Remembering Patrick Hemingway: A Legacy of Literature and Conservation

On September 8, 2025, Patrick Hemingway, the last surviving son of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, passed away peacefully at 97 in his home located in Bozeman, Montana. Known for his remarkable literary contributions and strong commitment to wildlife conservation, Patrick's life was a testament to the values instilled in him by his iconic father.

Patrick Hemingway's legacy is a rich tapestry woven through his diverse experiences and accomplishments. Born on June 28, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, he spent his formative years in Cuba and Key West, Florida. Growing up under the shadow of a literary giant, he often accompanied Ernest on adventures, including thrilling escapades during World War II where they would chase German submarines in the Caribbean aboard their boat, Pilar.

Patrick pursued higher education at both Stanford University and Harvard University, ultimately earning a degree in History and Literature from Harvard in 1950. He initially carved a niche for himself as a wildlife educator at the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania, helping to train the first generation of African Rangers for the newly established nation. His passion for conservation extended to his work with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, where he served as a forest officer.

In the late 1960s and 1970s, Patrick became a respected figure in the field of conservation, conducting safaris and expeditions throughout British East Africa. His dedication to preserving wildlife was matched only by his commitment to honoring his father's legacy. Following Ernest Hemingway's death in 1961, Patrick took on the critical role of managing his father's literary estate. His editorial skills were instrumental in publishing and completing works such as the novel True at First Light, which remains a notable contribution to the Hemingway Archives.

Patrick continued to contribute to the literary world by providing insights into the Hemingway Library series, which included classics like Green Hills of Africa, The Sun Also Rises, A Moveable Feast, A Farewell to Arms, as well as anthologies on hunting and war. In 2022, he collaborated with his nephews, Brendan and Stephen Hemingway Adams, to publish Dear Papa: The Letters of Patrick and Ernest Hemingway, which showcased the depth of his relationship with his father.

Angela Hemingway Charles, founder and chair of the board at Hemingway Ltd., paid tribute to Patrick's dedication to preserving his father's literary heritage, stating, "With his passing, an extraordinary chapter in the Hemingway family concludes, but his legacy will endure through the work he championed and the lives he touched."

In addition to his literary efforts, Patrick and his second wife, Carol, established the Patrick and Carol T. Hemingway Scholar-in-Residence program at the John F. Kennedy Library in 2023, promoting literacy and appreciation for literature while fostering wildlife conservation.

Patrick Hemingway leaves behind a rich legacy, including his daughter Edwina, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is remembered not only for his literary and conservation efforts but also as a person who embodied the adventurous spirit of his father's legacy. Plans for a public memorial service will be announced in due course.

For those wishing to pay tribute to Patrick, contributions to wildlife conservation efforts or literary foundations would honor his memory and the causes he passionately supported. Patrick Hemingway's life was a vivid reminder of the importance of literature and the natural world—two legacies he embraced and advanced throughout his extraordinary life.