Patrick Henry Proulx passed away peacefully on September 2nd, 2024, surrounded by his immediate family.
Patrick, simply known as Pat to everyone who called him friend was born September 8th, 1947, in Crookston MN to Celestine and May Belle (Bachand) Proulx. Pat was the 5th of 11 children and grew up doing what most boys in the “north woods” did; hunting, fishing, playing hockey, and working on local farms when he was old enough to operate a combine tractor. Pat enjoyed time spent with his brothers and sisters growing up and was known as a prankster.
Pat was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 and spent 2 years in service to our nation. He attended basic combat training at Fort Lewis, WA. After basic, he was transferred to Fort Moore (Benning) GA, where he attended radio repairman school. After completing radio repairman school, Pat was shipped off to Germany where he worked in the orderly room and enjoyed good, but warm, German beer and developed a taste for bratwurst and sauerkraut.
After his honorable discharge, he headed back home to Minnesota. His mom asked him what he wanted to eat for his first meal home and he jokingly said “a dozen fried eggs” and sure enough, his mom cooked him a dozen fried eggs. All of which he enjoyed and never asked for a dozen fried eggs again.
Pat attended college where he earned his degree in accounting. After college, Pat headed out west in the mid 70’s where he met Barbra Cromwell and started a family in East Helena, Montana. Shane was born on March 5th, 1978, and a little brother, John Paul, was born on November 27th, 1980. Pat and Barb separated in the mid-90s. Pat managed the Sinclair gas station on Prospect Avenue for more than two decades and made more friends than anyone could count. After retirement he picked up a new profession, full time grampa.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Celestine and May Belle. His big sister and her husband Celeste and Bob Jiminez, and his brother-in-law Andy Vanyo. His little sister GiGi Obrigewitsch, sister-in-law Jeanette Proulx, and his littlest, but biggest brother Charlie Proulx.
Pat is survived by his two sons, Shane (Ashlee) and John Paul (Rocky). Grandsons Brayden (Larissa), Liam, Geoff, and Layton. His granddaughters Emylee and Megan, and his great grandson Zyler. Brothers Louis (Cindy), Vince (Marilyn), Roger, Joe (Judy), and Mike Obrigewitsch. Sisters Judy (Rus) Vanyo-Hoffman, Paulette (Sam) Wheeler, Claudette (Sam) Kanani, sister-in-law Marsha Proulx, and more cousins, nieces, and nephews than can be named.
A short memorial service will be held at the Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery on September 20th, 2024, at 1:30pm with a get together at John Paul’s house afterwards. A celebration of Pats life will be held summer 2025.
The family would like to thank all the dedicated nurses, physicians’ assistants, and doctors at St. Peters Hospital that cared for Pat in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the COPD Foundation.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:30 p.m.
Friday September 20, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
,
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:30 p.m.
Friday September 20, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
,
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Carol Bearden says
We’re so sorry for your loss John Paul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Carol and Tom Bearden
Jean and Anthony Strainer says
What a great photo and beautiful obituary. What a life! Our heartfelt condolences to John Paul, Shane, and your beautiful families. May all the wonderful memories you’ve gathered as a family carry you forward. May God send you strength and peace, and may you be comforted by the love surrounding you.
Beth Eckman says
We love you all! I will never forget the smirks that so often were Uncle Pat’s smiles when he and mom were together!
mike obrigewitsch says
It is an honor to be names as Pats brother. I miss the trips to Helena and his jokes. I believe his best prank was when his sister Celeste bragged about being able to distinguish the taste of Maxwell coffee regardless of who made it. Pat Brewed two pots of the same off brand coffee and celeste tasted both and declared the first one was Maxwell and the other was slop.
She did have the grace to laugh with the rest of us when Pat showed her the off brand he has used.
Miss you Pat. Take care of GiGi for me until I get there.
Kevin Flanagan says
I worked for Pat at Sinclair while I was attending the Vo-Tech in the mid 80’s. I remember him as a good guy and a fair easy going boss. I learned a lot about Pat I didn’t know until I read his interesting obituary. Godspeed Pat.
Della Dobbins says
I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing John Paul and Shane. Keep living through your memories.