Patrick Hemingway, Last Child of Literary Icon, Passes Away at 97
Patrick Hemingway, the last surviving son of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, has passed away at the age of 97 in Bozeman, Montana. His grandson, Patrick Hemingway Adams, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement.
Describing his grandfather as a “larger than life paradox,” Adams highlighted Patrick’s unique blend of creativity and intellect. “He had a scientific mind but his true passion was in the arts,” said Adams, noting Patrick’s impressive ability to speak multiple languages and tackle complex mathematical problems for fun.
Unlike his brother Gregory, who had a fraught relationship with their famous father, Patrick embraced his lineage. He was dedicated to preserving the Hemingway name and took pride in projects that could draw attention to his father’s legacy. In the book “Dear Papa: The Letters of Patrick and Ernest Hemingway,” the father-son duo shared touching memories of fishing and hunting together, demonstrating a strong bond that persisted throughout their lives.
As the executor of Ernest Hemingway’s estate, Patrick was involved in revising and reissuing classic works such as “A Farewell to Arms” and “A Moveable Feast.” He also ventured beyond traditional publishing, prompting mixed reactions from literary fans by introducing a line of merchandise, including clothing and even rum.
One of Patrick’s notable projects was his edit of “True at First Light,” which details his father’s experiences in Africa. Though anticipated, the book was met with disappointment, with some critics claiming that Patrick used his father’s name to promote it.
When asked if he read his father’s works, Patrick responded, “Pretty often, because I have a commercial interest.” His aim was to manage and market his father’s literary contributions effectively.
Throughout his life, Patrick dealt with the shadows of mental illness that affected his family, including the suicides of his father and grandfather. He himself lived a long and full life, famously inheriting not just his father’s rugged physique but also a deep love for adventure.
Born in Kansas City, Patrick described his childhood as spent in various locations around the world, including Cuba, Spain, and Florida. After graduating from Harvard, he fulfilled a dream by purchasing a farm in what is now Tanzania, where he worked as a hunter, safari guide, and educator.
Patrick Hemingway is survived by his daughter Mina, his two marriages, and a legacy intertwined with one of America’s most revered literary figures. He often reflected on his memories of his father, recalling moments of joy and affection despite the complicated legacy they shared.
