Patrick Joseph Michael McGorisk, 86, passed away on February 19, 2022.

He started his career in the harness racing industry at the Michigan tracks Hazel Park, Wolverine, DRC, Northville and Jackson. He made the move to Windsor Raceway in 1965. He was a marketing genius, operational director, admissions director and ended his career as senior vice-president at Windsor Raceway. Many looked to him as a mentor as his guidance was a springboard to their successful career paths.

He saw and focused on the good in all people. Always ready with a sincere, genuine, heartfelt compliment. He built people up. He was a role model, intelligent, charismatic, a bunch of fun, lover of life and laughter, story teller, wordsmith, stand on a chair to make an announcement or toast, kind of guy.

He was an editor and proof reader of important papers and applications. He was a poet and writer, a joker and an entertainer. He embodied some sort of bottomless well of joy that he selflessly shared with others. And that sharing was like a dance that he did with you, in fact, with everyone he encountered. It was like a little jig, and when he really got going, which he always inevitably did, it looked like he was really dancing.

He had a very strong faith, and the deepest love for his wife, Susie, and all of his family. They had a beautiful relationship that has been exemplary.

His parents were born in Ireland and he was born and raised in Detroit. They had very, very little in way of money or material things, sharing a small apartment between Mom and Pops, Joe and his twin Gene, plus older brothers, Neil and Charlie.

It was not easy being new Irish immigrants in downtown Detroit at that time. There are many humorous and touching tales of their adventures growing up in Detroit. All of the boys grew to be successful in every regard. Mr. McGorisk quietly gave back and helped countless people over the entirety of his life. His kindness and generosity was immeasurable. He impacted so many lives in such positives way.

He was a devoted husband, dad, step-dad, friend, brother, son, best papa and a complete gentleman. He was a super hard worker, always dressed to impress, freshly shaven and smelling of nice cologne. He was a shopper too, buying Susie lovely and practical gifts on a regular basis. They were an incredible team together, that did countless jobs and events to raise money for different groups and foundations. Mr. McGorisk quietly and anonymously helped many, many people in times of need.

His cherished memories will remain with his wife, soulmate and best friend Susie (nee Wright); children, Patricia (Sam) Phillips, Lisa (Scott Lites) Jackman, and Keith, and their mother, Jeanie (Stroker); grandchildren, Lucas, Logan and Declan; step-children, Jodi (Bil) Nolin and Jeff (Amy Smith) Kessel; and step-grandchildren, Tate, Ben, Reed, Pebble, Sylvester, Essie and Solomon. He was the loving son of the late Beatrice and Cornelius, dearest brother to Neil (late Terry), late Charlie and sister-in-law Sheila, and late twin brother Gene (Christine), and dearest brother-in-law to Wayne (Carol) Wright and Greg Wright. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, Superior Street Gang, Windsor Raceway crew and dear friends in Canada and the United States.

On Friday, Feb. 25, reservations and personal face coverings are required to attend visitation from 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at Families First, 585 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg, 519.969.5841. Parish prayers at 8 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 26, reservations and personal face coverings are required to attend the Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist (225 Brock St.) at 11 a.m.

You can reserve your time for visitation or seat for Mass at FamiliesFirst.ca (RSVP) or by calling directly.

On Saturday, a livestream link of the Mass will be available on Joe’s online profile.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare (Palliative Care Unit) or Windsor Cancer Research Group.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Joe McGorisk.

(USTA; McGorisk photo courtesy Windsor Star)