Jerry Dan Patrick of Wayland, a major figure in the medical marijuana business in Martin and Orangeville townships. died at his home Monday. He had just celebrated his 44th birthday.
Patrick and his partner and significant other Lisa Edwards had been owners and operators of the CDXX Boutique medical marijuana exchange facility on Marsh Road in Orangeville Township. The facility was raided about a week ago by the Southwest Michigan Enforcement Team (SWET), Michigan State Police at the Wayland post and the Barry County Sheriff’s Department.
A SWET press release reported, “Three separate search warrants executed Tuesday (Nov. 21) resulted in discovering an illegal marijuana operation, several pounds of marijuana and $40,000…”
Police said the raids were related to violations of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act.
They promised “criminal charges will be sought against several suspects involved in the illegal marijuana operation.”
Patrick was one of the suspects.
Patrick and Edwards first opened CDXX Boutique in downtown Shelbyville in the former post office on 124th Avenue in May of 2015. Professional Code Inspections shortly afterward told them they were in violation of Martin Township zoning ordinances and state laws.
Patrick replied that he wasn’t operating a dispensary, but was permitting licensed caregivers and patients to do partial barter exchanges. Both groups were permitted to buy and sell under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act approved by voters statewide in 2008.
However, the Martin Township Board voted 5-0 in January 2016 to adopt a zoning ordinance amendment specifically forbidding marijuana dispensaries from operating within the township’s borders. The board’s move reversed a 4-2 recommendation by the Planning Commission two months earlier not to adopt the ordinance.
Edwards last night posted on Facebook a message to Patrick: “I miss you so much, this is the longest we’ve ever been apart. I’m so broken, the kitties are looking all over for you, everyone keeps saying ‘anything we can do’ and all I want is for you back here with me. Sleep peacefully baby, no more worries. You’re the LOVE of my life and my best friend. I don’t know how I’m gonna live without you.”
There was no significant evidence of foul play nor indications he took his own life.
Surviving, besides Lisa Edwards, are his parents Donna (Steve) LaVoie and Jerry “JP” Patrick Sr.; his child Sky Patrick; sisters Sara (Tom) Lynema and Diana French; step-brother Chris and step-sister Rachel LaVoie; several nieces, nephews and numerous family, friends, and patients.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Dana Marie Warner.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec.1, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services, Wayland Chapel, 312 N. Main St. The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, from at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services. Interment will be at East Martin Cemetery.
Memorial contribution may be made to Action for Cheetahs in Kenya or to your local non-kill animal shelter.
