Relatively few Hollywood marriages stand the test of time, so when one comes along that so clearly exudes love and sincerity, you tend to take notice. Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi were one such couple, and their 34-year marriage was a lesson in dedication and survival through good times and bad.They led a relatively quiet life together -- for years spending most of their time at his horse ranch near Los Angeles, where he died Monday after battling cancer. But over the years, he's been outspoken in discussing the beautiful nature of their relationship. Flip through the gallery for classic pics, quotes >>
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Patrick & Lisa: A Love Story
A 19-year-old Swayze met Lisa Niemi in 1970 at his mother's dance studio and she immediately brought the cocky hunk and his ego down to earth. "She didn't buy any of my nonsense," he's said of their early days. "We spent half our dates in total silence as she wouldn't talk to me if she thought I was putting on an act." Five years later they were married.
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Sdly, Pat was a chain smoker. I had the sheer prillage of working with this VERY funny man. I loved him like a brother but I have to say, he was always smoking. It bugged me being a non smoker. I actually would avoid being around him at times because the smoking bothered me. i tried and tried to get him to stop but he would never listen. Smoking is a leading cause in the type of cancer Pat was stricken with.
My father has survived it for 13 years now. He has lasted longer than his oncologist!
Weeellll.... my boss has been successful treating pancreatic, stage 4 many times. Many people know about him, many people don't.
What a wonderful couple, they never flaunted themselves unlike their other peers in the entertainment industry, just nice, decent people, God Bless Lisa and may she find comfort in the days ahead.
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he'll be remembered for ever thank you for the movies it was an honor to watch u and many blessings to your family you're gone but not forgotten
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Patrick and Lisa had a blessed marriage. More people should be like them. I know I had such a marriage. People need to have each other's back when married and not be afraid to talk about anything. Pulling together through good times and bad that is what a relationship is all about and having respect for each other. My heart goes out to Lisa. I know what she is going through. Patrick fought the fight and went out with class and dignity. He was one classy man. He will be missed by all of us. God Bless Him.
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My most sincere sympathy to Lisa and the rest of Patrick's family. May your memories sustain you and bring you comfort during this time.
Truly good people are never gone...they are but a memory away. We all have been blessed there are some good people in LALA land who happened to have found each other, and have shared their time and talents with the rest of us. May God bless them.
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What a totally mean and heartless thing to say Paul. I'm pretty sure his smoking had NOTHING to do with him having pancreatic cancer. It could happen to even NON SMOKERS and I know of instances that is the case.
What a cruel and insensitive thing to say about someone who has just passed away.
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Actually, smoking DOES dramatically increase your risk for pancreatic cancer. I am sad he had to leave this life so early. Always enjoyed his movies.
well paul thompkins - my father died of pancreatic cancer and had never smoked a day in his life. are you THAT miserable that you need to point fingers at a dead man? really? wow....someone needs to thin out the gene pool - and this time, go for morons.
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The exact for pancreatic cancer is unknown. A well reknowned oncologist was interviewed about this disease. Smoking can be an issues. Obesity can be an issue. Family history can be an issue. Althought the bottom line is the doctor stated they have no clue what causes this type of cancer. It is a horrible disease. The doctor stated very clearly that smoking did not directly cause it.
Paul if were a friend of Patricks wow who needs enemies. Oh by the way how much do weight? Obesity is good either. What is your genetic make up? Would that be your relatives fault?
Shame on you for claiming to be this mans friend and saying the hateful things you did about him. I do not care what my friend do I will always be around no matter what my issues are. SHAME SHAME SHAME> RIP Patrick.
I agree. My poor brother never smoked a day in his life andhe died from pancreatic cancer too. He also lived only within 8 months of diagnosis.
Kudos OC Brat!
I loved watching this gifted actor all of my life. To those ignorant people who try to diagnose his death, please stop! How dare you. Many prayers for Lisa and the family. Patrick and Lisa emulated what a true bond is. God Bless you Patrick. Thank you for all of the years that you came into our homes. I will miss you. Lisa, I pray only for strength for you. You are a true inspiration.Godspeed your healing process. Much love!
God Bless Patrick and Family. The world has lost another icon to films. No more suffering him. We will always remember him throughout the movies. He will still be kept alive for all to see thanks to his long life in film. What a great actor and person as well. Got bless his family and friends. May you rest in peace forever.
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UM Pancreatic Cancer is NOT lung cancer. There are many who lost their lives to this dreaded disease who never smoked a day in their lives. Paul you are an idiot
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The Good they Die young. What a respected actor and man who fought the fight and stayed private through out his career. That deserves a Life acheivement award in Hollywood. The world will miss you Patrick.
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Yeah, the smoking thing is bad. I smoked for 35+ years, I have three young kids and my youngest (4y/0)said "EEEEWW you always stink daddy" my seven y/o said " And your going to die too" This stopped me in my tracks. I have heard it before, What smoker hasn't? In a nutshell I quit, not easy but I did it. No I am not a spammer pushing anything, I am just another AOL member reading the headlines and making a comment here and there. If you smoke and might want to quit talk to your Dr about Zyban, Welbuterin ( not sure about the spelling ) The stuff works, nuff said. Patrick your work will live on and you wont be forgotten
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I was fortunate to meet Patrick a very long time ago at an event. He was a great person, great dancer, entertainer and a wonderful husband. May his family realize that he is at peace and I send my condolences through this difficult time.
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What a beautiful and classy couple. They are lucky to have found that kind of love!
I hope people look to them for inspiration when in doubt of their relationships.
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HEY: poploves04 - CAN'T YOU GIVE IT A BREAK??? WE ARE DISCUSSING THE HORRIBLE DEATH FROM PANCREATIC CANCER OF A MAN WHO GAVE HIS ALL TO HIS FAMILY, TO DANCING, TO FILMMAKING, TO LIFE, TO HIS ARABIAN HORSES, TO HIS FRIENDS...AND YOU KEEP POSTING THIS RIDICULOUS TRASH ABOUT DATING SITES??? DUDE, GIVE IT A REST...IF WE WANTED TO GO TO YOUR STUPID SITE, DON'T YOU THINK WE'D HAVE ALREADY BEEN THERE...HAVE YOU NO COUTH OR RESPECT FOR THE RECENTLY DECEASED??? GET OVER YOUR BAD SELF..QUIT POSTING AT TIMES LIKE THESE...MOST PEOPLE WILL HATE YOU AND YOUR SITE FOR VIOLATING THE FEELEINGS OF BEREAVEMENT OF SO MANY OF PATRICK'S FANS . . . S T O P N O W !!!
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