University mourns death of KFRTI employee Patricia Shay

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas community is mourning the death of Patricia Shay, a business coordinator for the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute. Shay died Feb. 13 in Olathe. She was 57.

“I am deeply saddened at the death of Pattie Shay, who was a dedicated member of our staff at the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute," said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. "I express my sincere condolences, on behalf of the entire university, to her family, friends and KU colleagues.”

Shay had worked for KU since 2004, when she began in accounting for KU Continuing Education, now known as KU Lifelong & Professional Education. In 2015, she moved to the Office of Research, where she worked as a grant specialist and then as a purchasing agent. Later that year, Shay became a business coordinator for KFRTI, where she worked until her death.

Kelly McCoy, director for KFRTI, said Shay was a self-described “mama bear.” Fiercely devoted to her grandchildren, her daughter and her family, Shay was strong, caring and committed to her work family at KU, McCoy said.

“Pattie deeply loved the state’s fire service, and she would, quite literally, do anything for firefighters,” he said.

Shay had a laminated poem in her office with the first line reading, “I choose to live by choice, not by chance.”

“For all who knew her, Pattie lived a life of choice and one worthy of emulation,” McCoy said. “All of us at Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute are incredibly saddened by Pattie’s passing. She is greatly missed.”

Shay’s family is planning a service at a later date.