Obituary

Patrick Lawrence Birkett, a longtime resident of Laguna Niguel, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, at the age of 94. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and father-in-law, and a devoted husband to the late Sharon Birkett, his beloved wife of 65 years.

Patrick was born on September 28, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan to Arthur David Birkett and Frances Eleanor Birkett. The eldest of five children, he shared a close bond with his siblings John, Mary, Larry, and Michael. Patrick began his career with Eastern Airlines, where he met Sharon. In 1962, Patrick accepted a job at Ford Aerospace, which led Patrick and Sharon to move from Michigan to Orange County, California. For several decades, Patrick managed corporate travel and logistics for Ford Aerospace and Lockheed Martin, where his professionalism, warmth, and charm earned him lifelong friendships.

A passionate lifelong Democrat, Patrick believed deeply in fairness, compassion, and helping those less fortunate. He served as President of the Laguna Beach Democratic Club and as a California State Delegate during the presidential campaign of Al Gore. Living in traditionally conservative Orange County, Patrick was often one of the few Democrats in the room—a role he embraced with humor, conviction, and grace. He loved a spirited debate with his Republican friends, always engaging with respect, sharp wit, and genuine curiosity about differing viewpoints.

One of Patrick’s greatest joys was performing. In his early years, he appeared in community theater productions in Michigan. After retiring, he pursued his lifelong dream of acting in Hollywood. Over the past three decades, Patrick appeared in commercials, feature films, and television shows including Seabiscuit, iCarly, House, You’re the Worst, The Newsroom, Beginners, Looking for Lola, Sam & Cat, Medeas, and his final recurring role on Single Parents (2018–2020).

Patrick was also known among family and friends for his humor and remarkable gift for voices—he could slip into a dozen characters at a moment’s notice, always ready to make someone laugh.

As a father, Patrick enjoyed coaching Little League and softball with Kathleen and John. More importantly, he set an enduring example through his strong political convictions, teaching his children to be compassionate, engaged, and thoughtful citizens.

Patrick and Sharon were deeply devoted to their Catholic faith and were active members of St. Timothy’s Church in Laguna Niguel for more than 40 years.

Patrick is survived by his daughter Kathleen Johnson (husband, Jerry), son John Birkett (wife, Cory), granddaughter Delaney Birkett, brothers Michael Birkett (wife, Carol) and Larry Birkett (wife, Jan), and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, integrity, and love of spirited conversation. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather whose warmth, humor, and steadfast values will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Services will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church on October 29th, 2025 at 11am, 29102 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.