From:
Office of the President and CEO
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce
Re: Passing of Patrick Swarthout
Dear Members,
It is with profound sadness I report the passing of Patrick Swarthout, Chief Policy Analyst for the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. The GCVCC staff and Board of Directors will sorely miss him, and pass our deepest condolences along to his family and his loving wife Leah.
Patrick is well known to the valley, having served on numerous boards and in various volunteer capacities for community organizations across the Coachella Valley. Professionally, he worked in public affairs for over three decades with local utility companies, most recently as Government Affairs Officer for Imperial Irrigation District. He was also a friend to many, always enjoying the pleasure of good company and a quality glass of wine.
When the GCVCC was formed in 2016, Patrick eventually came on board as our V.P. of Public Affairs. His goal was to establish a strong legislative platform and scope of work within the chamber, which he did with great success. He later retired to Arizona but stayed on with our team, helping the chamber with its legislative advocacy efforts. He continued that work until this August, when health challenges forced him to take leave.
In addition to being a great friend, Patrick set an outstanding example in leadership for all of us. He aided his community through volunteer work that included everything from training support dogs to building houses for those in need. He gave back, and kept on giving. I know he was proud to see so many he worked with and alongside go on to serve their community as elected officials, volunteer board members, and through the chambers of commerce in our valley he invested so much time into.
Patrick dedicated much of himself to supporting the small business community through advocacy work, something he felt passionately about. I recall last year when an issue came before the California Air Resources Board, Patrick felt it important the chamber be represented. In my hesitancy to make the trip to Sacramento to testify, I asked him if us being there would really make a difference. His exact response, “Someone has to be there, if everyone thought like that no one would be in the fight.” As he so often was, my friend was right.
I know I speak for my whole team and board when I promise Patrick’s sense of service and dedication to community will live on in the work we do. Yes, to honor his legacy. But more importantly because Patrick so deeply instilled in all of us the sense that it was the right thing to do, that it was important, and that it mattered – perhaps now more than ever.
Patrick, we will miss you everyday. Rest easy now, your friends are still in the fight, we’ll take it from here.
