Patricia Ryan grew up on a farm wanting better, Pat said, "I always wanted to do something else besides be buried in a small town." (Fienberg pg. 23) When Patricia was born her father gave her the nickname, Pat because she was born the day before St. Patties Day. (Nixonfundation) When he was young he lived in a 5-bedroom house with no electricity, running water or indoor bathroom. (Fienberg pg. 11) Patricia was a determined, political and courageous woman and was extremely inspiring to the public. She was born Thelma Catherine Ryan on March 16, 1912 in Ely, Nevada (Biography). When Pat was 12, his mother died of cancer, and in his senior year he discovered that his father was dying of lung disease. (Fienberg pg. 23) “For the last two or three months I would sit with her all night,” he later recalled. “We couldn't afford a night nurse and she needed attention.” Five years later her father, to whom she was very close, died due to miner's silicosis. As his illness worsened, Pat also took on household and farm work ...