Edward Patrick “Pat” Bolen, 87, of Englewood, Fla., and Hillman, Mich., passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, after a short battle with congestive heart failure.

He was born, Dec. 9, 1925, in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Edward and Olive Bolen.

At 18, Pat joined the U.S. Merchant Marine, and sailed the world. He then studied theater arts at Wayne State University, and headed off to do summer stock and vaudeville in New York. By his late 20s, he had moved back to Michigan and began selling threads and yarns. His knowledge and drive led to a successful career in textiles. After his retirement, in 1990, he began spending winters in sunny Florida, and summers up on Lake Avalon in upper Michigan. Pat was a devout Catholic and regularly attended Mass at St. Raphael’s in Englewood, and St. Augustine’s in Hillman. His hobbies were Bridge, tennis, golf and downhill skiing. He had a beautiful tenor voice and enjoyed singing barbershop. His two great loves were his family and traveling. Fortunately, he was able to combine them both for most of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; four children, Margie Loewen, Kimberley Choma, Pat Bolen and Dan Bolen; and 10 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, with funeral services to follow, Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at Lemon Bay Funeral Home.

Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services.