I got the news on Sunday that Chris Matthews, the infamous owner of Poet and Patriot Irish Pub, passed away on Saturday after a bout with lung cancer. He was only 61.

For those who never had the pleasure of meeting this man, let alone drinking in his fine establishment, please know that we have lost a great spirit. He was a man of strength and grace, most known for his quick wit and brushes with authority. Please read the article on Chris’ life published in our local rag.

“Most people know me on a lot of different levels,” Matthews once said in an interview. “They don’t even know I can write … they can’t believe I can spell correctly.”

For me, Chris was legendary even before I had the good fortune to meet him in 1984. I love the Poet. It is a small Irish beer joint and a classic local bar all in one. It has a good juke box, nice beer selection, a cast of characters and interesting items on the walls.

The Poet & Patriot has three rooms — a dart room, a music room and the bar room, with a long, maple bar. The live music may include folk, Celtic or light rock. The pub hosts the biggest and most authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebration every year for Santa Cruz. I should know, it has been my tradition to drink there at noon every year since the 1980’s.

Chris was always ready with a kind greeting, and in the past year, despite not looking well, he still smiled. Sadly my last conversation with him was all to brief and it was back in June. So I will lift my next pint in memory of Chris. I ask that you all do the same.

The good news is that the Poet will remain open, run by his wife Sue Heinz.

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Poet & Patriot Irish Pub. 320 Cedar St Ste E Santa Cruz, CA 95060