Pat Horn

On the eve of her 94th Birthday, October 20, 2020, Patricia "Pat" Horn wrapped a memorable and inspiring engagement on planet earth.  She was in her home in Oxnard, surrounded by her children Linda and David Rheinstein, along with some of her dear friends.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 21, 1926 to Clarence and Edna Horn, she grew up with her brother Jim.  By the age of 9, Pat was already on the path to becoming a dancer.  Teaching herself to stay on her toes, she convinced her parents she was worthy of ballet lessons.  By the age of 12 her teachers considered her a prodigy.  And by the time she was 14 she was giving concert hall performances in Boston, with critics comparing her to the great Russian dancer Anna Pavlova.

But the world of classic ballet could not compete with Pat’s growing love for musical theatre.  After high school graduation, she struck out on her own to New York City, where she joined the ballet troupe at Radio City Music Hall, danced in Broadway musicals, and developed into a well-rounded talent. Eventually Pat and her two partners formed the soon to be renowned Hamilton Trio.  The Trio toured the eastern seaboard, appeared on the Dave Garroway Show, and landed a weekly spot on Sid Caesar’s “Show of Shows”.  The Hamilton Trio was lauded for their inventive storytelling dance numbers.  Each week for years, they created and choreographed new characters, with a unique blend of whimsy and panache.

Pat married and moved to Los Angeles.  Prior to having children, she auditioned to be Gene Nelson’s dancing partner.  It took Nelson only minutes to see their natural synergy, and for the next few years they danced together on a variety of live television shows, and appeared together in the film, “So This is Paris”.  Pat also developed into a sought-after choreographer, and applied her skills in Las Vegas, and as an assistant on the film, “Robin and the Seven Hoods.”  

With the arrival of children, Pat transitioned into a full-time wife and mother.  But she always found time to donate her talents to the annual SHARE for Children Boomtown Show, and to organizations like Actors and Others for Animals.  

The second half of Pat’s life was as eventful and expressive as the first half.  Before the concept of staging/decorating a home for market was on anyone’s radar, Pat launched “Red Feather”, a business designed to help you rearrange your home, (without additional expenses), to give it more buyer appeal. In her 90’s Pat rebranded and restarted the business under the name “One Day Decor for a Quick Sale. Director: Pat Horn”.

Like her father, an engineer and prolific inventor, Pat also had a penchant for inventing.  “Identify a need, and meet it” was her motto.  She took more than one of her inventions to the prototype stage.  At the age of 89, she received a U.S. Patent for her Drip Drop Umbrella cover.  It was not her only invention - but it was the project she shepherded the longest and with the most devotion.  

Finally, Pat was an instinctive teacher.  A life coach, as it were.  Not a title she assumed for herself, but a function she fulfilled.  Whether she was instructing a High School class on “How Dreams Can Come True”, helping a stroke patient adapt to a new normal, or simply passing along her experiences to a struggling mom -  she loved to teach what she herself had learned.   

Pat was not without challenges.  She was a stroke survivor, and suffered a number of debilitating illnesses.  But Pat viewed her illnesses as a challenge to her determination, creativity and gratitude.  By God’s grace Pat’s mind never faltered or failed her.  She was problem solving, creating and thinking about those she loved until the very end.   She lived with courage, fortitude and love.  Regardless of her own travails, she was always concerned about others, and maintained a steadfast devotion to her children. 

She is remembered.  She made a difference.  She is dearly loved.

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...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director