Patrick Carl Vance

1963 - 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Carl Vance. Pat was born to Robert and Patricia Vance in Downey, CA on January 12, 1963 and passed away on January 2, 2026 at Northern Inyo Hospital in Bishop, CA. Pat is survived by his wife, Lenna, his son, Robert John "RJ" Vance, his granddaughter, Paige, and grandsons, Willam "Billy" and Nathaniel "Ducky" Vance. He is also survived by his father, Robert "Bob" Vance, siblings Paula and Jason Thomson, Shari and Joseph Harris, Sara and Josh Alves, and Jeremy Vance and partner Kristina Weaver, and Aunt Roberta Hunter and Ron Braun. Along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pat attended Big Pine Schools from K-12th grade and graduated from Big Pine High School in 1981. While attending Big Pine school, he played all sports but his love for baseball started at an early age, playing little league. His love for baseball continued throughout High School where he took up the position of pitcher and first base. After high school, he continued playing sports but played primarily fast-pitch softball. He played for many years in local fast-pitch leagues and tournaments. He was a talented ball player. Pat's talent and love for baseball and softball took him into coaching. He coached little league for many years and was also the assistant coach of the Big Pine High School softball team for several years.
Pat had many passions in life and one of those was cooking. Although he wasn't professionally trained, he was a great chef. He worked as a cook at many restaurants including Tokiwas, Country Kitchen, Wink's, Rossi's Steak and Spaghetti, Firehouse Grill, and Whiskey Creek. Pat loved BBQ, so much that he traveled and participated in BBQ competitions and was the founder of the 1st Annual BBQ Rib Cook-Off in Big Pine in October 2023.
Pat had a long working career in maintenance, construction, and carpentry. He was an experienced and skilled handyman throughout his lifetime, having worked at many local businesses and doing home repair and renovations throughout the Owens Valley. He was a hard worker, always finding jobs to do including cutting and delivering firewood.
Pat became involved and thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Destruction Derby circuit. For many years, he would enter the BVFD Destruction Derby at the Tri-County Fairgrounds and traveled to Ridgecrest, Victorville, and many other places to participate in the hard-hitting action.
Pat loved the Big Pine community. He was active in the Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department for many years and was a proud BP Warrior alumni. He helped with homecoming parade floats, worked the "chain-gang" at Big Pine football games, provided his "DJ Big Dawg" DJ services for school dances, and cooked at the annual 4th of July BBQ in Big Pine.
Pat faced adversity later in life with health challenges and the loss of his leg, but he never let it stop him from working hard and living life. Pat was an inspiration to many with his strong determination and work ethic.
Our beloved family member, Pat, was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia, grandparents, Norma and Willard Spratt, Cleo Miles and William Vance, brother Robert "Robbie" Vance and nephew, Skylar Amisone.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Big Pine Town Hall located on Dewey Street in Big Pine. Private interment at a later date.