Patrick Halloran Obituary

I had the great experience provided by Pat at Beal Air Force base of seeing the SR program firsthand at 16 years old Pat was always a hero and a kind man to me. It is sad to see the finest of men pass, we all love and miss you.

We met Pat at a Ch.2 EAA meeting in the early 1990's. Joyce loved his bright blue, sparkling eyes and his enthusiasm for life, flying and adventure. Burrall had great respect for Pat and his accomplishments and we very much missed him. Condolences to his family and many friends.

I was introduced to 'Uncle Pat' at EAA Oshkosh by his family. At the time, I did not know of his background but by chance, I was reading a book about military aerial photography at the time. I ran across this name 'General Pat Halloran' in the book in reference to U-2's and SR-71's. It took me a couple of weeks to ask his niece, Liz, if General Pat Halloran was the same as Uncle Pat. And sure enough, it was! In the following years, Uncle Pat stopped by our campground at Oshkosh where we 'sacrificed' a whole turkey on the grill along with a few beers to discuss many more aviation stories. As you can imagine, he had a few. In recent years, he was still active with EAA even though he sold his Lancair airplane that he built. He would give presentations to many EAA chapters as well at the EAA Oshkosh Airshow over the years. As one of ten pilots who flew both the U-2s and SR-71s, he is a very unique person who will be missed.

As a high school student while my father was assigned to the 9th SRW (Pat Halloran was his favorite Wing Commander) I worked at the Officer's Club as a waiter. Colonel Halloran often took his evening meals at the Officer's Club and I waited on him frequently. He always called me by name and never neglected to ask how my Mother and Dad were doing. A few years later when now MG Halloran was the SAC assistant deputy chief of staff for operation I had an interview with him in his office deep in the SAC Underground. I had recently learned of his SAC position,I had left active USAF duty and simply wanted to say hello. He was so gracious and warm. Asking me how in the world I was now in Omaha Nebraska and what my family was up to. At that time I was completing my undergraduate education at Creighton University and had just been accepted to medical school. I honestly think now that requesting an office appointment with him was to share my excitement with being accepted to Creighton's Medical School to someone I so respected and who had shown such warm confidence in me when I was an insecure youth. Just getting in to see him was no easy endeavor as I was no longer on active duty, nor was I cleared to enter the highly classified SAC Underground. Pat made that happen. He was curious about how I was going to pay for a medical education, especially with a wife and daughter? I told him that I was applying for a USAF Health Professions Scholarship and was crossing my fingers because the finances of a medical education had become a huge concern. Before I could tell him more he asked, "Don, would it be okay if I wrote you a letter of recommendation?" You can call BS if you like, and as corny as it sounds, I did not go there soliciting such an endorsement. nevertheless, Major General Patrick J. Halloran made the offer. I know his support got me a four year scholarship in an era where the norm was a three year ride.

Over the ensuing years I had several occasions to see and catch up with Pat; mostly through our shared love of General Aviation. Alway warm, self effacing, sincerely friendly, and genuinely interested the "the other guy". I count him as one of the finest human beings I ever knew. I know Jesus will say to Pat Halloran, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Funeral for Patrick Halloran is November 9, 2024 in Chatfield, MN, where he was born. He will have full military honors. Service at 11 am, lunch at 12 pm and 2 pm graveside military honors with requested flyover. RSVP to niece Susan Halloran: [email protected]. Peace to all his friends and family.

Some years ago I was watching a documentary on TV here in New Zealand. When Pat came on the screen I couldn't believe the resemblance to my family, and then I saw his name. My mother was a Halloran! We made contact and when Pat visited NZ we meet and had a lovely meal together with his group of travelling companions. We never quite worked out the connection in our family trees, but I have no doubt there is one somewhere.
I was sorry to read of his passing, he was a lovely man and I'm so glad we met.

A few years ago---Pat--Col. TOM KIRK---myself and Chris Hall

Pat and my Dad were best friends for many years. They both went through Cadets together and flew fighter jets in the Korean War. Latter they were selected to fly the U2 Spy Plane. Pat went on to also fly the Top Secret SR71. Pat was like a second Dad to my Late Brother and I. He would always bring us goodies throughout his travels. Pat left his Cool Convertibles with Mom and Dad when he had to go T.D.Y. Quick Witted and a great smile that would light up a room. I will miss talking to him on his Birthdays and Holidays. Even in his 90's he was so articulate. My biggest regret was not coming to visit him.. He will always have a special place in my heart. Pat soar with my Dad Col. Roger Lee Cooper..

I was MG Halloran's executive assistant when he was assigned Deputy Command Control and Communications, R&Dat the Pentagon. We had a great service relationship that grew into a great and lasting friendship. He was a family friend to my wie and kids. I remember him with great respect and love.

God bless, Pat.
John Haszard

Pat was a gentleman and a friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him. I was one of the Walters restaurant dinner crowd who looks forward to seeing him every Friday. He will surely be missed. if anyone knows whether there´s going to be anything special here in Colorado Springs, please let me know. 203-912-5325 thank you

My father (Brigadier General John A. Des Portes) was General Halloran´s wing commander for both the U-2 and, briefly, the SR-71. Such a long time ago. My thanks for such service.

John Des Portes
Mesa, Arizona

My condolences to all family and friends of Major General Patrick Halloran. My husband , Luis, and I met Pat at St Joseph's. We brought the Eucharist to him when he was in Rehab after his being hit by a car. What a wonderful man. He was a brilliant man as well as someone who was very approachable. My husband, who has since passed away, would have many a conversation about the military and history. He will be missed by many.

My sister and I met Pat at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, he thought my sister was my daughter, and we had a good laugh about her being my sister. Pat was always kind and was concerned about how everyone else was feeling and how their week was going. He had an absolutely remarkable life, and heaven has gained an angel and our world is a little sadder and darker without his bright light, rest in peace until we meet again

Happy days at Walter's Bistro in Colorado Springs - Pat with his longtime friend and Air Force mentor Gray Sowers

Longtime friend, fellow barfly and occasional golf partner. Pat will be greatly missed. Hope there will be some opportunity to celebrate his life with other friends here in Colorado Springs.

The Buckley Space Force Base (SFB) military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for General Halloran's service to our nation in the United States Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Services (DFAS), Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc., you can contact our office at Buckley at 720-847-6693 or [email protected]. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to military retirees and their surviving spouses/family members. Please reach out if we can be of assistance. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF (Retired)
Director, Buckley SFB RAO

Character and Determination make Good Officers and Leaders......Gen. Halloran loved to Fly Airplanes with 8,000 Military hours and Private Airplanes he flew after his Retirment. A Legacy to the USAF and the United States !