Comments on: Followup: Motorcycle rider killed on Vashon Island was West Seattle entrepreneur Patrick Lajko

By: sigrid

sigrid — Thu, 15 May 2014 06:02:34 +0000

Just heard what happened to Patrick and am so so saddened. I too worked with him on the WSGT and he gave much. He was so creative and really enjoyed sharing his talents with others.
What is the saying, “the good die long”. so true. Patrick will be missed.

By: Daniel Bernstein

Daniel Bernstein — Wed, 14 May 2014 02:52:16 +0000

I worked at CDE Software back in 1992-1993.

It was sad learning of his husband Ray’s sudden death some years ago, and now Patrick? At least they are together again.

May their families and friends find peace in their cherished memories.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 13 May 2014 21:13:03 +0000

Thank you Suzanne. It has been many, many years since I have seen my cousin, but I am very glad to know that there were many praying over him. My Aunt will greatly appreciate that as well. Thank you all who have said so many nice things about him. I also remember the Luke Skywalker picture. I actually thought he was playing an extra for movie.
I remember jumping on the trampoline in his parents back yard and him doing gymnastic tricks on the horse.

By: Dave Roosevelt

Dave Roosevelt — Fri, 09 May 2014 18:55:50 +0000

We knew Patrick, he was one of our customer and very known in the local motorcycle scene. He was an avid enthusiasts and did not deserve to have some inattentive person rear end him! Please tell me she was not on her cell phone!
RIP brother, ride with no limits!

By: ariel g

ariel g — Mon, 05 May 2014 17:32:51 +0000

Beth I believe it was him. We find pictures of him winning a luke sky Walker contest of some kind. His brother also mentioned it.

By: ariel g

ariel g — Mon, 05 May 2014 17:28:07 +0000

There is a Facebook event being scheduled to go as a group to vashon. Maybe a bbq after. If you would like to join send me an email [ ariel.gutierrez01@gmail.com] and ill invite you on Facebook. We want to plan something for him since his family was unable to.

By: West Seattle GS

West Seattle GS — Mon, 05 May 2014 03:36:17 +0000

I have been told by one who works for his company that the family is having a private ceremony. As unfortunate as that is, I urge anyone who would like to say goodbye to visit the site of his passing on Vashon.

By: WSB

WSB — Mon, 05 May 2014 02:02:40 +0000

In reply to Scotty.

Scotty, I’m hoping to hear from someone if and when one is scheduled, and we’ll publish a followup if we do … it’s clear Mr. Lajko touched many lives professionally and personally. – TR

By: Scotty

Scotty — Mon, 05 May 2014 00:51:48 +0000

Does anyone know if there will be a memorial? A fellow motorcyclist put up a little memorial photo of Patrick at the site.

By: Beth Weilenman

Beth Weilenman — Sun, 04 May 2014 20:28:23 +0000

Since Patrick’s FB page has been taken down, and FB won’t let me reply to private messages, I suspect this is the Patrick Lajko I met so long ago.

He was sent to the 1977 Wrld Science Fiction Convention, that year in Miami. He was garbed as Luke Skywalker – you can see his picture in Starlog’s No. 11 issue. Mine, too, with a Wookiee.

We met up waiting for our turn in the Masquerade (costume contest.) I was dressed as Princess Leia. Only one of our friends knew we’d be teaming up, one of his buddies who was in the photographer pool. We kept being pushed back, to be the “grand finale,” I guess.

We stepped out to cheers, since the first “Star Wars” movie had debuted that year and still was in theaters. We did a short presentation, including a kiss that brought more cheers, and walked off with “Best Re-Creation” and, the equivalent of best in show, we think, “Judges’ Choice.”

We never met again, but recently I found someone’s pictures of us during that memorable event, and made sure he got a copy. During one memorable event so many years ago, he and I were “stars.”

If this is, indeed, my Jedi Knight partner, then I send my love and aloha and sympathies to his friends, family and coworkers.

By: Frank Goebel, Troy, NY

Frank Goebel, Troy, NY — Sun, 04 May 2014 01:24:34 +0000

I am one of many bowling league secretaries using products that Patrick and his company developed and I frequently help others using the same. I met Patrick back in 2010 on my first visit to Washington state. His surviving colleague contacted me personally about this tragedy and I did a little looking around…it comes as no surprise that he has touched the lives of many. The bowling community are not yet aware of this (the company yet to make a public announcement, and I will refrain outside here) but I know it will hit these users quite hard, as it has me.

By: Scotty

Scotty — Sat, 03 May 2014 02:50:01 +0000

Thanks Suzanne. That helps. There is so much sadness around this for my community. To know that there were caring people at his side in those final moments helps those of us left to carry on his memory. Patrick was one of the most kind hearted, giving people I have ever met. If I can live up to one tenth his memory I will consider myself lucky.

By: Suzanne Fiala, MD

Suzanne Fiala, MD — Fri, 02 May 2014 18:26:38 +0000

I was one of the first responders on the scene and gave Mr. Lajko CPR until the medics arrived. However it was quite clear that it was in vain and that he had died instantly. He passed on a beautiful, sunny day, doing something he apparently loved, riding his bike.
Please know that he was not alone when he died, but surrounded by a small group of strangers who came together to lay hands on him in love and to pray for him.
It heals me to finally learn his identity, what kind of person he was, and to see photos of him smiling and well. Thank you.

By: Barry Mercer

Barry Mercer — Fri, 02 May 2014 05:25:01 +0000

So, what kind of citation was the woman that hit this nice man given? Was she late for the boat, talking on her phone, or just touching up her makeup?

By: Leo K

Leo K — Fri, 02 May 2014 00:43:22 +0000

Had the pleasure of knowing Patrick for many years in the bowling industry and of course both of us living in West Seattle. He will be missed by the bowling industry and I personally will miss him as he was always very hospitable, very talented and overall good person.