obviously raising six children demanded most of her time, but like all of us, she had a few passions that fed her soul.

Her prowess in tennis and golf demonstrated that athletic skill is in fact due in part to genetics, as her father John Barker was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics. John was a contemporary of George Herman Ruth, and to this day the family treasures a twist of fate that crossed their path in the early days of last century.

In 1973, Pat once again joined the family at Lehigh. Her personality and professionalism embodied the spirit of Lehigh. Her tenure in the athletic department in the '70s enabled us children to witness some of the Engineers' most memorable victories.

Home games at Taylor Stadium were gatherings second-to-none. Lehigh was family, and family gathered every other Saturday to watch their own succeed.

The year 1977 was special as the Engineers brought home the National Championship in football. Who could forget the glory days of Lehigh wrestling when 3,000 people could register seismic events in Grace Hall? Up and down the roster were national champions. Names such as Leiberman, Skully, Brown, Burley and Lenhart gave their heart and soul just a few feet away.

Grace Hall was an intimate gathering of greatness. Thank you, Thad Turner. Thank you, Bill Leckenby. Thank you, Mom. Work and athletics certainly were hand-in-hand in her life, and she appreciated those who did it well. She retired from the Small Business Development Center in 1999.

All of you who knew Pat understood that weekends were also meant for road trips with friends. If it wasn't cruising along the Delaware River to New Hope for lunch, it was off to Kutztown for an antique bargain or to the Jersey shore to see her sister and share laughs.

As her children's children began to sprout, her time was spent gallivanting across the country to enjoy them all. The dollar bill in each birthday card was greatly cherished. She is one of the lucky ones who actually got to see the one place that stirs them beyond their wildest dreams: Dingle, Ireland, was that place for her.

As she spoke of it, the intoxicating Irish dew would form in her eyes, and you could tell she had the ability to put herself there upon command. We've been warned that once we go, we won't come back.

As demonstrated over time, you develop habits and values from your parents. John and Pearl Barker of Hellertown provided a strong family environment based on integrity and faith. Pat's gracefulness and honor was evident because of it. Hopefully, we can continue the tradition. See you in Ireland!

Love, Billy, Nina, Katie, Andy, Steve and Beth..