“Man for Others” Pat Britt ‘55 Personifies Kindness and Generosity
Last year, Pat Britt ‘55 ran a marathon—at age 85. Such a feat is a remarkable accomplishment for anybody, yet for him, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
During his lifetime, Britt has completed 42 marathons, including six Boston Marathons, the last of which he finished when he was 70, as well as a 40-mile ultramarathon on Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina (the highest peak in the eastern U.S.) at age 72. He is committed to running one marathon every five years.
Although impressive, Britt’s passion for running does not define him. Rather, he is distinguished by his strong faith, his enduring love for his wife, Audrey, and his inspiring will to help others.
Following a successful career in insurance, Britt retired at age 60.
“It was time for me to volunteer,” he recalls.
Britt has been a dedicated volunteer over the last 26 years at several charities, including the Ronald McDonald House (stocking the soda machines and collecting the tab tops of aluminum cans), Shriners Hospital (assisting kids with recreational therapy), the Dream Factory (similar to Make a Wish, he helps with local “dreams”) and Our Little Haven (taking the kids outside on long walks).
In addition to devoting a great deal of his time to volunteering, he has generously included St. Louis University High in his estate with a gift of $100,000. The Britts also are committed to sustaining their annual giving. Only two other members of the class of ‘55 have, like Pat, given for 34 consecutive years—as far back as SLUH records indicate.
“What SLUH instills in you keeps you on the straight and narrow,” he says. “It provides a solid educational and moral foundation.”
Britt, who grew up in Normandy in the St. Ann parish and graduated from Saint Louis University, fondly recalls SLUH teachers like Fr. Lambeck, Mr. Gallo, Mr. Conley and Fr. Yoch.
“If it wasn’t for Fr. Yoch teaching algebra,” he says, “I would still be taking algebra.”
He also remembers one of Mr. Robinson’s favorite expressions: “If you boys don’t behave, you are going to JUG, and you will be writing the constitution of the United States, upside down and backwards and in every color of ink.”
Attending daily morning Mass at SLUH, says Britt, was integral to his formation and development of a selfless spirit. He cherishes the friends that he made, the brotherhood and the school spirit.
Today, Britt appreciates the opportunity for his estate gift to benefit Jr. Bills on financial assistance so they can experience the gift of SLUH.
“If you are going to give to a charitable institution, how can you go wrong by affecting the lives of kids who come in as freshmen at SLUH and who leave better prepared for the world?” he asks.
You, like the Britts, can create a legacy that will directly impact SLUH students. Please contact Linda Domeyer at (314) 269-2113 ldomeyer@sluh.org to learn more about how you make a difference.