As Windham's basketball season starts, players and the community are remembering one of the team’s biggest supporters. Patrick Moody died Nov. 10 following a battle with cancer.

Moody was a coach for Windham High School’s varsity basketball team, helping the Eagles win their first AA championship in March.  

Following Moody’s death, Windham resident and longtime friend Geoff Grigsby helped start a fundraiser for the Pat Moody Foundation, which looks to honor his legacy by supporting youth programs and activities in Windham. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $40,000 in a little over a week.

“Everyone on the team is tight, but the loss of Pat really brought us closer,” said Braycen Freese, a basketball player for Windham High School. “We got to know each other a little bit better and share stories of Pat. He was a second father to me, and he will surely be missed on this team.”

“I remember we were in a game and it was close,” said Freese. “I remember looking at Pat and all he said was to do my best and I simply smiled because he knew exactly what to say at the right time.”

Grigsby said Moody was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023, but it was believed that he overcame the illness.  

This past summer, Moody’s cancer returned, but in his liver and with a much more severe prognosis.  

His passing came two weeks after the town dedicated its outdoor basketball courts in his name.

When he wasn’t working at AAA Northern New England, his energy was focused on improving his community and making it more accessible, especially for kids.

He’s also known for working with the Windham Youth Basketball Organization, helping it grow as one of the largest organizations under his leadership.

“He has made an impact on thousands on thousands of kids, whether it was through basketball, the driving school,” said Grigsby. “All the kids know Pat for the incredible person he was, which is a testament to the work he’s done for the kids.”

“He was a really good supporter for the Windham community and he was a big influence on me and got me into playing basketball,” said 12- year-old Windham resident Abigail Doherty.

“One time Pat came in the gym when my brother and I were working on our game. He came with a big smile and the golden ball, and we got to take photos. We were so happy and thankful that we got to do this with Pat,” said 12-year-old Windham resident Julia Call.

Windham High School Varsity Basketball Coach Chad Pulkkinen said Moody had been part of his life since Pulkkinen was six years old.  

“Pat is a person I’ve looked up to for my whole life,” said Pulkkinen. “He’s been an advocate for me and huge supporter of mine, and we’ve always had a connection through the game of basketball and became lifelong friends.”