[Lisa W]

Anyone who has birded Southeastern Arizona and loves hummingbirds has probably been to or heard of the Paton's. They opened their yard in Patagonia to bird lovers for over 15 years. Wally died a few years ago, and Marian kept the place going over the last few years. Marian has been ill for over a year and friends and family have been maintaining the place.
Marian passed away yesterday, August 29th. It was sad to hear of the death of this wonderful lady, who extended kindness and generosity to all bird lovers who came to her house.

[Dave B Smith]

The Patons will certainly be remembered for their attention to the birds and generosity to visiting birders. We enjoyed an afternoon in their yard and saw some great birds.

[Chris D]

RIP. A great and gracious couple.............

[humminbird]

She will indeed be missed.

[Chris D]

bump

[PumaMan]

I didn't know the Patons. I wish that I had. Very sorry to hear this--the world is now a lesser place.

[Larry Lade]

My wife and I enjoyed the time we spent at the Paton's. We were able to see quite a few species of hummingbirds plus some other nice birds while we were there. (I got three hummingbird "lifers" there!)

These kind folks will be missed!

[Lisa W]

I was lucky to be able to talk with Marian a number of times when I visited. It was always a treat to discuss the various yard birds and hummingbirds. I've taken photos at that house that I would never have imagined possible.

[Tz'unun]

Here's Marion the last time I saw her and the way I'll always remember her:

[Lisa W]

That shows her just as I remember, smiliing and waving from the window.

[marie b]

Originally Posted by Chris D

RIP. A great and gracious couple.............

Originally Posted by humminbird

She will indeed be missed.

Indeed, they were and she will be missed - worldwide. In 1996 I drove a group of Japanese friends on an Arizona tour with the Patons' as one of the must-stops. It was a very memorable occasion for all - with everyone amazed and grateful that someone would make their private yard available to the public.
I have just forwarded them this information.

[jml2665]

so sad, my fiance and I had the privilege to meet her and the family there a couple years back and thought how gracious and friendly they were. She will truly be missed.

[wings]

Several years ago when I visited SE Arizona I made a list of the places to see (Ramsey Canyon, Patagonia Preserve, etc..) I may have included the Patons' place but never got to go there. Much to my regret. This is a sad loss for all hummingbird lovers.