2018 Miniature Horse World Magazine January E-Magazine | Page 30

in memoriam
Patti Funakoshi
EDITORS NOTE: In the August/September 2016 issue of Miniature
Horse World, we featured a beautiful story written by Patti Funakoshi.
Patti battled cancer for many years and at that time her goal was to win at
a Championship show, then make it to Worlds. She accomplished that and
more with the beautiful stallion, Wingates Infamous Mi, winning World
Grand Amateur Junior Stallion at the 2016 World Show. As her cancer
returned in 2017 she fought valiantly but lost the battle on January 8,
2017. These Facebook posts offer a brief glimpse into a few of the many
lives Patti touched while she was a part of the AMHA family.
DEE FUNAKOSHI AQUINO: On January 8th, this special woman took her
final moments. I’d like to think she is in a better place now. I loved her
with all of my heart. She touched the lives of so many people. She was
well loved. I will miss her so much. We all will. She dealt with cancer for
so many years. She was beyond the strongest person I know. Amazing
wife, mother, and Friend. Anyone who knew her, knew just how special
she truly was.
KELLY CAMPBELL: We visited the beautiful angel, Patti Funakoshi, in early January with Casey, Sue, Haley,
Tracy, Kristy & Tommy. We had a great time and enjoyed many laughs and great memories. Casey brought
out the stallion, Infamous and reunited the dynamic duo. I wanted to share the photos that reflect this happy
moment and Infamous showing off for Patti. Love you Patti.
Oh, and I have to add in ... Patti has a bond with Infamous like nothing I’ve ever seen. He is all stallion and
tests everyone he encounters, but he knows and loves Patti and becomes a different gentle horse with her.
LORIN ELIZABETH SHORT: The world lost a very special person, Patti Funakoshi. She was one in a million.
She made everybody that she met feel loved and special. I had the honor as well as my Mom Dina to make
Patti’s show jackets for Regionals and the World Show. I remember as I was adding crystals to her jacket for
the world I was thinking, do I have enough crystals and then I thought no there’s not enough crystals yet
this jacket needs to sparkle as much as Patti does. I feel very blessed to have been a part of Patti fulfilling her
dream of winning World Grand Champion with her amazing stallion, Famous. They were truly a great team!
I was also blessed to be able to purchase one of Patti’s wonderful Miniature horses named Porsche. She is
my heart horse and will be with me forever. I send love and healing to everyone in this very difficult time.
Especially her family and close friends love to all of you
STACY SCORE: This is what it is all about with Miniatures. Just look at the love they have brought to all
these people who might not ever had met if it hadn’t been for Miniatures, friendships that have grown into
inseparable bonds of love and support for each other. So when people ask “what are they good for?” I will
remember this post and all the love I have in my heart for everyone in the Wingate family.
SUE RAMBERT CAMPBELL: Special friends, support, love, admiration, treasured bonds that last a lifetime .
Always in our thoughts and prayers, Patti. We loved you and know that Infamous gave you that inner peace
and love.