Fred Ray Patrick

CORVALLIS - Fred Ray Patrick passed away Saturday, September 19th, 2015 after having fought a long and brave battle with Alzheimer's. Fred was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, October 1, 1941.

At the age of 1, he and his family were part of the "Grapes of Wrath" movement, migrating from Oklahoma to find a better life in California; specifically the San Joaquin Valley. Just like the movie of the same name, life was fraught with unforeseen problems they hadn't experienced in Oklahoma. Fred attended grade school and high school in Wasco, CA before attending Porterville Junior College where he studied criminal law while also playing football and running track. During this time and for the next 5 years he was with the Army Reserve.

Fred and his brother, Roy, were accomplished musicians, having performed as "The Patrick Brothers" starting in the sixties. They would later devote their talents to spreading the Word of God through Gospel Music. Fred was also an accomplished composer and arranger.

Fred met his wife of almost 50 years, Susan (Lusk), on the Central Coast before she and her family moved to Montana. After being apart for a few years they found each other again, got married and started their family.

Soon, Fred began working for The Southern Pacific Transportation Co. as District Freight Manager in Bakersfield and after 6 years was transferred to the Central Coast where they lived for the next 30 plus years. During this time, Fred (aka Sean Patrick), continued his singing career when time permitted. With his beautiful tenor voice, he especially enjoyed performing "A Tribute to Roy Orbison."

But, first and foremost, Fred was a loving and devoted husband and father. He has 2 children, Angela Churchill, of Hamilton, Montana, and Fred Patrick, of Los Alamos, CA. He has 6 grandchildren: Gabriella Huffmon, Joshua Patrick, Sean Patrick, David Patrick, Michael Patrick and Caden Churchill.

He was an avid Ram's fan, attending games at least once a year. He also rooted for the USC football team and the Lakers and Boston Celtics.

Going back to his mother and father, music was in his blood, and most of his sisters and brothers have performed professionally at some point in their careers.
Most importantly, Fred was a believer in Jesus Christ and tried to live his life in accordance to those precepts. He attended church faithfully and was baptized at the age of 21 at the Church of Christ in Grover Beach, CA. He loved singing in church and being a part of the Praise and Worship Team.

Fred leaves to mourn his loss, brothers Don, Roy and Phil Patrick ( Sandi and Ellen) and sisters Pati Watts (Dan) and Margie Goosen (Joe). His father, John Ray Patrick, and mother, Beulah Ann Patrick were previously deceased.

Fred will be dearly missed by his wife and children and other family and friends, but knowing he is in a better place with his Heavenly Father, will ease the pain of his loss.

Services will be held Saturday, September 26, 2015 at House of Praise, Victor, Mt. at 11 am. Please make any donations to House of Praise Youth Center or Hospice, Hamilton, Mt.