Christopher M. Patterson
August 1, 1973 ~ August 29, 2022 (age 49)
Obituary
With a devastated heart, I announce the unexpected passing of my husband and favorite Marine, Chris Patterson. My life has forever been changed by knowing him and feeling his infinite love. I learned to ride a Harley, honed my shooting precision, laughed louder, loved him intensely, and cried harder than I ever knew possible when he passed. Chris and I spent many horseback hours seeing some of New Mexico’s amazing beauty or touring on the Harleys through small towns and investigating hole-in-the-wall eateries. One of our favorite motorcycle rides was the Million Dollar Highway between Durango, CO and Silverton, CO. We couldn’t get enough of the breath-taking scenery and the “twisties” on that narrow, 2 lane road. Our other must-do ride was to Leadville, CO, on Memorial Day to honor our nation’s fallen soldiers, especially USMC Nick Palmer, son of our good friends Brad and Chele Palmer. Memorial Day had a completely different meaning after our first ride in Leadville, so much that Chris had Nick’s dogtags tattooed on his arm. Chris and I loved spending time with family, whether it was with his parents or my ‘tribe’. There were many gatherings at my sister, Jennifer’s, and brother-in-law, Lance’s home that included Lance’s infamous grilling and a plethora of colorful, witty military banter between Lance and Chris to decide the superiority of Marines vs Air Force. We couldn’t wait to watch college football in the fall and spring baseball on TV and cheered loudly for our favorite SEC teams. Despite Chris’ two full sleeve tattoos and tough exterior, he was an extremely caring person. When my dad’s health was failing, he spent a few weeks helping my mom and taking care of my dad while they were waiting for a home health care person. Chris also shared his not-so-tough marshmallow center with his nieces, Breanna and Savannah, and proudly responded to the nickname “Uncle Puddles”. Chris and I enjoyed going to church and bible study together and I am comforted knowing he is now in the arms of God. I profoundly miss my Marine and will forever hear his room-filling laugh.
Chris was born in Newton Lower Falls, MA and moved to Albuquerque, NM with his parents, Mike and Lorraine Patterson, when he was in elementary school. He spent many summers skateboarding and building jumps in the street by his house. Chris eventually graduated to dirt bikes and loved riding with his dad for hours in the sandy desert west of Albuquerque. Chris and Mike also cherished black diamond snow skiing on their favorite slopes in Colorado and New Mexico. Additionally, Chris lettered in high school track/cross country but his preferred activity was dirt bikes. He graduated from high school on crutches due to a torn ACL from catching air on his dirt bike as that was his prized adrenaline rush. He was also an accomplished trumpet player and excelled in baseball.
After high school, he wanted to drive semi-trucks and eventually became a skilled professional truck driver, heavy equipment operator and heavy equipment/semi-truck mechanic. Mason Buckland (Dana’s son and Chris’ stepson) and Chris spent many hours “wrenching” together on various trucks and swapping stories of repairing epic mechanical failures. One of Chris’ top goals was to become an owner-operator of his own tractor and flatbed trailer; he achieved this when he established C. Patterson Truckin’. Along with his treasured yellow lab, Levi, the inseparable pair covered many miles together. If the load could fit on a flatbed, he hauled it, including loads of Colorado timothy hay for his parents’ feed store, The Hitchin’ Post, in Tijeras, NM. When he wasn’t over the road, he loved working at the feed store side by side with his folks. When they retired and closed the store, Chris started hauling fuel locally and became his employer’s go-to trainer for new hires. He took great care in training and instructing them and fondly called them his “guppies”. Chris loved the challenge and danger of hauling a “rolling bomb”.
September 11, 2001 was a turning point in Chris’ life and he decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in December 2001 at the “young” age of 28. He was older than his oldest drill instructor and they called him “Grandpa” in boot camp. During specialty training, Chris broke the neck of his femur and was eventually medically retired after 3 failed hip surgeries and a subsequent hip replacement at age 39. His patriotism was evident to everyone who knew him and he was so proud to be a Marine.
Chris is survived by his loving wife Dana; his stepson Mason(Clara)Buckland; his mother in law, Judy Givens; Dana’s siblings, Jennifer(Lance)Rawlings, Scott(Senta)Givens, Kevin(Alison)Givens; nieces and nephews; his parents, Mike and Lorraine Patterson; his aunts and uncles, Stephen(Kayutah)Higgins, Nannette(Rand)Hubbell, Kathleen(Lou)Apodaca, Virginia(Jeff)Kerr, Michael Higgins and several cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Allen and Ruth Patterson and Raymond and Dorothea Higgins as well as Chris’ father in law, R. LeRoy Givens.
“As a young man, Chris spent a lot of time riding dirt bikes and snow skiing with his Dad. As an adult, he worked as a diesel mechanic and truck driver. He worked also with his folks at their store, “The Hitchin’ Post” in Tijeras, NM for many years.
They were wonderful years and filled with treasured memories.” -Mike and Lorraine Patterson-
A memorial service is planned for 1:30pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at the National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe Street in Santa Fe, NM. The Patriot Guard Riders will provide an escort from Reflections Chapel, 2400 Washington St NE in Albuquerque. If you wish to proceed to the National Cemetery with the escorted parties, please be at Reflections by 11:30am.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Patriot Guard Riders. https://www.patriotguard.org/tribute-donations/
The Patriot Guard Riders is a 100% Volunteer, Federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which ensures dignity and respect at memorial services honoring Fallen Military Heroes, First Responders and honorably discharged Veterans. Chris rode with the PGR for quite a few years.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christopher M. Patterson, please visit our floral store.
Services
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Wednesday
September 21, 2022
1:30 PM
Santa Fe National Cemetery
501 N Guadalupe St
Santa Fe, NM 87501
