DR. PATRICK M. CIGICH

Dr. Patrick Cigich, 87, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away at his home on Thursday, June 13, 2013, surrounded by his family and relatives.

Dr. Cigich was born on Strawberry Hill, in KCK, on May 11, 1926, to Sgt. Joseph and Rose Cigich and was #11 of 12 siblings. He graduated from St. John the Baptist Elementary School and Bishop Ward High School. After graduation, he served in the Navy during WWII, aboard the aircraft carrier Shangri La and was awarded the Purple Heart. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Quincy University in Illinois, and went to work for the Department of Justice as a Special Agent in Wilkes Barre, PA. There he suffered a relapse of the injury he received during the war. After he recuperated, he went into teaching and got his master's degree from KU. He earned his doctorate degree (Ed.D) from KU and was the first lay Superintendent of Schools for the Archdioceses of KCK. He was an educator for 36 years. During his tenure in education, Dr. Cigich received numerous awards recognizing his contribution and service. These awards included national awards from: Who's Who in Catholic Education, 1973; Boys' Club of America, 1968; and the National Science Foundation of Fellowship Award –University of Houston, 1964. State awards included: 1988 Friend of the Youth Award-Optimist International; 1983 Outstanding Public School Educator Award-University of Kansas; 1973 Junior Achievement Award; 1969 Boys' Club of America Award-Johnson County, Kansas; and the first 1967 Apple for the Teacher Award- Shawnee Mission School District, Shawnee Mission, Kansas. His community service included being a member of Cure of Ars Catholic Church. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the following organizations: Boys' Clubs of America, the March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, and Science Pioneers of Greater Kansas City.

Dr. Cigich will be remembered for his love of his family and country. He avidly supported and contributed regularly to organizations caring for veterans in any way he could. He loved learning and was a sharp as a tack up until the moment the Lord took him home. His favorite quote was by Albert Camus:" Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." It is evident that Dr. Cigich lived by this quote, as he was well liked by everyone he came in contact with.

He is preceded in death by his parents and 11 other siblings. He is survived by his wife, Eileen, of 59 year; daughter, Leah and husband Terrance Moulder; son, Barry and wife Sherry; daughter, Renee and husband Steve Gieringer; and 9 grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held at Cure of Ars church, June 21st at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers please donate to Help Hospitalized Veterans or Disable American Veterans.

ARRANGEMENTS: CULLEN FUNERAL HOME, RAYMORE, MO (816)322-5278