Patrick Larry Wilks

1955 - 2017

Feb. 5, 1955 - Aug. 18, 2017

Patrick (Pat) Larry Wilks was born Feb. 5, 1955 and joined our Heavenly Father on Aug. 18, at age 62. The birth and death of this great man however, is not nearly as relevant as all the days and nights he lived life to the fullest between these dates. He was the devoted husband of Becky Wilks and the son of Larry and Ruth Wilks.

Pat was a loving husband whose life was filled with his children, grandchildren, family, friends, neighbors and everyone associated with the crane business. In his free time, he was a wizard with exterior illumination and his house was decorated at major holidays to entertain all who were lucky enough to see. At home, in his garden, he could make anything grow. (Plus he attracted every hummingbird in Vacaville to his yard). He had a special communication, not only with hummingbirds, but with all birds, dogs and children. Neighborhood children would come over and say, "Can Pat come out to play?"

Growing up in the Big Sky Country (Montana), Pat enjoyed fishing, hunting, and exploring the Rimrocks. Pat was always working on mechanical projects, designing light displays and talking politics, including word jousting with liberals.

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, his youngest sister, Becky; his brothers-in-law, Don and Todd. He is survived by the love of his life, Becky; his children, Tyler Kirckof (Kellyn), Theresa Paquette, David Paquette (Katie); grandchildren, David, Daniel, Olivia, and Augie; siblings include, Angie, Tim (Terry), Mike, Trilby (AB), Colleen, Klair (Andy), Shawn (Tami), Kelly, Quinn (Shirley).

He attended school in Billings, MT and worked in his father's sign company while learning the trade. Pat became a crane operator with a talent of extraordinary hand/eye coordination. When there are people observing a crane lift, it is common to hear "How did he learn to operate a crane like that?"

Pat proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant E6 Armored Calvary in the Army CA and MT National Guard 1973-1983. He earned the Distinguished Service Award among other recognitions.

Using the skills learned at his father's hands, Pat successfully operated the sign and crane business for over 30 years installing/erecting some landmark signs in Las Vegas and all over the state of CA. Leaving the sign business, Pat focused on the crane business for the past 17 years operating ACE Crane, Inc. Whenever the best crane operator in the business was needed, they called Pat.

In spite of the physical adversities life handed him, Pat overcame them with grace, dignity, and humor.

A celebration of Pat's life will be announced at a later date.

Funeral arrangements by Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home, 707-446-3233, www.vacahillschapel.com.