McGinnis, William Patrick "Pat", 76, passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Marian, by his side, on Anna Maria Island on March 5, 2024. Pat was born November 29, 1947, and raised in St. Louis, MO, to Margaret (Nee Cisne) and Dr. William Fitch McGinnis. Dr. McGinnis was the Chief of OB/GYN at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis. Patrick McGinnis considered either a career in medicine or business while in high school. He attended the University of Denver, where he earned a B.A. in political science and economics. He then earned his MBA in marketing from the Olin Business School at Washington University in 1972.
In 1972, Pat began his stellar 44-year career at Ralston Purina Company. He joined the company immediately after completing his MBA. Working his way through the corporate management training program moving through various management roles, finally becoming the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, retiring in 2017. Pat played an integral role throughout the Nestle acquisition process, and then led the integration of the Purina and Friskies organizations, often cited as one of the most successful in Nestle's history. Pat was instrumental in transforming this company into what it is today.
Pat served on numerous Boards including Trustee of Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri including the Steering Committee for the University of Missouri Athletic Department as well as performing a number of roles for youth related charities such as the March of Dimes. A professorship in the Olin Business School--The W. Patrick McGinnis Professor of Marketing--was established as a result of a gift to the school from Pat. He was a member of the Danforth Circle Chancellor's Level and a Life Patron of the William Greenleaf Eliot Society. Both the Olin School and the university have presented Pat with distinguished alumni awards.
He was an avid sports enthusiast and beloved his St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed fishing, golf, watching baseball, trips to the farm with the family, boating at the Lake of the Ozarks and walking the beautiful beaches on Anna Maria Island. Almost as important, his friends and his faith always came first.
He was an avid supporter of his community and always was willing to assist those in need. His loyalty and generosity are unprecedented. He leaves behind a broken-hearted family and community.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marian; two devoted sons, Patrick (Haley), David (Melissa); stepchildren, Karen (Dr. Adam Birk), Mason and Ellen; grandchildren, Liam, Mackenzie, Hunter, Hudson, Luke, Weston, and Beau; and doting son-in-law to Dolores R. Berra.
The family held a service on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton, FL. A Celebration of Life will be held in St. Louis, MO, at a later time. In Honor of Pat, donations may be made to the St. Louis Police Foundation (www.stlouispolicefoundation.org). Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
