Michael Patton Obituary

I am so saddened we didn't see more of each other. I feel so blessed and thankful that we met. It was such a surprise to learn I had another brother who I knew nothing about. I will never forget the first time we met. I will always love you and cherish the time we did have.

I love you. I miss you. There are so many things I wish I could tell you. I just want you to know that I am no longer that scared, unsure person that I was back then. Because of you, I've learned how to live my life with conviction and bravery. A lot of things have happened - I've found the person I'm going to spend the rest of my life with and I know you would like him very much. I have friends and family that I respect and admire and tell them stories about you constantly. I've finally found the thing that I'm meant to do and I've found the discipline inside of myself necessary to pursue it with everything I have. Every achievement I've accomplished I attribute to you - because it's you who showed me the importance of living your life with courage. You showed me that it takes courage to dedicate yourself completely to something - be it a career, a relationship, or finishing a run - and it takes courage to believe in yourself enough to carry the weight of your responsibilities squarely on your own shoulders, to put everything you have into achieving your dreams, and not making any excuses about why you 'can't/haven't/shouldn't.'

To be honest, I was a mess back then and I know you were worried about me. I was a mess for a while after you were gone, and you would have been worried about me then too. But I don't think you would need to worry about me now. Now, I hope that you are just be proud of me. Everything that I have achieved, I attribute to you. And I want to achieve even bigger, better things, just so I can silently thank you in my head. I want people to look at me and see a smart, talented, successful, kind, generous, and funny person because it was you who taught me everything I know about what it means to be smart, talented, successful, kind, generous and funny. When people look at me, I want them to see you and the legacy you left behind with me.

Living my life well and doing things that would have made you proud is the only way I have left to show you how much I love you. And I try my very best to that every day.

I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my father you'll be.

So sorry to read this, I attended Pinecrest high school in Southern Pines NC with Mike. I lived with Mike and his family from 1974-1976. We enlisted in the Air force together in 1976 under the buddy plan intending on becoming air traffic controllers. Mikes eyes were bad and he couldn't get into the air traffic control school. We stayed in touch throughout the 80s. Mike and his family were very kind to me, He was a good friend and will not be forgotten.

Michael, you are missed, every minute, every day, forever, and you will never be forgotten.

Hey Sailor!

How's the sailing? I think of you often and the lessons you left for those willing to listen. You are not forgotten . . . francis

My dear brother, my only regret that saddens me deeply, is that the relationship you and I had developed a few years before your passing was not cultivated much sooner. I am grateful for the years we had as brother and sister and much more grateful for the years we were close. Our family has suffered great loss without yours and our father's presence. Shelby, Graham and Amparo, my deepest sympathies for you all, wherever my brother may be, he has made that place that much better. May he and Dad watch over us all

What a tremendous human being! Michael provided the absolute education on how to live life - he's my role model! His personality matched the flowing landscapes he tenaciously photographed. His warmth, loving smile, contagious laughter, and welcoming presence have inspired me to live life more fully and savor the everyday beauty in nature and people. I'll never forget the sight of him dressed as a pirate (or Johnny Depp wannabe?), flashing his fake gold teeth with his signature wide grin. He ran the human race with dignity! Although he left us far too soon, thank you Michael for leaving an inspiring legacy. We promise to never forget the memories you generously created. I know he will continue to watch over his dearest children and love of his life Amparo. My heart is broken but I take comfort knowing I'll see him in heaven.

Shelby and Graham I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. We had worked together and he was a great friend. He loved you both very much and not a day went by that he didn't share how much joy you both brought to his life. During this time may you find peace and solace knowing that he will always be with you in mind, heart and spirit.

Mike was a fine man, and leader, but most importantly a fine human being and a great family man. He is missed by all of us at Schriever.

Mike was a fine man and leader, but most importantly, a fine human being and a great family man. He is missed by all of us.

My prayers and thought are with Mike's family and friends. So sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with Mike at Schriever several years ago and cherish the friendship of him and our entire LTOC team. We were an excellent team who cared about our work and for each other thanks to our leadership. God bless you, Mike. You leave behind a legacy of love, friendship, and devotion.

I am very sorry to hear of your recent loss. May the God of all comfort help you to endure through this difficult time.

I am so very sorry to hear about Mike. I knew him and worked with him in Calif. He was a good friend and a good man. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. May God be with you and help you through this time. All of us lost a good friend.

Richard Williams

I spent the better part of the summer of ‘05 working on a proposal with Mike in Albuquerque. We stayed in the same hotel and Mike made me meet him at 5:30 every morning for a 4, 5, 8 mile run (he kept making them longer). Sometimes after work we'd go on another run but always had dinner and a couple beers. Several Saturdays we climbed the grueling and beautiful La Luz trail to the top of Sandia Crest. These are good memories; Mike lived life as an adventure, had great perspective and really loved his kids. All my sympathy to his loved ones.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family and friends through this heartbreaking time. Mike was a great man, co-worker and runner. He will be missed. My deepest condolences.

