Paul Douglas Trask
November 1, 1960 to January 29, 2022
Obituary
On January 29, 2022, Paul Douglas Trask (Patty) left us to join his parents, Marion and Bernard Trask, sister Linda and brother Robert. He left behind his beloved son, Jacob Vaughn Trask (Erin Foote), Sheila Trask (Jacob’s mother), his best friend Leo Delaney, and special friends Bridie Stanley, Ray Squires, and Greg Stack. Paul was survived by his two sisters Debbie (John Guzzwell), Carol (Ian Hutchings), and their families. We would like to acknowledge and thank Patty’s home care worker Sam, who was a source of comfort and support for Patty over the last couple of years. We are grateful to you.
No one was more passionate about blues music than Patty Trask, the original owner and founder of The Fat Cat Blues Bar in St. John’s. Blues music was like oxygen for him as he inhaled blues, morning, noon, and night. He brought many well-known blues artists to St. John’s and supported many local musicians when the economy in St. John’s made it almost impossible to keep the bar open. Because of Patty, many locals enjoyed the likes of Pine Top Perkins, Tony D, Dutch Mason, and Morgan Davis, to name a few. Patty loved and supported local musicians like Bob MacDonald, Roger Howse, Dennis Parker, Scott Goudie, Neil Bishop, and many more who cut their teeth at The Fat Cat.
The brilliance of Stevie Ray Vaughan powered Patty’s passion for blues. Songs like Pride and Joy remind us why Patty insisted his son bear the artist’s name. Patty had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back to a stranger or anyone who needed his support. His passion for others’ pain was mirrored by his own, as the last few years were extremely painful for Patty, both emotionally and physically.
Despite arthritic fingers, Patty desperately tried to learn to play the blues, and he often spoke of his memories of playing for his mother. She celebrated everything about her beloved son. Although we are sad to see him go, we are grateful that he lived and allowed us to share his passion for life and the blues.
It seems only fitting that we send Patty off with the words of Stevie Ray Vaughan from Life Without You.
The day is necessary, every now on and then
For souls to move on, giving life back again and again
Fly on, fly on, fly on, my friend
Go o-o-o-on, live again, love again
The family asks that you do not send flowers or donations. In Patty’s memory, he would want you to support local musicians, especially those who “Keep on Playing the Blues.”
Cremation has taken place as per Paul’s request and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
My condolences to all of Patty’s family at this time. I grew up on St. Clare Ave and have great memories of that time and always enjoyed when we crossed paths for a chat. RIP my friend
To our good friends John & Debbie, Carol & Ian and families – we are saddened to hear of your brother Paul’s untimely passing.. Paddy was your sweet little brother when we all met & became good friends and started hanging around together back in the 1970’s.. We enjoyed several evenings at the Dugout bar where Paul was a great host to one and all. He brought many great jazz musicians into our Music Store over the years including the famous Pine Top Perkins. and Tony D. Cherish your happy memories especially those from your childhood when things were pure & innocent and so much simpler. back then. Much love from Gordie & Rhonda O’Brien xox
Pat was truly a supporter of local music and local musicians in St.John’s. He and I shared many pints of Guinness and many great conversations about music, mostly blues, but what I’ll remember most was his loud, positive attitude and support he always gave me. My condolences to Pat’s family.
So sorry to hear of Patty’s passing. Sincere condolences to all the family. I recall the early days of the Fat Cat and it and Patty were awesome in every way. Some of my best blues music memories were because of Patty! RIP Sir. I’ll play a blues tune for you tonight! God Speed.
So sorry to hear of Patty’s passing. I sang with the Bill Rose trio in the early days of the Fat Cat. Heady times in an iconic place, with Patty presiding over the flow of music and “Mill from the hill” screaming her appreciation from the bar. He leaves an indelible mark on those of us fortunate enough to have been there. Deepest sympathies. Renée Marquis-Antle
My condolences to the family. My mom told me about his passing today and I was shocked and saddened! Such a wonderful person and I have have so many memories of him and especially at The Fat Cat. A wonderful person and he will be missed.
My deepest condolences to the Trask family…
I went to Holy Cross and Brother Rice with Paul(Patty)and lived on St Clare Ave …I have the fondest memories of that time in my life…he was a thoughtful, kind,compassionate guy with a killer smile…..thanks for the memories….RIP my friend
Deepest sympathies to the Trask family. We all loved Patty and have vivid memories of unforgetable times at the Fat Cat. One of my favorite memories was the time Patty came into my shop (The Saddlery) and brought Pine Top Perkins with him. He said Pine Top left his hat in Chicago and was refusing to perform without a good quality one. He asked that I fix him up. Pine Top picked out an Akubra stetson that fit him perfectly. When Jeff and I went to see him perform that evening he was happily wearing it – and Paddy was never happier. We will all miss Paddy very much.
Debbie and Family ,
My sincere condolences to you and all your family.
Rest in peace Paul.
I’d like to pass on my deepest sympathies to Paul’s family on his untimely death . “Patty” was a great guy. I have very fond memories of growing up with him on St. Clare’s Avenue in the 70’s. While we went our separate ways I did hear of many of his doings, including his great success at the Fat Cat.
While this is a difficult time I’m sure that the great memories of the times we shared with Patty with help ease the way.
