Remembering Patrick Hemingway: A Legacy of Adventure, Writing, and Conservation

Patrick Hemingway, the revered American writer and wildlife conservationist, passed away peacefully at his home in Bozeman, Montana, at the age of 97. As the last surviving son of the legendary Nobel laureate Ernest Hemingway, he carried the weight of an illustrious family legacy while carving his own unique path through life.

Born on June 28, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, Patrick's early years were spent in both Cuba and Key West, Florida. His adventurous spirit was ignited by his father, with whom he embarked on spontaneous expeditions. Together, they explored the seas and lands, hunting German submarines during World War II from their boat, Pilar. Those formative experiences set the stage for a life dedicated to exploring the world beyond the written word.

Patrick's academic journey led him to both Stanford and Harvard University, where he earned a BA in History and Literature in 1950. His passion for the environment materialized in a career dedicated to wildlife management. He began his professional journey at the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania, pioneering the training of African rangers for the new nation.

Following the untimely passing of his mother, Pauline Pfeiffer, Patrick opted for a life intertwined with agriculture and wildlife management in Tanzania. Alongside his first wife, Henrietta Broyles, he undertook multiple safaris and expeditions, establishing a solid reputation as a guide, expert, and honorary game warden in British East Africa. His efforts on the frontlines of wildlife conservation significantly contributed to the preservation of the region's rich biodiversity.

In the early 1970s, he embraced the task of managing his father's literary legacy. Patrick championed the completion and editing of True at First Light, among other works from the Hemingway archives, ensuring that the voice of his father continued to resonate through the ages. His meticulous work on the compilation of letters exchanged with his father resulted in the publication of Dear Papa: The Letters of Patrick and Ernest Hemingway in 2022, further enriching the literary world with their unique familial bond.

Patrick’s contributions to the literary and natural worlds did not go unnoticed. He was honored as an irreplaceable figure not only in his family but in the wider community focused on environmental preservation and appreciation for literature. As Angela Hemingway Charles, his sister-in-law and founder of Hemingway Ltd., stated, “Patrick’s life was a testament to the values he inherited from his father. His respect for the natural and literary worlds will endure through the work he championed.”

In 2023, he and his second wife, Carol, established the Patrick and Carol T. Hemingway Scholar-in-Residence at the John F. Kennedy Library, ensuring that future generations can learn from the wisdom of the Hemingway lineage. Throughout his life, Patrick remained an ambassador for the legacy of his father, participating in events and discussions to share insights about wildlife conservation and the literary arts.

His family remembers him fondly, and he is survived by his daughter, Edwina, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. As plans for a public celebration of his life and achievements are organized, the impact of Patrick Hemingway on both literature and conservation continues to resonate.

The legacy he leaves behind is multifaceted and inspiring—a testament to a life lived fully, with integrity, adventure, and a profound respect for the natural world. Patrick Hemingway's remarkable journey may have concluded, but the echoes of his contributions will persist, continuing to inspire future generations of conservationists and writers alike.