This weekend a very special person past away; Pat Padgett. A true staple to the CrossFit community with his vigor for life and pursuit of enjoyment in every facet there of. As of recent, Pat had faced a tremendous journey with cancer and as I sit and write this I really don’t know where to begin or what point to emphasize the most.

I can remember the day he came to the gym which marked his 2 years in remission. I remember the proclamation returning to CrossFit as a Regional competitor for the Northeast and as every day went by the city would hear his progress. I remember then going to watch him as he competed in Canton that year and the throngs of people who screamed his name until hoarse with tears.

But that was only part of what made Pat great. He in my opinion, is what CrossFit truly represents: An effect on oneself which amplifies personality in healthy and productive ways, inspiring others to follow suit. He embodied qualities which you’d be hard pressed to find in someone else. Above everything, he was a great friend. He pushed you to be better in every aspect of how you could live your life and settled for nothing less. All heart, all the time and what I will miss the most is not watching him workout or be an athlete (which he was a stud at mind you), but probably the 15-20 minutes spent in his Civic as he gave me rides back to Cambridge discussing everything from which superhero power would be the most advantageous and realistic, to the finer points food/tattooes/sport etc. He exuded confidence, love, compassion and empathy, but always had a reason for applying each. Never afraid to be upfront or tell you how it is, good or bad. He was one of most raw and real people I and many others knew.

He has not lost. Was not defeated by cancer. Rather, the way in which he lived has left his mark with some of the most poignant words one can make:

So do me t