I had the pleasure of working with Mike for quite a few years. He was always an enthusiastic, dedicated professional who did his very best, no matter what the task was. When Mike went after something, he gave it his all. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful love of life, especially for his children. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his family, friends, and co-workers. RIP Mike - a life gone much too soon. You will surely be missed, but remembered, always in our hearts.

My condolences to Mike's family and co-works out at Schriever. I was also a co-worker of Mikes for 6 years with Lockheed. Our paths crossed again at Schriever. Everytime I saw him, he made a point to say hi and see how things were going for me. He will be missed!

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I hope the many fond memories you have of Mike and his passion for life will help sustain you though this time.

Shelby and Graham,
Joanne and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to you, the Patton family and all of Mike's friends at this time of tragic loss. Working next to him in two assignments over the last 7 years, I got to know Mike quite well. May you be comforted and sustained in the knowledge of his very apparent and unbridled love for you.

I worked with Mike in the Cube, he was a good man to work with, and a person to respect, and a guy to kid around with too. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. - The Wook

My condolences to Mike's family and friends. I'll always remember his snickering laugh and mischievous smile. Fair winds and following seas, Mike.

My deepest sympathy to Mike's family and friends. I remember Mike as a coworker that was very dedicated to his company. He always had a smile and his special little laugh. He was a very strong leader and had a passion for everything he did. He will be missed.

Shelby, may you and your brother find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of your father. Our deepest condolences.

My heartfelt sympathy and condolences for Mike's family. He was an excellent leader and colleague. He will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheri,Shelby and Graham during this time of unimaginable tragedy.

We will keep the Patton family in our prayers. Mike was a friend and co-worker and I will always remember him with a smile on his face - that was his trademark. He will be missed by many.

The loss of Mike's fellowship and leadership has made this a very difficult week for all. Mike was passionate about everything he did. Diana and I offer our deepest sympathies to Mike's family and friends and pray for God's healing presence.

The entire Duncan family adored Mike so very much. He always engaged each of the children and inquired about their activities. He was always spot on with his humor. We will all miss him so much. With love, Sally, Kevin, Luke, Emily and Natalie Duncan

My thoughts and prayers are with all the family

My prayers and thoughts are with the Patton family and his friends. RIP Michael. Thank you for your service and all you have done for others.
You will never be forgotten.

Graham, Shelby and Amparo, I am so sorry for your loss.

From work discussions about a Way Forward to resolve an issue, to virtual online tours through the Hylas 49 blue water sailboat you planned to buy, to the frequent comments to each other about how itchy a beard can be to grow (LOL), those memories and many others will live on in my thoughts forever. Many prayers for you and your loved ones - God Bless.

I express my deepest sympathies to Mikes family and friends during this time. He was such a great boss and had such a great personality that was warm and cheerful. You will be missed Mike but never forgotten.

I will remember Mike as someone I deeply admired and respected. He and I shared an interest in running and traded training strategies and race stories incessantly! I will truly miss him, and I wish all the best to his family and friends.

It has been a very sad week. Mike was always so full of life. He seemed very happy lately and we all miss him tremendously. My heart goes out to his family through this very difficult time. Mike had a lot of friends and will truly be missed.

Mike I love you so much WHAT A GREAT Brother, great Father, great Human being. You will be missed. Godspeed.

My heartfelt sympathy and best wishes to Mike's family for their loss. Mike will be deeply missed by all of us who worked with him over the years and were fortunate to know him....

Mike's smile & laugh were contagious. I'll never forget him at the Christmas party dressed up in the Elf costume. And lately his Jeremiah Johnson beard was a fun topic. (Mike - I'll still plan that trip to Carnival)

Mike was a great asset to the Schriever family and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by all.

Mike was a great person that always took care of his team here at Schriever. We are praying for peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time for Mike's family and friends. We will miss him.

My family and I continue to pray for Mike's family. He will truly be missed. He was a good man who had a strong impact on the lives of many.

It was our pleasure to know Mike.
Our sincere prayers for his soul and his family.

Mike was a pioneer, a solid leader that demonstrated great passion for what he did in every aspect of his life. He will be missed by all of us in Boulder. My sincerest condolances to his family and friends. He will not be forgotten.

My prayers and the prayers of my family are with the Patton family. Mike was a good boss and a nice person to work with. He will be missed.

It has been a very sad week at Schriever. I really liked listening to Mike's sailing stories and how much he enjoyed that last trip with his kids. We will miss Mike.

Inna and I would like to express our most heartfelt sympathies to Mike's family and friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Mike will be very much missed by us at Schriever. We are in prayer for his family and hope for God's touch for you all.