Patrick King Goggins

Our hearts are heavy-yet full of joy! Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Patrick King Goggins, died peacefully surrounded by his whole family on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015.

Born in Orland, Calif., on May 28, 1930, Pat was the last of John and Pearl Goggins's six sons. His sister Jane, arrived ten years later. As a toddler, Pat's family returned to Montana. Being raised in the Great Depression, Pat learned to work at a very young age and the value of a day's work, done right, stuck with him throughout his lifetime.

On Dec. 26, 1951, Pat married Babe Becker, and the "Great Partnership" began! Together, they raised six children and were blessed with 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and number 20 is on the way in June: Coreen and Bob Cook (Kelly, Bill, Brian, Joe), Laurie and Jeff Mosher (Brandon, Russell, Katie, Mick), Sandy and Roger Jacobs (Becky, Jackie, Mandy), John and Debi Goggins (Machaela, Zack), Joe and Linda Goggins (Greg, Kayleen, Abbie) and Mike Goggins. Pat is preceded in death by his parents, John and Pearl; brothers Don, George, Ralph, and sister Jane. He is survived by brothers Jack and Bob.

Pat received an Animal Husbandry degree from Montana State University in 1952. He worked as a herdsman early on, and then was a fieldman and ringman for Western Livestock Journal, the Montana Farmer Stockman and finally the Western Livestock Reporter. In March 1957, Pat started sharing his opinions, comments, and advice in the weekly column "As I See IT" and continued to do so for 54 years.

In 1961, Pat bought the Western Livestock Reporter. Pat taught himself to auctioneer as he drove miles and miles selling advertising for the paper. Auctioneering grew into a career where he has been recognized as one of the leading purebred livestock auctioneers in the country. Even after he retired, and with all his business interests, auctioneering was his passion and he dearly missed it.

Pat's entrepreneurship continued and his keen business savvy allowed him to acquire three auction markets, numerous ranches and feedlots, the first livestock video auction, a real-estate company, in addition to numerous other business ventures. Truly, this man thrived on being an achiever and never looked back once he had a plan.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to lifelong employee and "right hand man" Bonnie Zieske, Dr. Neal Sorensen, Dr. Tim Dernbach, Kristen Lepley, Marcie Kading, caregivers Payton, Jody, Michelle, Stephanie, Christy and the Synergy employees. We also wish to thank Pat's faithful employees too numerous to mention. God bless.

Dad lived his life faithful to God and Family. He exemplified strong moral fiber, innovative vision, common sense, and above all, was A MAN OF TRUE CHARACTER.

There is a vigil at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 5 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m., Jan. 6 at St. Bernards with a luncheon reception to follow. Memorials are to St. Vincent's Healthcare Foundation, Frontier Cancer Center, the Angus Foundation, or one of your choice. 

Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.