On October 3, 2021, Patricia Hickling Burnside passed away peacefully surrounded by her close family. Better known to us all as Pat, she is a beautiful light lost to our community and will be dearly missed by so many people. Pat walked into every room with an infectious smile and always left you wearing one.
She is survived by her brother, Keith Hickling, his wife, Mary, and Pat’s two well-loved dogs Jesse and Connor. She is also missed by her five nieces and their families.
After a happy childhood in the small town of Harpursville, New York her adventurous spirit had her wanting more. She saved up some money, packed up her Mustang and headed south on the path unknown that eventually led her to South Florida and a world of opportunities.
Burnside began her career in Florida working for attorney Henry Amoon, as a secretary in her early 20s. With her experience and natural desire to succeed, she established herself in the hospitality community and eventually started her own business specializing in marketing properties with hard to obtain licenses, including nightclubs, lounges, sports bars, liquor stores, restaurants, and adult entertainment related businesses. Patricia Burnside Realty, based in South Florida, took on some of the most difficult challenges in the industry and accomplished them. Burnside had no fear and she could hang with any crowd. Taking on the adult night club industry as a woman in the 1980s was a remarkable feat within itself.
Pat loved attending her church United Church of Christ, Sunset Congregational. Fellowship and worship was a foundation of her spirit.
What words does one use to describe a dear friend when they are no longer there? How does one express the enormity of her life?
We will never be able to express the value of her life to its fullest, but we can honor her life by expressing what she meant to ours.
A few words of sentiment from friends and family:
Steve Polisar: “Pat was a very respected member of a limited club of professionals, that dealt with major hospitality venues throughout South Florida. -Her word – honesty-credibility and intelligence, served her clients and the Industry well and she will be missed.”
Jim St John: “Pat had this wonderful gift of making you feel special. A call from her was a joy always positive. It was business with friendship mixed in that made her so very special to me. Pat, I will remember you forever.”
Luke Lirot: “Pat was a wonderful woman and could solve impossible problems instantly. If she couldn’t fix it, she knew the person that could and she was always happy to help anybody in need. I will miss her greatly.”
A statement from her family read, “Our beloved sister and aunt, Patricia Hickling Burnside, will be missed by her family and friends. Her loving spirit will be with us forever. Her memory will be a blessing.”
A Celebration of Life will be held October 20 at Hunter’s Nightclub from 6 pm – 8 pm in her honor. Hunter’s Nightclub is located at 2232 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors FL 33305. Donations to the American Cancer Society and The Pet Project, Fort Lauderdale in lieu of flowers, please.
Please come out and raise a martini to toast to the wonderful life of dear friend.
