Patrick Michael Avery

04/02/1957-09/10/2021

On Friday Sept 10th, Pat unexpectedly passed away from non – Covid related illness. Born in Portland OR to Roger and Nadine Avery but grew up in Larned, KS and graduated from Larned High School in 1975. He then served our country by joining the United States Marine Corp on Aug 1975. During his enlistment, Pat’s achievements/awards included Rifle Expert, Good Conduct Medal & Meritorious medal. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, rose to the rank of Sgt. and was honorably discharged after his 4 years of service. He then moved to Barstow, CA in 1983 to take a job with the Marine Corp Logistics Base - Department of Defense, Barstow, CA starting in the clerk's office, then moved to being a mechanic.

During his 30 year career with MCLB, Pat worked on LAV’s, M1 Tanks, and lastly, PAXMAN engines. Pat received many accommodations & awards for outstanding performance, and he always said that no piece of equipment that he touched would go out in less than perfect condition because he knew who would be using them. He retired in Oct 2013 as a Journeyman Mechanic. Many on base may not know him by name but everyone knew who Big Daddy was.

During his younger days, Pat enjoyed off-roading, building and flying RC Airplanes with his wife and kids until he retired at 57. He then spent his time enjoying nature. He loved hiking with friends, his daughter Megan & dogs Dillon and Lilly. Pat and his wife , Debra enjoyed each other's company while traveling to different places across the country and eating at local diner & dive eateries. Their favorite place to go was up the Oregon Coast as they had planned to move there someday.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Nadine Avery. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Debra Avery (Price), sister-in-law Sheryl Price (Love), brother Dan Avery, sister-in-law Victoria Avery, sister Anne Byer (Avery), children, Genny DeFranco (Avery), Megan Avery, Stacy Swoverland (Zieres), Kenny Zieres, Candace Wallace & Thomas Wallace plus 10 grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces & nephews.

Pat was cremated at Desert View Mortuary, Victorville, CA and will be laid to rest with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buran Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518 on Friday Oct 15th @ 9:45 am. Celebration of Life will follow at 11 am at Homewood Suites by Hilton, 885 E Hospitality Lane. San Bernardino, CA 92408. Condolences can be sent to 2855 Hollister Road, Pinon Hills, CA 92372.