Pat Gervais Obituary passed away Thursday, July 21, 2011 in Helena.
Patricia Therese Birgen was born September 11, 1957 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Clare Birgen and Ruth (Jennings) Birgen. She lived on the family farm near Worthing, South Dakota until her graduation from college. Pat attended Cottage Grove country school through the fifth grade. Sixth through twelfth grades were completed at Canton Public School. She graduated from Canton High School in 1975. Pat attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting in 1979.
Following graduation, Pat moved to Casper, Wyoming where she was employed as an accountant. She worked in various finance and accounting positions in Cody, Rawlins,
Cheyenne and Sheridan, Wyoming. Pat moved to Helena in 1990 and began her career with the State of Montana. At the time of her death, she was employed as a Senior Fiscal Analyst in the Legislative Fiscal Division.
Pat met Dan Gervais in Cody, Wyoming in 1990. Dan went to Cody to buy a horse, he met his future wife….and he bought a horse. On October 19, 1991, Pat and Dan were united in marriage at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church and made their home in Helena.
Pat loved animals, especially horses. In 1983 she pursued her childhood interest in horses and began taking riding lessons. This was the beginning of her involvement in the horse show world. Pat was a member of the Vigilante Appaloosa Horse Club. She served on the Board of Directors of the Montana State Horse Association and the Board of Directors of the Yellowstone Reining Horse Association. She also served as secretary of the WYO-MONT Appaloosa Club, Big Wyoming Appaloosa Club, and the Montana State Appaloosa Club.
Pat proved to be an accomplished horsewoman earning Rookie of the Year in 2009 from Cowboy States Reining Horse Association. Other awards include WYO-MONT High Point Amateur, BWAHC High Point Non Pro Showmanship, and 1987 BWAHC Rookie of the Year. Pat graduated ‘Green Reiner’ in one year from the Montana Reining Horse Association.
Pat was not only interested in the science of horsemanship, but pursued many aspects of equitation including Dressage, Driving, Reining, Showmanship, and Western Pleasure. She had a love of Appaloosas but an appreciation of all breeds. She received a special joy from watching youth bloom into accomplished equestrians.
Pat practiced her faith as a member of SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. She had a deep devotion to Mary the Mother of God and attempted to follow Mary’s advice “Do whatever Jesus tells you.”
Pat possessed a bright intellect, competitive spirit and great sense of humor. She was a great friend and co-worker. She was humble and caring. She will be missed by her husband Dan, her family and countless friends.
Pat is survived by her husband, Daniel Gervais of Helena, Montana; one brother, Greg Birgen (Mary) Pflugerville, Texas and five sisters: Barbara Willis (Ken) of Westminster, Colorado; Mary Bliss of Mankato, Minnesota; Nancy Birgen of Hutchinson, Kansas;
Marcy Reese (Will) of Quinlan, Texas; and Carol Birgen (Mike Sprenger) of Presho, South Dakota, ten nieces and nephews; and twelve great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Clare Birgen (September 28, 1986) and Ruth Birgen (January 22, 1988) and grandparents: Caroline (Determan) Birgen, Michael Birgen, Grace (McIlvanne) Jennings and William Jennings. Pat shared a special relation ship with her mother-in-law, Rose Gervais, who also preceded her in death.
Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. The family will begin receiving friends at 6:30 p.m. with a Vigil service to be held at 7:30 p.m. today, July 24th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 25th at SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church East Helena. Fr. Tom O’Donnell will officiate. Pall bearers are Richard Bachmeier, Gerald Daumiller, Wally Johnston, Cameron Meissner, Thomas Murphy and Mike Sprenger. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Cancer Treatment Center, C/O St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Ann Gilkey says
I worked directly with Pat at DFS/DPHHS and indirectly through Legislative Services Division. I always trusted her with numbers! I fondly remember her wedding shower -and many other light-hearted moments.
I am very sorry to hear of Pat’s death. I hope family and friends find comfort and peace in memories.
Bill & Deb Felton says
Dan,we so sorry about Pat’s passing. Pat will be greatly missed. Our love and prayers are with you. Bill and Deb.
Bob Anez says
I knew Pat for many years, as a reporter and then as a fellow state employee. She was a sterling example of dedicated public servant and wonderful human being. She was serious, but funny, hard-working but horse-loving. She was, without a doubt, a highlight of my life and has been lost to us far too soon. The world is a worse place for her leaving it.
Bob Jennings says
May she rest in the peace of Christ. My prayers are with you all during this time.
All my love.
Bob
Brigid Ernst says
Uncle Dan, I am thinking of you and the rest the family and remembering Aunt Pat fondly. She always had a smile when I saw her, especially when the two of you were together. The joy that the two of you brought to each other’s lives was evident. It is a comfort to know that she was able to peacefully go home to her Father and suffer no longer. With thoughts, prayers and love, Brigid
Caroline (Richmond) Lowe says
with our deepest sympathy and prayers for comfort –
Bob & Caroline Lowe
(Ella’s daughter)
Chandra Morris says
We can be prepared but we are never ready for a friend or loved one to pass away. I am deeply saddened by Pat’s passing. My heart goes out to you, Dan, and to your family.
