David Patrick "Pat" Early

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David Patrick (Pat) Early, 71, of Vina, California, passed away peacefully from a long and courageous battle with illness on March 8, 2026. The family was blessed with over 25 more years of his humor, shenanigans and love, than the medical community ever expected.

Pat was born April 24, 1954, in Red Bluff, California, to Wayne and Wilma Early. He grew up on the family dairy alongside his 14 siblings, where he spent his early years milking cows, hauling hay and showing the family's prized Jerseys along with his siblings at county fairs. Those early days shaped the strong work ethic and love of family that stayed with him throughout his life.

Pat graduated from Los Molinos High School in 1972, where he was a multiple-sport athlete and a proud member of FFA. Following high school, he worked in the logging industry for Collins Pine Logging, where he started out as a choker setter, then drove water trucks, logging trucks, and felled trees. He also drove truck for Cumpton's and Lassen Forest Products. Even after retirement, Pat continued doing what he loved - cutting firewood and generously sharing it with family and members of the community, he was known as the "Wood Guy." He was always willing to lend a helping hand, he enjoyed when local ranchers would call him when they needed someone with strength and know-how to mug calves at brandings.

Pat found his greatest joy in his family. He and Dawn (Daugherty) Early found each other in high school and were married 53 years, shared many road trips and adventures traveling to visit their children and grandchildren. He especially loved being "Pa" and traveling to watch his grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews, play sports in California, Oregon, Alaska, Las Vegas, NV and Minnesota. He was the biggest fan of all their sports: football, basketball, baseball/softball, track, soccer, rugby, rodeo and even ice hockey. When he wasn't in the stands cheering them on, he could often be found in the woods & orchards cutting firewood. One of his favorite places was the family claim/camp that we shared with any family and friends that wanted to enjoy the quad rides through the forests, the swimming hole, late night card games and Pa's famous camp breakfast he loved to cook for everyone.

He also enjoyed a good scratcher, playing his numbers, and sitting down for a good card game-especially if it meant giving someone a little "learnin'" and a good "skunkin'" in cribbage.

Pat will be remembered for his unmistakable, robust laugh that could be heard from a mile away and for always saying he was "just peachy," no matter what the day brought. He lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, humor, and unconditional love for those around him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn; daughters Jessica (Wayne) Suchorski and Joanna (Patrick) White; and grandchildren Mickenzie (Riley) Johnson, Bryant (Shaylee) White, Jace White, Wyatt Suchorski, Weston Suchorski, Whitley Suchorski, and special family members David (Sara) Hunt, their daughters Eloise and Evelyn, along with numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by his son, Jonathan Early; his parents, Wayne and Wilma Early; and siblings Francis Early and Eileen Mattoon.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 2, 2026, 11:00 am, at the Lassen Steakhouse Gardens in Vina, California. Your presence would mean a lot. If you are able, please feel free to bring a favorite story about Pat, any pictures you would like to share, and a potluck dish.

In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the Jonathan Early Athletic & FFA Memorial Fund through Los Molinos High School.

Pat's legacy of laughter, generosity, and love for family will live on in all who knew him.