Ballston Lake Pharmacist Killed During Colorado Rafting Trip

BALLSTON LAKE — Patrick Southworth, 61, a retired pharmacist from Ballston Lake who was working on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, died June 6 during a rafting trip in Colorado.

Southworth’s wife, Patti, also a pharmacist as well as a former Ballston town supervisor, were on a guided rafting trip on the Animas River when the raft flipped over, throwing the Southworths, the guide and another couple overboard, according to a report in The Journal, based in Colorado. Pat Southworth was killed as a result of the event. All other parties survived.

Patti Southworth remained in Arizona, where her daughters, Krista Malinoski and Colleen Southworth, traveled to be with her, according to the Jones Funeral Home, in Schenectady. 

The Southworths joined Indian Health Services two years ago and traveled across the western United States where they had also served the Chippewa Nation in North Dakota and Minnesota as well as the Navajo and Zuni in New Mexico.

Pat Southworth grew up in Mechanicville. He and Patti met in pharmacy school and were married nearly 39 years. They had three children and three grandchildren.

“He was a loving husband, father and papa,” Malinoski said. “He taught us to be strong and independent people and to form independent opinions and beliefs and stand up for what we believe in and take active roles in our communities. Those who knew him know he had a big heart and would do anything to support his friends and family.”

Southworth spent his career in retail pharmacies. He was a past member of the Ballston and Greenfield Lions Clubs. Southworth will be laid to rest in Mechanicville.