Pat Caraher devoted himself to telling the stories of Washington State University alumni, researchers, students, sports, and the Cougar nation for over three decades.
Patrick “Pat” James Caraher died March 11, 2025, at 86, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born October 14, 1938, in Seattle, grew up in the Ravenna district, and attended Seattle Prep.
In fall 1957, Caraher began his lifelong connection to WSU. He joined Phi Kappa Theta fraternity and later earned a degree in social sciences in 1962. After serving two years in the US Army, he returned to WSU and earned a communications degree in 1966.
Caraher started his professional journey at the Register-Guard newspaper in Eugene, Oregon, before he was offered the position of editor of the WSU alumni publication in 1969. He was the founding editor of Hilltopics and later co-editor of Washington State Magazine from 2001 until his retirement in 2004. His 35-year WSU career was marked by his dedication to storytelling and his deep love for the Cougar community.
In recognition of his contributions, Caraher received the WSU Alumni Achievement Award in 1995.
He married Laurie Busch (’76 Music) in 1976, and together they raised three daughters, Maureen Wilson (’99 Ed.) of Bothell, Kelly Caraher (’02 Human Dev.) of Pullman, and Theresa Brabner (’05 Fine Arts) of Columbus, Georgia.
Caraher was also dedicated to community service. As a volunteer chaplain at Pullman Regional Hospital for 17 years, he provided comfort and support to countless patients and was named Outstanding Volunteer in 2019. A proud Rotarian for 42 years, he served as Pullman president in 1977–78 and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. His faith was a guiding force in his life. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish, serving as president of the Parish Council, a member of the St. Francis Guild, and outreach ministries.
Caraher was a lifelong and loyal Cougar fan. WSU baseball was his “love and vice.” He rarely missed a home game.
He was known for his kindness and ability to make friends everywhere he went. Caraher often said, “You can never have enough friends,” and lived that belief every day.
Pat Caraher’s memories of his best and toughest journalism professors at WSU
Caraher’s obituary (Corbeill Funeral Homes)
Pat and Laurie Caraher inducted into 2025 Pullman Walk of Fame (Pullman Radio)