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The Life and Legacy of Patrick Hemingway

Patrick Hemingway, an esteemed American writer and conservationist, and the last surviving son of the Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, passed away peacefully at his home in Bozeman, Montana, at the age of 97. Known for his adventurous spirit and dedication to conservation, Patrick's life was a reflection of the values instilled in him by his famous father.

Born on June 28, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, Patrick spent his early years in Cuba and Key West, Florida. His childhood was marked by adventures on his father's fishing boat, Pilar, where they often set sail on spontaneous missions against German submarines during World War II. This early exposure to the sea and nature shaped his future pursuits.

Patrick attended Stanford University and later graduated from Harvard University in 1950, obtaining a degree in history and literature. His passion for the natural world led him to a career in wildlife management and conservation. He began as an instructor at the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania, where he trained the first African park rangers for the fledgling nation. His significant role in preserving wildlife continued through his work with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

After losing his mother, Pauline Pfeiffer, in 1951, Patrick shifted his focus to agriculture, dedicating his life to running his farm in Tanzania alongside his first wife, Henrietta Broyles. Patrick became renowned for his safari adventures and as a wildlife expert in East Africa, earning respect and recognition for his contributions to environmental conservation.

In the early 1970s, Patrick began managing the literary legacy of his father, Ernest Hemingway, editing and completing works such as The Garden of Eden and A Moveable Feast. One of his significant achievements was the editing of the manuscript of True at Daybreak, which now resides in the John F. Kennedy Library's Hemingway archive. He provided historical and literary insights into notable editions of his father's works, including Green Hills of Africa, Fiesta, and Farewell to Arms.

In 2022, alongside his nephews Brendan and Stephen, Patrick published a collection of letters exchanged with his father titled Dear Father: The Letters of Patrick and Ernest Hemingway. Their correspondence sheds light on the deep bond between father and son, showcasing their shared love for literature and the outdoors.

Angela Hemingway Charles, chair of the board of Hemingway Ltd. and Patrick's sister-in-law, reflected on his life, stating, “Patrick’s life embodied the values passed down from his father—integrity, a sense of adventure, and a profound respect for both the natural world and the literary profession. His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the Hemingway family history.”

In 2023, Patrick, along with his second wife, Carol, established the Patrick and Carol T. Hemingway Foreign Scholars Program at the John F. Kennedy Library, further solidifying their commitment to literary development and education.

Patrick actively participated in the Library Forum in 2006, discussing not only his life but also his father Ernest's legacy and his efforts in wildlife conservation. He is remembered for his contributions to preserving both nature and literature.

He is survived by his daughter, Edwina Hemingway, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Plans for a public celebration of Patrick’s life will be announced shortly. For media inquiries or interviews with the Hemingway family, please contact Bettina L. Klinger, the official spokesperson and founder of Collective 222.

Patrick Hemingway leaves behind a legacy that exemplifies adventure, integrity, and a lasting commitment to both the written word and the conservation of the natural world. His impact will be felt for generations to come as we continue to cherish the stories he shared and the values he lived by.