Curtis Wayne C.W. Patrick

C.W. Patrick, also known as "Pat", longtime resident of Livingston, Montana passed away on May 1, 2014 at his home, surrounded by family and friends. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory and arrangements are under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will be held Tuesday, May 6, at Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston, Montana at 2 P.M. We will meet at Franzen-Davis and then process to the cemetery. Curtis Wayne 'C.W.' or 'Pat' Patrick was born January 11, 1929 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Villis G. and Veda L. (Bacus) Patrick. He spent his childhood days living with his grandparents, Ed and Emma Bacus, in Howard, Kansas on their farm where he acquired a love for animals that followed him throughout his entire life. He attended schools in Howard, graduating in 1947. He was a sports enthusiast, playing football and basketball in high school. C.W. lived in Salmon, Idaho for a short time working for the Forest Service, later moving to Livingston, Montana. He went to work for Northern Pacific Railroad in July of 1950. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served in England. After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1953, he returned to Livingston and went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad again. He was employed as a brakeman and was promoted to conductor in 1958. He worked on freight and passenger trains throughout the Montana Territory. C.W. purchased some acreage in Laurel, Montana and raised thoroughbred race horses while still working 7 days a week on the railroad. He started out with a $600.00 brood mare that he purchased at a Sheriffs sale. He studied breeding and bred, raised, broke and trained many winners in his career. He knew thoroughbred breeding as well as anyone in the state. C.W. was very proud of a horse named Donchalla he bred that later won the 1971 Treasure State Futurity. He campaigned horses he raised and trained throughout the United States and Canada. As he traveled around various race tracks he always met someone he knew or someone whose father or brother he knew. In later years he said he might not remember people, but tell him the horses name and he could tell you who owned it and how it was bred. He attributed his knowledge of horses to reading and to the knowledge he gained from many of his friends in the business. C.W. also raised horses and cattle on his ranch at Emigrant, Montana. C.W. married Mary Jane Cabe, the love of his life, in Wells, Nevada on January 2, 1976. They shared 11 very happy years as husband and wife. C.W. retired from Burlington Northern Railroad in January of 1988, with 38 years of service. He enjoyed many trips over the years taking his friends and relatives to Yellowstone National Park, stopping for a picnic or fishing along the way. He had many tales to tell of fishing in the park. He also enjoyed hunting. C.W. lived a long and full life doing things "his way". Right or wrong, he believed in himself and the more difficult a job was, the harder he tried and the more determined he was to succeed. He was raised during the Great Depression and knew the value of a dollar and a good days work. He was always eager to give advice and be there when a friend needed his help. Survivors include a sister, Joyce of Copan, Oklahoma, six nieces, Janet and Rita of Fruitland, Idaho, Sue and Nancy of Ontario, Oregon, Deniece of Normal, Illinois and Jona of Copan, Oklahoma and a step-niece, Vee of Baxter Springs, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jane, his parents, Villis and Veda, and step-father, Hunt, a brother, Kyle, a step-sister Nadine, a nephew, Teddy Pat and a niece, Dynda. His nieces Rita and Sue want to thank Livingston Home Health Care, Harry, Yoli and Lily for their help with our Uncles care. In Lieu of flowers donations in C.W.s memory may be made to the Meals On Wheels program at 206 S Main Street Livingston, Montana 59047, or a charity of your choice.