June 25, 1992 - March 16, 2011
Patrick Taylor Straut was born June 25, 1992 at Littleton
Hospital. He lived his whole life in Jefferson County. He
was extremely proud of his Irish heritage; his father and
his father's twin brother were adopted from Ireland as
toddlers.
Patrick always wanted to visit Ireland to see the place in
all its beauty and fully connect with that part of himself.
Patrick was happy
alone with himself, he
did not strive for the
approval of others.
He is
survived by
his parents
Terri and
Jerry Straut,
brother
Brendan and
sister Emily.
He never did
things because
that's what you
were supposed
to do, if he
didn't see the
purpose
himself, there
was no
meaning.
Patrick was a man of strong integrity, few words and a
huge heart. His friends knew him as a dedicated friend
who always knew the solution to every problem,
strategically planning his every move with the
confidence of a true leader.
Every new situation was treated with respect and
observed with a trained eye to see all things from every
perspective. Every person who came into contact with
Patrick left his presence more knowledgeable and wise
than they had been before.
A true artist,
Patrick had
incredible
attention to detail
in his work and
an unmatched
passion to follow
his every desire
with conviction.
Patrick's passions
included playing
the guitar, writing
music, and art
including sculpture
and drawing.
Patrick was also blessed to
have one true best friend,
Evan Stevens, since they
came together in first
grade. He cherished his
friendship with Evan more
than anything.
Patrick Taylor Straut Scholarship Fund
- The annual scholarship is intended to recognize
students like Patrick.
- While he was identified as a highly gifted student
his school achievement was strongly tied to his
interest in a subject.
- It is our intention that the Patrick Taylor Straut
Scholarship Fund recognize the achievement of
high school graduation for a deserving senior
each year.
- The GT Program at Wheat Ridge High School was chosen
by the Straut family because Patrick’s unmet needs as a
high school student were his mother’s catalyst toward
activism to gain awareness for the struggles of gifted
students who had few real GT options at the high school
level.
- The GT program provides the level of support and
academic options that Patrick needed, but never
received.
- Beginning in 2013, recipients have been chosen from
among the GT seniors each year.
“How lucky I am to have
something that makes
saying goodbye so hard.”
-Winnie the Pooh
June 25, 1992 - March 16, 2011