Patrick McEwen

1949 - 2025

Patrick Joseph McEwen passed away on Oct 30, 2025, at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Mt. He had his very first helicopter ride to get there. He was surrounded by family as he passed. Patrick was born December 16, 1949, in Kalispell to Francis and John McEwen. He was the youngest of 4. He suffered a terrible loss when his mother died when he was 6. He spent the next 6 years at the orphanage in Great Falls until he moved to the Deaconess in Helena. He truly enjoyed his adventures and staff at the Deaconess. That is where is discovered his love for the mountains and forests. He had many jobs/occupations over his working career. His most memorable were for the smelter in East Helena and St Peter's Hospital. He met his first wife, Twyla Bush, when they were both very young. They raised two very busy boys for many years. After they divorced, they continued to raise those two boys together. As the boys married and had children, Twyla continued to be part of Patrick's family life. Twyla passed away in 2021. Patrick is survived by his loving...and very patient...wife, Nancy McVean, his sons Tim McEwen (Leslie) and Travis McEwen. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Jamie Rodriquez (Erik), Nikki Grossberg (Brian), and Micah Grossberg (Danita). Patrick was the proud grandfather to Mallory McEwen (Sam), Ash McEwen,Talon McEwen (Maria), Logan McEwen, Giovanni Grossberg, and Benicia Grossberg and Clara Markuson. His brother, Tom McEwen (Sharon), his sisters Sherri (Kent) and Sandi, also survive him. There are also many, many nieces, nephews and friends who survive him. Patrick had a quiet, steady way of showing his love, and nowhere was that more evident than in the memories he made with his grandkids. He was always the first to start an indoor water fight, never flinching at the chaos and mess that followed. He unbegrudgingly played endless rounds of Old Maid, always pretending to be surprised when he pulled the Old Maid card. He was the master of secret trips to Dairy Queen, sharing blizzards in the car and making the grandchildren swear they weren't spoiling their dinner. Some may be surprised to know that Patrick let his grandkids paint his toenails in the brightest and most obnoxious colors possible. He wore the mismatched polish without complaint, a small act that said more about his heart than words ever could. Patrick had many friends from high school (Helena High class of 1969), church and side by side riders/campers. A celebration of Patrick's life will be held this summer to celebrate a life marked by many challenges and simple joys.