Dennis L. Pattee

Dennis L. Pattee
December 16, 2021
Meridian, Idaho - "It was a pleasure," were the last words spoken by Dennis to his granddaughter in response to her thanking him for being such a great grandpa. We will remember Dennis as someone who simply showed up and it was his pleasure to do so.
Dennis Lamont Pattee passed away on December 16th, 2021 after unexpectedly experiencing a stroke in November. At the time of his stroke Dennis was working out with his trainer and we are thankful for her quick response as well as an entire medical team. After a week at the hospital, Dennis was discharged and went home. He spent Thanksgiving with his son's family and it became quickly evident he needed more care for his recovery. A few days later Dennis experienced more stroke symptoms and returned to the hospital where it was discovered, after more assessments were completed, that he had metastatic pancreatic cancer. In the spirit of a black belt in Kung Fu, Dennis fought for 2 ½ more weeks. We often thought he would surpass all our parents, his son thought because Dennis was proactive about his health. This summer he could be found mountain biking with his 39 year old son. It was a surprise to all who knew him and sudden decline.
A lover of nature, intrigued by indigenous cultures and practices, avid reader, heart of a healer, gentle demeanor, fully present listener, and never missed an event he was invited to especially those involving his grandkids. Dennis was born Dennis Lamont Pattee on March 28th, 1950 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Harold and Ella Pattee. He was the 4th born out of 6 siblings. Before his passing, Dennis was enjoying retirement after working for Caxton Printers in Caldwell, Idaho for 37 years. He enjoyed exercising and maintaining his physical strength particularly in martial arts. He attended Idaho Shao-Lin Center for Martial Arts in Boise for many years earning his 3rd-degree black belt in Shao-Lin Kung-Fu and passing on his passion to his grandson, David. Through his fondness of indigenous cultures and practices he became an expert in drum making and sold them along with workshops teaching others this beautiful art and skill.
The week before his passing Dennis and his son had a conversation about life, surrendering, relationships, and searching. Dennis said that he'd been searching for peace for much of his life, in his mind he knew about God and Jesus Christ but had never surrendered to his own ways and invited Jesus into his heart. Dennis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and invited him into his heart and in the days that followed expressed being at peace and ready to pass. He was able to exchange goodbyes with loved ones, as he expressed that nothing more mattered.
His friends and community will miss him conducting sweat lodges along with healing and personal growth conversations. His family will miss his calm demeanor, his agreeable nature, and his continued offerings of forgiveness, love, and grace without hesitation. We know it was "his pleasure" to help, to break bread, to listen, to be in relationship, and to show up without any guilt or obligation. In his honor, we will move forward in life with these lessons and many treasured memories with Dennis.
Dennis is survived by his son, Joseph Michael Pattee (Cecilia) and their two children Sofia and David; his son Alex Pattee (Amanda) and their two children Ivy and Zoe, 4 siblings, Joan, Richard, Phyllis, and Carma, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Harold Mack Pattee and Ella Nelson Pattee, as well as his younger brother Larry Pattee who passed April, 2021 as well.
The family extends thanks to St. Lukes and Elks Rehab for their care during the final 5 weeks of Dennis' life. The friendly, caring, and informative team allowed Dennis and the family a great experience through this rapid and difficult season of life.
The family invites you to join them in remembering and celebrating Dennis' life on Friday, January 28, 2022.
9-11am - Viewing
Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel & Crematory
5400 W. Fairview Ave Boise, ID
11am - Funeral Service followed by burial service at Dry Creek Cemetery
9600 Hill Rd. Boise, ID.