Buck Patterson

Buck Roger Patterson, 63 of Guernsey, Wyoming, passed away on November 15, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Buck was born on April 8th, 1950, in Torrington, WY, to Fred (Bud) Patterson and Jaunita (David) Patterson. The family lived in Hawk Springs and Casper, but spent several years in Guernsey, the place Buck always referred to as home. In 1959, the family moved to Cheyenne where Buck graduated from East High School in 1968. He then attended college, and played football at Hiram Scott in Scottsbluff, NE. He enlisted in the Navy in 1969 and served in the Vietnam War on the USS Constellation, on small river patrol boats, and in the Philippines. Upon discharge from the military, Buck lived in Yuma, AZ and worked as a police officer and in construction. He then moved to Flagstaff, AZ and began working for Atlas Powder Company, in a job that was to be his profession for the rest of his life, since Buck was the consummate salesman. He married Martha Frerichs, whom he later divorced. They had one son, Arron. In the early 1980's, Buck was transferred to Gillette, Wyoming where he continued to work for Atlas and then Western States Energy. In 1989, the company moved him to Salt Lake City, Utah where he stayed until 1991. Buck then bought a bar and restaurant in Butte, Montana, and ran it until 1994. He then returned to Wyoming to work for his close friend and mentor, Jerry Russell, at Waterworks Industries in Casper. He remained at Waterworks until his retirement in 2012. In August 2001, Buck married Connie, who remained by his side until the end. When he married Connie he inherited a large extended family, including three kids, some spouses, and four grandchildren. Buck was very active in Lake Guernsey VFW Post 4471, and served as Post Commander for 5 years. Buck was a golf fanatic, but he also enjoyed fishing and a good cigar. He loved football, and the Denver Broncos. More than anything he loved spending time with friends and family, especially beating them in Pinochle, getting one over on them, or keeping them laughing with his jokes and stories. He is survived by his wife Connie, his kids, Arron (Caitlin) Frerichs, Melanie (Mark) Brown, Monica (Richie) Gonzalez, Corey Johnston, his sister Sharon (Terry) Wilson, his brother Leroy (Linda) Patterson, grandchildren Roman (Meghann) Meeks, Noah and Abby Brown, Kozette Gonzalez, his uncle Jim Patterson, numerous nieces and nephews, and a large circle of wonderful friends. Those awaiting his arrival in Heaven include both his parents, his grandparents, and a sister, Dixie Jones. After all, when a man comes to die, all that he will have left, is what he has given away. Buck was a very giving, wonderful, fun loving man who touched many lives, and blessed those who were closest to him. He will be missed by all who knew him. Buck’s wishes were to return home to Guernsey; his wishes will be fulfilled by spreading his ashes there. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at “The Castle” at Lake Guernsey. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Lake Guernsey VFW Post 4471 in Guernsey, WY, or Hands for Hope Hospice in Idaho Falls, ID; both were very dear to Buck.

Memorial Services will be held

Saturday November 23, 2013 , 2:00 at The Castle at Lake Guernsey