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Frederic "Fred" Graham Patton

April 23, 2015

Pighin-obitsm

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Frederic “Fred” Graham Patton announces his passing on Thursday April 23, 2015 at the age of 75 with family by his side.


Fred was born on January 12, 1940 in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada to Walter Graham “Hamie” and Anne Doris,(Ukrainetz) Patton. After graduation Fred married his first wife Cathie (Forster) and together they had three daughters. He was employed by the City of Cranbrook and then became a member of the Cranbrook Fire Department before starting his own heavy equipment business in the Cranbrook area contracting to BC Hydro and BC Tel. He moved to Columbia Falls, Montana in 1989 and married Carol (Moran), together they had a daughter along with Carol’s three sons. Fred continued working with heavy equipment in the Columbia Fall’s area and was employed by Noram and then with the Meadow Lake Development. After his stroke in 2002, he enjoyed his employment with the Montana State Veteran’s Home. He was an active member of the St. Jude’s children’s hospital and the Eagles.


Family was very important to Fred and he would do anything in his power to provide for them. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was always so proud of them all. He learned to hunt at an early age and enjoyed every moment he could hunting and guiding. Fred’s other interests included rodeos, curling, hockey and music. Fred made friends where ever he went. He loved to sing and entertain, as Matt says he knew more jokes than all of us together will ever remember. He was always the life of the party.


Fred is survived by his loving wife of 22 years Carol Moran Patton of Columbia Falls Montana; his children - Sheril Patton of Cranbrook B.C.; Lee-Ann (Norman) Pighin and their children Krista (Neil) Featherling and Tyler Pighin of Cranbrook B.C.; Debbie (Tony) Pighin of Fort Steele B.C. and their children Katie (Justin) Hjelmeland, Becky (Steve) Tees and Lane (Jaycee) Pighin; Kari Moran Patton and her son Cassius Johnston of Columbia Falls Montana ; Kit Koster and his children Raevin, Shade and Carson Koster of Columbia Falls Montana; Dustin Koster of Watford City, North Dakota and Mathew Koster and his children Dally and Bailey Koster of Spokane Washington; great grandchildren Caydants, Damen, Atlin and Bryah Featherling of Cranbrook B.C. Fred is also survived by his mother Anne Patton, brother Don (Carol) Patton and his first wife Cathie Patton all of Cranbrook B.C. and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins aunts and uncles. Fred was predeceased by his father Hamie Patton in 1977.


A celebration of Fred’s life will be held Saturday May 9, 2015 at 4:00 pm at the Blue Moon Rodeo Arena (outdoor) in Columbia Falls Montana. Reception to follow


Friends may visit the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family.  Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory of Kalispell Montana, caring for the family.



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