Debbie, John & Family, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. May your pleasant memories help carry you all in your time of grief. Know that you all remain in our thoughts during this difficult time. Bless you all, Kenny & Michelle
Sending our condolences to the family and friends!
I have known Patty for 40 plus years and had some great memories being around him. I recall living in Toronto and him telling me he will have a blues bar in St. John’s one day and I said really! He said consider it done. He was having that blues bar no matter what.
RIP Big Guy!🙏
So sorry for your loss My thoughts and prayers go out to the Trask Family Rest In Peace Paul
My sincere condolence to Paddy’s entire family. I’ve known Paddy since we were about 12 years old. Great guy. who will be missed dearly by family and friends. So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace my buddy.
Debbie and John. So sorry to hear of Debbie’s brother passing. Never knew him personally but If he loved the blues as much as he did then we had a shared interest in music. Condolences from myself and Theresa.
My deepest condolences to all of you on Paddy’s passing. Paddy was a very special person who shared a laugh I have some special memories of Good Times with Paddy He will be missed.
Jim Clarke
Several good memories of Pat back in the early 90’s at the Dugout Sports Bar. Pat was always a great person to be around and my friends and I made it a point to head to the Fat Cat for a few drinks just to say a hello to Pat and a chat. Great guy.
Rest in Peace Pat and deepest condolences to all his family and many friends.
To Carol, Debbie, and Paul’s other family, please accept my condolences. In our young years there was only one house between us. Many fond memories of the old neighborhood. We spent many a summers day or night just hanging out in easier times. Later, after Paul had moved to Toronto we bumped into each other out of the blue. We had the opportunity to catch up. That was the last time I saw Paul. He was vibrant and happy. He was doing great. I will remember him in that way. I was saddened to hear that the last few years have been a challenge.. May he rest easy and in peace. Hoping they play the blues loud in heaven!
Rest in Peace Paul.
My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
My condolences to the family.
Jacob and the Trask family.
My Condolences to you all. I was shocked to hear Paddy’s passing. I only spoke to him days before and he love to talk about he’s son ( Jacob), accomplishment. With every visit or phone call you could hear the Blues be playing on the TV,. I help him install he’s surround sound and that put ever a bigger smile on he’s face. I will miss the Blues stories, and the many memorabilia , and pictures that fill every wall. RIP my friend you truly be miss.
So very sorry to learn of the passing of Paul Trask. I remember him from our time working at the Avalon Mall Cinemas back in the mid-late 70’s I ran into him a few times over the years and he was always the same, a very friendly guy who was always upbeat. RIP
To Patty’s family and friends, my condolences. We were school buddies and played basketball together. After high school we would bump into each other and have a great chat. He was a gregarious fella and easy going.
God rest his soul and may he find peace.
To Debbie, John, Carol, Ian, Families and Friends. I am so saddened to her this news of Patty’s passing. He and I go way back! From high school hockey days, the Avalon Mall Cinemas and the numerous Bars and Restaurants that he managed and created. He was an avid sports fan as well as a Blues fan. He created The Dugout Sports Bar and then The Fat Cat Blues Bar. Patty and I worked side by side for over 2o years. He was the manager and owner while I was the caretaker and cleaner. The thousands of great times we shared will never be forgotten. He was truly a Gentle Giant and awesome friend. Sleep Easy My Friend and May God Bless To All. CHEERS!
Jacob, Sheila and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Paul’s passing. My condolences to you all. I never met Paul, but if he was half the man that Jacob has become, then he was one amazing person. I have no doubt was very proud of Jacob and all you’ve accomplished.
Sorry to hear of paddy’s passing good guy knew him from when I was working working the bars (Uncle Alberts, Sundance, Greenseleve”s) to name a few . Always remember that he was Positive and up beat .
Jake and the Trask Family.
My deepest condolences to all of you on Paddy’s passing. Paddy was a very special person who shared a laugh a tear a special memory.you will be missed dear friend
All of my family the Delaneys have special memories of times with Paddy.
RIP
Jackie (Delaney) & Tom Furlong
Debbie and family, I am in shock, My heart breaks for you my friend. Treasure all the good times, and they will help in the days to follow. I am at a loss as you must be, He is safe with your mom and dad now, no more pain and suffering, Please accept my sincere and deepest sympathy, God bless all of you as you prepare to say goodbye to your brother, sending much love and healing hugs to all of you. RIP Paul🙏🏻
Elizabeth!
So sorry to hear of Patty’s passing. I new Patty from a young age and worked with him various times through the years. RIP my friend.
Paul may you Rest In Peace. You are in Gods hands now.
My prayers.and thoughts go to Carol,Debbie and family’s.
Many of us (myself included) became a fan of the blues due to the Fat Cat, matched only by Patty’s penchant to spin story after story about this or that artist he had encountered. Then he followed up his stories by actually bringing in many of these musicians to perform at the Fat Cat. Many beautiful memories! He was truly a legendary figure, so full of living life to the fullest, and so tragic his last few years suffering with severe arthritis. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear about Pat,
I had a service contract at The Fat Cat back in the 1990’s, Pat was a gentleman to do business with.
Rest In Peace
Sorry to hear the news. Patty rip brother
To Debbie and the Trask Family, so sorry for your loss. Met your brother years ago when he worked in the car business. Always nice person to talk to . RIP Paul
Bob Kirby