Patrick James Brennan

Patrick James Brennan, age 52, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 31, 2022. He fought a valiant battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and the last words from his brother and caregiver, Michael, were, “You see it, go to it. I’ll see you on the other side.” Our Patrick gave one last thumbs up to his brother and mother, JoAnn, before he was ushered out of the confines of this world to be with his Heavenly Father, his earthly father, Melvin, as well as all those who passed before him.

Patrick was born on June 7, 1969, in Grand Junction, Colorado, as the youngest son to Melvin James and JoAnn (Darnell) Brennan. He was an adorable, sweet and easy baby and soon to be first friend and lifelong sidekick to his older brother, Michael Thomas. Life was never the same for their parents or those around these two high-spirited boys who enjoyed every single moment to the fullest, as well as took part in their fair share of mischief.

A special gift of Patrick’s was his ability to bring laughter and joy in everything, helping to make the whole world a little less uptight. He accomplished this feat most successfully in his growing up years, bringing hilarity and forming the best of memories with his large and loving immediate and extended family and numerous childhood friends.

Patrick was a world traveler early in life and lived in various places throughout, including Grand Junction and Denver, Colorado, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Burbank, California. He even had the opportunity to travel aboard a Mediterranean cruise with his parents and Michael, where they had so much fun (Patrick broke an arm), saw far-away locations and experienced and learned new things. One odd lesson for the young boys was that cheese is strangely considered a dessert in some places.

Brennan attended Orchard Avenue Elementary, East Junior High and Grand Junction High School. Growing up a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Boy Scouts, as well as serving a paper route with Michael for six years, Patrick’s childhood was filled with the love of family, fun experiences, work and play. He is a treasured and intricate piece of cherished memories and great days of swimming in the canal, riding BMX bikes, camping, fishing, and attending church dances and functions.

Following GJHS graduation, Patrick joined the U.S. Army, where he attended basic training in El Paso, Texas, and x-ray tech school at Fort Sam Houston. Brennan was then deployed for a tour in Germany, where he served as an x-ray technician/medic/self-proclaimed “buffer tech” in the 45th brigade at Gelnhausen. While in Germany, Patrick enjoyed doing life with new friends and also childhood buddy, Leroy Chavez, getting together whenever they could. Brennan kept fellow service men and women, many of whom were medics, in stitches with his strong wit and contagious laughter. Their friendships have endured to this day, where they reminisce and share stories of their lives in the armed forces.

After the military, Pat returned to his family, then living in Burbank, California, before moving back to Grand Junction and then to Denver. While living on the Eastern Slope, Patrick attended Regis University and earned a BS in nursing. A short time later, he met and fell in love with Shauna Greene, also a nurse. They married in 2002 and spent several amazing years together, enjoying life and traveling to new places, including fun and relaxing resort destinations in locations throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. In 2006, Pat and Shauna welcomed their first son, Thomas Earl Brennan, and in 2009 their youngest son, Max Melvin Brennan, made his debut. Patrick truly loved Shauna and his boys and created, together with them, among his most treasured of adventures.

In 2018, Pat returned to Grand Junction and spent more special times bike riding and watching the Broncos with Mike, barbequing and pool parties, going for picnics on the Mesa and just enjoying life with friends and family. It was during this time that he was diagnosed with ALS. He was treated with the highest honor and respect by the VA and attended and formed more lasting relationships at Connection Church. Even through his illness, Patrick continued to make people laugh and warm their hearts, and he was dearly loved.

Patrick was preceded in death by his father, Melvin James Brennan, grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and his cousin, Andrew Everett Pyle. Patrick leaves behind his former wife, Shauna Greene Brennan (Lakewood, CO), two sons, Thomas and Max Brennan (Lakewood, CO), his mother, JoAnn Brennan, and brother, Michael (Amy) Brennan of Grand Junction (and nephew, Sam, and niece, Dani), two little sisters, Melissa Jean (Rick) Espinosa (Burbank, CA) (and niece, Gabie, and nephew, Mateo), and Bonnie Jo (Adam) Brennan (Aurora, CO) (and niece, Lilah), as well as many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

This world is not as bright without Patrick and his enormous heart and smile, his go-to friendship to many, and his gift to spread joy even in the midst of pain and make people laugh until they cried, and their stomachs hurt. Our hearts now hurt in saying goodbye to our fun-loving son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, father, and friend. Rest easy, Patrick, and fly free of pain and bondage until we meet again.

A visitation for Patrick will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2022, with his funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2542 G Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505. A military honors service will follow, also on April 7, at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501.