Patrick E. McCain, age 77 of Helena

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

1. Howard Mears says

   October 2, 2024 at 5:37 pm

   Pat and I served in the United States Marine Corps together in 1966-1969. We met a the Communication Electronics School at MCRD San Diego, CA, for the Radio/Telegraph class. We became good friends there. I don’t think anyone who knew Pat didn’t think of him as his friend. When we graduated from school, we were given leave before deploying to Vietnam on the USNS Gordon – a troop ship. Both of us off-loaded in Da Nang, Vietnam, and went our separate ways to our assigned unit. I didn’t see Pat again until my wife and I returned to Montana and moved to Helena in 2012.

   I always thought of Pat as an “original Montana hayseed” – a characteristic that hadn’t changed from our last meeting in Vietnam until our first meeting again in Helena. We met for coffee and chatted and he eventually volunteered for the Toys for Tots program in Helena where I was the Coordinator. Here he was with at least one college degree and a commissioned officer in the Montana National Guard. Whew! Who would have thunk it?

   We had stories of our “adventures” in Vietnam, memories of times together and an enjoyment of the bonds we had as brother Marines. If anyone knows when and where his services will be, please let me know. My cell number is 406.461.5302.

   Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) you old Jarhead (a nickname for Marines). You were a good friend and a good man.

   Howard Mears, Coordinator
   Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots
   Sergeant, USMC (Vet)

2. Ken Rosenbaum says

   October 3, 2024 at 8:37 am

   Today October 3, 2024
   2:00pm Family services at Ft Harrison Chapel
   3:00 pm Ft Harrison Veteran’s Cemetary with Honors.

3. Doris Copenhaver says

   October 5, 2024 at 2:58 pm

   RiP my favorite funny friend
   Will truly miss you