Pat was born in Belfast on 17 September 1955, the youngest of six children. He left his native city only once for a period of seven years to be educated by the Vincentian Priests at St. Patrick's College, Armagh. He returned to Belfast in 1974 to study dentistry at Queen's University of Belfast. He followed in the footsteps of his eldest brother, Laurence (RIP), then renowned for his work in restorative dentistry at the School of Dentistry, Queen's University of Belfast. Laurence was an exemplary role model.

Pat made many friends during his time in the School of Dentistry — all envied this close-knit community. He was a good student and graduated in 1980. He was awarded the John Clarke Prize, attaining first place in prosthetic dentistry.

He may be the only dentist who planned and fitted the dental units and fixtures in his dental surgery.

Pat spent some years working with senior colleagues in general practice gaining valuable experience, before opening his own dental surgery in Belfast in 1985. He may be the only dental practitioner, well-acquainted with DIY around his own home, who planned and fitted the dental units and fixtures in his dental surgery.

He was a very successful practitioner, supported by a loyal staff. He loved people and had time for everyone. He wanted the highest standard of care for his patients. He opened his surgery out-of-hours on many occasions to help a sufferer. He attended several immobile patients in their homes providing much needed treatments — his domiciliary bag was cleverly equipped with a craft drill.

Pat married in 1981. Sadly, his successful career was brought to a premature end in 2000 when he lost his battle with multiple sclerosis. He was a family man who knew the importance of time spent together with family and enjoyed many holidays in Donegal, where he died on 29 July 2006. He leaves his wife, two sons and two daughters. One of his daughters is following in his footsteps and is presently a student in the School of Dentistry, Queen's University of Belfast.