Obituary
Patrick Joseph Kemp, (70), of Clarkston, Michigan, passed away suddenly on March 30, 2024. Patrick, fondly known as Pat, was born to Geraldine and Wallace Kemp on August 13, 1953, in Highland Park, Michigan. While growing up in Berkley, Michigan and attending Albion College, Pat was a talented basketball player and a baseball fanatic. Upon graduation, Pat spent over 30 years of his life working for various branches of General Motors. His many notable accomplishments at GM include GM’s sponsorships at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, as well as the successful launch of the Cadillac Deville in the early 2000s.
After his retirement from GM, Pat switched gears to take on his true life’s passion, namely giving a voice and rights to those with autism. He was passionate about helping others, especially those who could not help themselves. Upon learning that his youngest son, Ryan, had autism, Pat tirelessly devoted himself to working for and supporting numerous organizations surrounding autism. The second phase of his working life included positions at Autism Speaks, where he created and introduced “Light It Up Blue”; the Autism Alliance of Michigan; and Mobility Ventures. He also supported the Clarkston, Michigan public school system; Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles (O.A.T.S.); The ARC of Oakland County; and 3rd Circle, the provider of caregivers for his son Ryan. His professionalism, experience, and passionate advocacy have improved the quality of life for many.
Pat was also a devoted family man, and he was always there for life’s special moments, be it the birth of a grandchild; the special birthday celebration of a family member; the trip of a lifetime with his wife to Australia and New Zealand; or even watching his children and grandchildren compete in baseball games, basketball practice, track meets, and swim meets. His children and grandchildren brought an instant smile to his face. He also enjoyed time with his numerous friends, playing golf and sipping cold ones or cheering on his favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, which he followed with great dedication.
Pat is survived by his wife Lisa; his three children, Steven Kemp, Shawn (Simon) Raisig, and Ryan Kemp; his four step-daughters, Caitlin (Jonathan) Houston, Amanda (Dave Giss) Lovely, Jennifer (Nate Lipp) Lovely, and Holly (Mitch Hantz) Lovely; and his seven grandchildren, Bailey, Jameson, Kylie, Hannah, Nathan, Catherine, and Hendrik. Pat is also survived by two brothers, Timothy (Angela) Kemp and Mark (Laura) Kemp; his sister-in-law Brenda Kemp; nieces Kristi (David) Kemp Fuller and Melissa Kemp, and nephew Andrew Kemp; as well as many cousins and his beloved Aunt Mary. Pat was predeceased by his parents, Wallace and Geraldine, as well as his brother Danny.
Per Pat’s wishes, cremation will take place. His ashes will be interred privately at Lakeview Cemetery in Clarkston, Michigan at a later date. There will also be a public celebration of life scheduled for a later date this summer. Information will be distributed via social media platforms as it becomes available.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Pat’s name to one of the following organizations:
• (For the most direct assistance to Ryan) 3rd Circle: 3rdcircleinc.com
• Autism Speaks: autismspeaks.org
• The Autism Alliance of Michigan: autismallianceofmichigan.org
• Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles (O.A.T.S.): oatshrh.org
Baldwin Brothers of Port Charlotte is honored to serve the Kemp fmaily.
Although we rarely met him I liked Pat very much. I like to remember in 2015 when Pat and Lisa were visiting us together with Shawn, Simon and baby Hannah.
Gerhard & Elisabeth
Pat and Lisa at daughter Shawn and son-in-law Simon's wedding in Germany, 2012
Pat (my dad) with his grandchildren Hannah and Hendrik
Cousin Terry