Chris Holm says
Dan, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
Cindi Kuehl Ellison says
I just learned of Pat’s passing today. I’m so sorry–she was WAY too young! I thoroughly enjoyed the fun we had together in high school and also college. My sympathies to you all.
Debbie Birgen says
My deepest sympathies to Dan and all the family members. I will miss her as she was a wonderful loving cousin,
Dolores Harbeck says
Our deepest sympathy to all the family at this time of loss. You will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Dolores and Ron
Donna Birgen Reinicke says
know that allof your are inmy thoughts and prayers in this timeof your loss.
Gail Abercrombie says
I’ll miss seeing Pat up at the Capitol and at horse functions. So sorry that she has left us. My condolences to Dan and the rest of Pat’s family.
Jackie Strain says
Oh my gosh Dan, I’m so sorry. We will miss her greatly, but will always remember her happiness, love of life and her friendship. She was a sweet, sweet lady and I will never forget her ever riding so proudly on her spotted ponies.
Jan Lukenbill says
Pat, your passing is a loss to not only Dan, but to all of us who had a chance to know you. Your infectious smile will forever be in my heart.
I find comfort knowing you are with Jesus, riding Bird and enjoying your new life in Heaven.
We’ll meet again, my friend, in the place only known to those who He chooses to take on this journey.
Joanie Broadbent says
Dan, You are diffinitly in our thoughts and PRAYERS. May the many “HAPPY MEMORIES” you and Pat shared comfort you and your family during this most difficult time. Please remember we are here for you. HUGS!! to you!! Pat was one very SPECIAL LADY!! Always Joanie
john ilgenfritz says
I knew Pat while working at Family Services in the 1990s. Bob Anez described her well in a previous signing. As a new employee, she was always willing to take the time to explain that which I did not understand in a kind and thoughtful manner. Wonderful sense of humor. She is missed by all those who were blessed with knowing her. Condolences to her loved ones.
Kara Sperle says
To Pat’s family – I am very sorry to hear about your loss. She was one of those people that touch your life. She will be remembered and missed.
Kristy Wheeler says
Goodbye sweet lady. You will be forever happy
Laura (Birgen) Palmer says
“Patty” was a very special person, and her dedication to live life was very evident. I remember many vsits while we were growing up! Dan you are in my Prayers as is the rest of the family, as well.
Laura (Birgen) Palmer says
Dan, I understand your pain right now. Please remember you have a LOT of family and friends to support you now. Please don’t be afraid to lean on them. It is hard to believe, however the pan will ease. Pat will always be with you in your heart and memories. Please don’t be afraid to remember those times, good and bad.
Lois Steinbedk says
Dan and Pat’s family – Words cannot express my grief at losing Pat. My life is better because I knew Pat – we laughed together and shared many great horse and work experiences. Pat will always be with us – my memories of her are great treasures.
Lorra Mitzkus says
Dan, I am so sorry for your loss, Pat was an awesome woman and I feel very fortunate that I got to know her. may your memories of your time together give you strength.
Mary Blake says
Pat was a bright spot in my life that I always looked forward to even though I didn’t see her much. She always had a smile and was willing to talk aobut alot of things offering her special perspective. Enjoyed her very much and hoped to spend more time with her. She was truly special. She’ll be missed in her physical form, but will be with alot of us in her own spiritual way. Look for her and the feel of her smile… Prayers for all of her friends and family in this difficult time.
Mary Lease says
I only learned of Pat’s death today. She was a wonderful friend throughout high school and college. She will be greatly missed.
Messner Family says
Pat will be missed but not forgotten. You are in our prayers.
Priss Leslie says
Dan and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. If I could I would take all the hurt away from you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Priss
Rena Carlson says
Dan,
I am sorry for your loss. I am glad to have gotten to know Pat over the last year. You are in my thoughts.
Renee Pipinich says
Dan, I am sorry for your loss. Pat was a very sweet lady.
Sarah Blackburn says
Dan I was so sad to hear about Pat’s passing. She was a fun, smart and kind woman who I so enjoyed getting to know. I know the path will be difficult ahead; I hope you find peace in time.
Sue Binion-Wilke says
Dear Dan,
I was so sorry to hear about Pat’s passing. I was in New York with my family and wasn’t able to be at the services. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Susie Melchert says
I did not know her well, but I will miss seeing her at the shows as she was warm and geniune, an open book, ever ready with a welcoming smile. A beam of light. Truly she will be missed by all who knew her.
Teresa says
I am thinking of you all and sending you love and prayers.
Terry & Linda Threlkeld says
We enjoyed knowing Pat and appreciated her no-nonsense approach to the State ApHC Club business. You could always count on her to volunteer for a job and to do it with enthusiasm and vigor. We will miss her greatly.
Tessa Gray says
Hello. I was a friend of Pat’s and shared a passion of horses with her. I will miss her kind nature and sense of humor. She will always be in my heart.
Tom, Chuck, Donny, Kraig, Bob, Sam, Pete, Carl. says
Our condolences to Dan, and survivors of Pat Gervais. May the peace of God be with you all, during this time.
sincerely,
from the team at door systems