Patrick James Gahagan, 56, died on April 24 in Chicago, after a brave fight with prostate cancer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mercedes Gahagan.

He is survived by his sister, Marcia Gahagan Hayes; brother-in-law, Nick Hayes; nephews, Patrick and Kevin (Trisha) Hayes; great-nephew, Leo Hayes and his faithful dog, Murphy.

Pat was born in Austin and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Business Administration. He worked for many years for the Dana Corporation in Minneapolis, Toledo and in South Beloit, Ill., where he was the division human resources Manager. In Chicago, he worked as a job coach for Challenger, Gray and Christmas where he helped numerous clients to overcome layoffs and unemployment and move on to new career paths. He loved to bicycle, travel and enjoy life with friends and family and had a passion for fine food whether at home or in restaurants. His kindness, sense of humor and great smile were his much-cherished gifts to family and friends.

Special thanks to Bryan Wilson, who cared for Pat with great compassion during the last months of his illness; to his good friends Jim Foltz and Katy Wait in the Twin Cities and Rich Jentzen, Haldun Dosgrusoz and all of the cabana crowd at his condo complex in Chicago for their friendship and support. In addition, the family wishes to thank Northwestern Memorial Hospice for their care of Pat.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, in the chapel at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 215 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402-2847, with visitation one hour prior. Memorials can be sent to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Palliative Care and Home Hospice Program, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60611.