Patrick Lee Hues was born in Seattle Washington on February 8th, 1949. He was the son of Dr. Vernon D Clausing and Cleo Fern Powleske Clausing. Patrick started taking piano lessons at age 6. He started playing Hammond organ at 11, joined bands at 12, and earned money performing by 13. He also played trumpet in junior high. One of his first big gigs was playing keyboards with Sonny and Cher in Portland, Oregon in 1967. Patrick graduated from Highline Highschool in 1967. Over his lifetime, Pat made music with a facility most musicians can only dream of. He began performing at an early age and continued to work in the Pacific Northwest Music World mainly as a performer, but also as a composer and teacher for over 60 years.
Not only was he a world class player, but he had a killer sense of humor. Pat was a funky and soulful dude. He played and sang his butt off. Pat has hundreds of friends whom he played gigs with, and many with whom he spoke with almost daily as he was a very social guy.
Pat met his spouse, Kathy Simpson, in 1989; they were married in Maui in 1996. They were married 30 years and lived in Arbor Heights area of West Seattle. Pat was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s and died peacefully at home on January 15, 2026 after a prolonged illness. The last band he played in was “ The Silver-Tongued Devils” which he considered his most significant band. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his dog, Georgie; his sisters, Colleen Trussler of New Jersey and Cathy Clausing of Bothell, Washington; as well as many nieces and nephews. A musical celebration of life will be held sometime this spring or summer.
A heart-felt farewell to my brother-in-law Patrick, with whom I had many conversations about life, music and the spiritual world! Inspired by my sister Kathy for her tender care of Patrick the last couple years. Hoping to see family and friends at the Celebration of Life!
This is lovely Kathy. He was a special guy and you two had a marriage many would envy. R.I.P. Patrick.
Thanks everyone for the cards, notes, flowers, food, visits, calls and posts on social media about Pat. I love you all. kathy
This is lovely, Kathy. He was a special guy. You two had a lot of fun together and you both loved Georgie so much. I have fond memories of Pat and gang playing at my retirement party R. I. P., Patrick.
It is undeniable how much you influenced my relationship with music, Pat. Getting me my first keyboard and supporting my curiosity on the drums (no matter how young I was!) played such a huge role in who I am today. I have so many good memories riding with you gigs and watching you jam on stages. You really knew how to speak with music and always created a safe and comforting environment with your melodies that brought the family together. I grew up loving to dance but you made me appreciate the art of music so much more, that I still find ways to bring music back into my life to this day. And I owe that to you, Pat. We shared conspiracies together, we shared laughs, we shared presents, we shared sunny backyard afternoons, you had a sweet tooth for ice cream and would go grab some for the family without a second thought. You spoke kindly about your family and friends. You were brave to move on from jobs and bosses that no longer brought happiness to your life. You were a supportive husband. A scaredy cat of flights! And I loved you all the same. You were a simple man; never needed much and never asked for much. I could always count on you to cheer me on in my pursuits. And I know you’ll continue to do so any way you know how. Keep the rhythms flowing out there, my guy. Love you always.
I’ll never forget how you played cards with Patrick when you were about 4 years old Jaylen. You won every game and Patrick wasn’t trying to let you win. It was the “ match game” where you match cards. Anyway I know he loved you kids like our own.
Rest in Paradise, Uncle Pat!
What an impressive musical talent Patrick had! He was a good man. You two had a lot of fun together, and a marriage many would envy., I have fond memories of Patrick and his band playing at my retirement party. R.I.P. now, Patrick.
Kathy you were the couple that hit the right notes together a melody of love that will always be the sweetest sound. I am so sorry for your loss but ❤️ the many years of love you had being together.
Patrick we will miss you so much! So loved that you were a part of our family for 30 years! See you on the other side! God speed!
Beautiful, Kathy. You are in our thoughts daily as we go through this grieving process. I know Pat is with you and surounding you with love all the time. Just think of him and he is with you, like an Angel. Much Love from me, Thalia and Dorothy and we look forward to the musical celebration this summer.
I had the pleasure and honor to know Pat, his sisters, parents, and grandparents as they were family to me during a time and in the place where family roots began. I’m sorry to hear of your loss.