One of the advantages of my previous position was having access to a yacht in FiDi during the summer — yes, for some, that’s referred to as business development. The first occasion I encountered Patti, she assertively made her way onto the boat. I had no clue who she was, but she was adamant that I disliked her, which, of course, piqued my curiosity immediately. At that point, I was somewhat dubious about Sphere 3D, particularly after the NUMiner announcement. But Patti? She obliterated any uncertainties I harbored. She was a powerhouse—exuding vitality, always impeccably attired, equipped with a razor-sharp sense of humor, and unapologetically candid in the very best sense.
From that moment forward, we became friends. At the conclusion of that summer, I had another business development outing on a boat and invited Patti. She casually mentioned that it coincidentally was her birthday, leading us to arrange a surprise cake. She was overjoyed. The following morning, I arrived at my office to discover a stunning bouquet of flowers accompanied by a note expressing gratitude for the cake. I distinctly remember thinking, What sort of maniac sends me a present on their birthday? But that was Patti—considerate, a bit wild, and the perfect combination of both.
Throughout the years, she recounted numerous tales about her life—her tenure at GE, her adventures, her struggles. Patti frequently entered the room swinging—she was a hammer perpetually on the hunt for a nail. It was enjoyable attempting to soften her rough edges. She possessed this fearless, no-holds-barred attitude, but beneath it all, she had the most generous heart. And if you were her person? She was unwaveringly loyal—ride or die in every conceivable manner. She would battle for those she loved, without a second thought.
Though she took immense pride in her professional achievements, nothing was more significant to her than her children. Last year, she brought her son to the distinguished Ski Summit, and during Beefsteak, we positioned ourselves at a table while she playfully jested with anyone who came over to greet her. The best aspect? People adored it. They always craved more of her exuberance. And regarding her daughter’s wedding, Patti took it more seriously than anyone I’ve ever known. Her speech was flawless. As the true matriarch of her family, she escorted her daughter down the aisle, passing her off to her son-in-law with that unmistakable I’m watching you gaze.
She felt immense pride in making the Forbes 50 Under 50 list, but even more importantly, she dedicated herself to uplifting others—particularly women. She consistently elevated those around her, opened doors, and ensured that others had opportunities.
While collaborating with Patti, I came to realize that at times, in the midst of a work-related discussion, we ceased talking about work altogether—we were engaging about life. When you’re compelled to reflect on how much time you have remaining, your perspective shifts. Patti perceived things differently. She appreciated time in a manner that most of us don’t, and even during the toughest periods, she continued to show up, continued to fight, continued to be her.
Over the past day, the expression I keep hearing from everyone to characterize her is that she was a force. Even amidst her battle with cancer, she would still join calls, and I’d say, “Patti, aren’t you at the doctors?” She’d chuckle and respond, “Yeah, I’m bored—just let me stay.” Showing vulnerability wasn’t in her nature. She fought until the very end.
Parting ways with someone is never simple but it serves as a reminder of how delicate life is. We can engage in debates online, we can disagree, but ultimately, the individuals you encounter throughout this wild Bitcoin journey are what you will treasure in memory. Some individuals leave such a profound mark that their absence is impossible to overlook. Patti was one of those individuals.
