Patrick Omar Fundingsland

Patrick Omar Fundingsland
August 1, 1985 - January 21, 2017

Pat was a fine musician, an artist, a scientist, mathematician, scholar, and an admired chef; but most of all he was a friend who would love you unconditionally, entertain you, feed you and challenge you. In the first 24 hours after his passing this is a sampling of words his friends used to convey their feelings:

"You enriched life immeasurably through your wit and wisdom." "You encouraged me to go after my dreams. Back to the stars you go now." "Aside from his monster beard and musical prowess, he was a good soul. A great soul. Always looking out for everyone else." "Just being in your presence made things better and brighter." "You were one of the most gentle and kind humans I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend." "You were always there to answer my stupid questions and were never judgmental." "Patrick was truly one of a kind. Intelligent, hilarious, artistic and curious. I could always count on him for a hug and an engaging conversation about something." "The food in Heaven just got much better!" "Patrick, connoisseur of duck fat and fine oils, speaker of languages and breaker of codes, maker of music, collector of obscure instruments and vintage Fraggle books, builder of machines, engineer of deliciousness, teller of strange stories, reader of both comics and classics, friend to felines, traveler of this planet, collector of misfit toys and misfit humans.”

Pat attended Hawthorne Elementary, Agassiz Junior High and graduated from Fargo South. He moved to New Mexico to be closer to his sister Tahirih. There he attended Santa Fe Community College where he studied culinary arts. He brought his skills back to the kitchens of Fargo. He was passionate about his craft and loved teaching others. He made a career detour and was studying computer science and engineering at NDSU when he acquired a rare condition, CVS, which made it difficult to complete a semester's work. He never stopped learning and growing though and was always finding ways to navigate a life made unpredictable by his health. He lived through his trials with grace.

Kitchen 101, a Facebook group created by Pat and his childhood friend, Kitty Struxness (Kat Agar), has grown to 450 members. Pat combined his love of teaching and love of food, encouraging novice and professional cooks worldwide. Sarah Wassberg, another childhood friend, has asked members to honor Pat by picking a kitchen skill or recipe they would like to try or improve and post their progress.

Those fortunate to have been part of his family include his father, Lynn Fundingsland (Cali Anicha), Fargo, ND; mother, Suzanne Fundingsland (Patrick Hardy), Naples, FL; sister, Tahirih Bolton (Michael), Hamilton, IA; step-sister and brother, Mara and Kaleb Morken, Moorhead, MN. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, his maternal grandmother, Joanne Farden, Minot, ND, his dear friend, Lindsey Bachmann, and many adopted family friends.