Richard Paul Patrick

1942 - 2025

Richard Paul Patrick
April 9, 1942 - October 30, 2025
Richard Paul "Dick" Patrick was born on April 9, 1942, in Osceola, Iowa, to Jim and Ruth Patrick. He passed away on October 30, 2025, at his home in Mesa, Ariz. Dick was the eldest of three children, preceded in death by his sister, Elaine (1945–1971); and survived by his brother, Steve, of Gunnison, Colo.
Dick was active in sports throughout his youth and particularly enjoyed baseball. He broke his collarbone during his sophomore season while blocking home plate and later broke his leg sliding into base as a senior. His mother, Ruth, was mortified when he walked across the stage at graduation with his toes showing through his cast. After high school, Dick relocated to Colorado and began working for National Grocers during the early years of computer data processing.
At age 22, Dick enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Military Policeman in Germany. He often joked that he had taken "the world's worst cruise" when traveling by ship to Europe for his duty station. His time in the Army was an experience he always looked back on fondly.
Following his military service, Dick joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in Colorado, where he served as a deputy and formed many lasting friendships. In the late 1960s, he married Mary Ann and adopted her four children, Chris, Joe, Lynda, and Robert (Casey). The family later moved to Montrose, where Dick continued his law enforcement career and was promoted to Undersheriff. During that period, he also held a temporary appointment as Director of the Montrose County Welfare Agency. Together, Dick and Mary Ann had one son, Mike, born in 1973.
In the early 1990s, following Sheriff Gilmore's retirement and as family members relocated, Dick began traveling throughout the Southwest. He spent several years exploring the region in RVs and pickup trucks, often visiting New Mexico, particularly Silver City. He later settled permanently in the Phoenix, Arizona, area.
Dick will be remembered for his military and public service, integrity, and dedication to family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle.
Per his wishes, no formal services are planned. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to a charity supporting veterans and their families.