Pati Behrs-Derek-Lindley, John Derek's First Wife

[theresa]

A patriot to the end, passed on July 4th. Some knew her as a Prima
Ballerina and Leo Tolstoy's grandniece. Others as the first in John
Derek's line of gorgeous wives; still others remember her as the elegant
Mrs. Lucius Lindley. But we all remember Pati as a great lady with a
huge heart, many passions, and an amazing sense of adventure! Her
journey began in 1922 as the daughter of Prince Andre Behrs, a colonel
in the Czar's royal cavalry. A man of principles, he had refused to lead
a pogrom so the family was forced to escape Russia with nothing and
travel to Paris where they settled. Pati was so proud of her six foot
six father, but sadly, he passed away when she was just 11, leaving the
family penniless. As fate would have it a Jewish doctor paid for the
funeral... he was alive because Pati's father refused to lead the
pogrom. But still, at such a young age, Pati was forced to support
herself and her mother and found the means to do so ... through her
first passion ... dance. Then came the War and Occupied France. Pati
survived dancing atop a baby grand in Parisian nightclubs. Pati and her
mother also did all they could, during this terrifying time, to hide the
Russian Jews and Gypsies from the Nazis. Years later while visiting
Paris, her two children met some of these grateful survivors and were
regaled with the stories of their mother's courage and compassion. When
the War ended and the Americans liberated Paris, Pati's love affair with
the Stars and Stripes began. So no one was surprised when a Hollywood
talent scout offered her a contract and she jumped at the chance to come
to the States, where she met, married, and nine years later divorced
actor John Derek. In 1950, Pati and John's first child, Russell, was
born with serious health problems. As a result Pati became good friends
with their pediatrician Dr. Lucius Lindley. By the 60s, Russell was
doing much better and they lost touch. However, Lucius always remembered
Pati as one of the most beautiful and brilliant women he had ever known,
so after his wife passed, he tracked Pati down through her poodle club.
Then, right before they were married, Lucius discovered that he had
cancer. Pati stuck by him and together they beat back the dreaded
disease for nearly a dozen years. But the cancer returned with
debilitating force and Pati dedicated all her remarkable energy to
caring for her beloved Lucius and making his last years as beautiful and
special as possible. When she finally she lost Dr. Lindley, Pati
embarked on what would become her next great love: sailing the high
seas, meeting new friends, and filling her heart with joy and laughter.
Of course she enjoyed the beauty of nature, the dancing and cards, but
she kept returning to sea because of the friends she loved and cherished
so very much. Pati touched the lives of so many people all across the
world. She was a woman of passions ... and with that passion came
perfection. No matter what Pati decided to do, she became the best at it
- from dance to pistols to poodles to becoming a Bridge Life Master-
Pati was a champion and always did it her way. Pati grew up in France,
lived in Spain and Ireland for a time, traveled extensively and, in the
last years of her life, cruised around the world 8 times. But she always
loved this country more than anywhere else on earth. So it is fitting
that Pati, great American patriot, should have gone out with a bang on
the Fourth Of July! She was a real firecracker! Pati Behrs Derek Lindley
lived a truly full, rich and extraordinarily life. She survived all the
men in her life, including her own son Russell Andre Derek. Pati is
survived by her daughter and best friend Sean Catherine Derek. Now Pati
has set sail for her next great adventure and we will all miss her
style, spunk and her amazing grace. God bless you Pati ... and anchors
away!
Published in the Los Angeles Times on 7/23/2004.