Author Pat Conroy, whose works include “The Prince of Tides” and “The Great Santini,” died Friday evening, March 4, 2016, of pancreatic cancer, according to his publisher. He was 70. The South Carolina native was known for his candid and “down-home” writing style, which drew upon his rough childhood experiences as a military brat with a domineering father. In response to the news, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley tweeted: “South Carolina lost a beloved son tonight. Pat Conroy will be missed. We can find comfort knowing his words and love for SC will live on.” Conroy’s audience stretched far beyond South Carolina, however, beginning with his 1976 novel, “The Great Santini,” which was adapted into a film in 1979 starring Robert Duvall, who played the role of Conroy’s brutally controlling father. Seven years later, Conroy truly left his mark with the wide-reaching novel “The Prince of Tides.” A passionate and compelling tale of a former football player from South Carolina working through his personal demons, the book remained on the best-seller list for nearly a year. It also captured the spirit of Conroy’s relatable appeal and secured his place as one of the most popular American writers of his time. The twice-divorced author is survived by his wife, Cassandra; four daughters; five stepchildren; two sisters; three brothers; and seven grandchildren.
Posted in: The Post and Courier
Posted on: 2016-03-07
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/charleston/obituary.aspx?n=pat-conroy&pid=177949950#sthash.gt50KZ56.dpuf