Featuring: Patrick Gannon
Determined Historian; Advocate; Story-Sharer of the Forgotten
Patrick Gannon enjoyed and honored people by telling stories of history, especially of what people seem to have forgotten. Or at least what many of fail to seek with our busy lives. Two of his pieces I was able to find and ponder. They both delve into the history of Ireland with one being the bond between the Irish and Choctaw people (Oklahoma area). Another one talks of a time when people did not attend music concerts for about 20 years and the reasoning behind it. Thankfully, music is thriving in Ireland now.
I do love the fact that Patrick grew up in Wisconsin and never forgot his family there or across the sea in Ireland. He took trips out to Ireland in both 2019 and 2022 to add to his research and appreciation for what people have done for each other.
Patrick was also part of the National Stuttering Association. He helped to educate people about the possibilities of oral storytelling for people of all backgrounds no matter how smooth one spoke.
Patrick was an active member with the Portland Storytellers’ Guild and encouraged people to attend Story Swaps or other events. Through these efforts, he brought many people to the art.
If you have links to add – video, audio, articles – please share by emailing info@storycrossroads.org or commenting on this blog post.
You can see more details on Patrick Gannon with the Story Artists Memorial.
Patrick Gannon was part of a 3-storyteller line-up with Portland Storytellers’ Guild. Patrick told second and this video starts when Patrick tells at 1:42:09 and ends at 1:58:56.
Do you know a Story Artist who has passed on and want others to remember them? Memories? Pictures? You can submit names and memories of Story Artists who have passed on through our online form.
I appreciate Patrick Gannon for sharing stories that needed to be told again and again. He celebrated the good and the bad of us as humans. May we learn from the stories that he shared.
Patrick Gannon still has a story. You have a story. We all have stories.
A Special Portland Storyteller’s Guild event:
WISCONSIN WONDER: SOMN OF THE BADGER STATE — PATRICK GANNON
A Celebration of the Joy and Storytelling Craft of Patrick Gannon (1950-2024). A chance to reminisce and experience, once again, one or two of Patrick’s recent performances. Join us for this opportunity to remember our friend and storytelling partner.
Saturday, March 16 at 5:00pm Pacific time. A Virtual Gathering over Zoom. Free Registration at http://tinyurl.com/4dmb3w6r
If you would like to share a little about Patrick and his life (1-3 minutes), please email foxman.storyteller@gmail.com in advance, so we can create a pleasing sequence of memories for all.
Note: for technical reasons, everyone will enter in the muted and view-only mode. We want you to feel welcome to join others ‘on screen’ where you can see, be seen, and be able to speak. Just ‘raise your [electronic] hand’ from the “reactions” tab and your status will be changed by one of the text hosts.
We look forward to having you be a part of this special celebration.