J.C. Pat"" Patterson

J. C. "Pat" Patterson completed his moment "between the eternities", passing on January 18, 2010 at the age of 86. He was born to Arthur Lee "Dan" Patterson and Nona Mae Patterson on August 16, 1923 in Fort Stockton, Texas. His family included his parents, one sister, and six brothers, and they all preceded him in death. As with his brothers, Patterson was an intense High School athlete, especially in football. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. and served at Sheppard Field, Texas, in Wichita Falls and at Ft. Bliss in El Paso. Patterson broke out in the oil fields of West Texas at an early age and quickly became a driller. He was serving as Drilling Superintendant for Kerr McGee Corporation in Tortuguero, Mexico (Bay of Campeche) when in 1951 at the age of 28 he accepted a position as Rocky Mountain Division Manager for Shaffer Tool Works, bringing him to Farmington for the remainder of his life. In 1954, he became a Manufacturers Representative for several oilfield lines and in the early 60's he built the building that is now O'Reilly's Auto Parts (across fro K-mart) and established Northern Specialty Company where he was heavily involved in Air and Gas Drilling in the San Juan Basin. During this time he also served as Drilling Consultant for Pure Oil Company (Union 76) in the continuing development of the Anneth Field. In 1967, he established Universal Equipment & Brokers where he specialized in the brokerage and liquidation of oilfield, construction and mining equipment as well as consulting for financial institutions. In 1970, he was retained by The Bank of New Mexico, and appointed by Judge James Musgrove as Special Master and Receiver of a local hotel in Farmington. The business was reorganized and successfully sold and at the time was one of the few Receiverships in the Sate of New Mexico to be run at a profit. His final business venture came in 1986 when he established Basin Roof Systems with his son Frank. He remained active in the business until age 82 and was affectionately referred to by the crew as "Chei". Patterson is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nina, sons, James Robert Patterson of Bainbridge Island (Seattle) Washington, Frank Patterson of Farmington, Lee Patterson of Peoria, Arizona and daughter Margaret Ann Lewis of Casper, Wyoming. There are 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute Street Farmington, New Mexico 87401