Patrick Gerald O'halloran

Born in Prairie Home, Nebraska, he lived on a farm with his parents and two sisters until they moved to Chino, California, in 1941. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Navy from 1944 to 1946 during World War II and served on the USS Hancock. From 1948 to 1952, he worked part-time for the California Division of Highways in San Bernardino while attending college. He graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in June 1954. That same year, he married Donna, his loving and devoted wife of 65 years.

For over 32 years, Pat worked for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). After starting as an Assistant Bridge Engineer, he rose through the ranks to ultimately become the Deputy District Director for Caltrans District 10, responsible for all state highway design and construction that included nine counties. For twenty years as a bridge engineer, he worked on the designs of several award-winning bridges and projects, including the Melones Bridge, the Stockton Channel Project, and the Pioneer Memorial Bridge. His work impacted all of California, including the San Diego Freeway Structures, the Artesia Freeway Structures in Los Angeles, and the Caldecott Tunnel. After retiring from Caltrans in 1984, he continued to work as a consulting engineer for Bissell & Karn and later for URS Greiner.

In 1968, Pat and Donna moved their family of five children to Camino, California, where they established O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch. For over 50 years, they have been growing apples, pumpkins , and Christmas trees, and have been long-time members of the Apple Hill Growers Association.

Pat was very active in the community in El Dorado County. For over 30 years, he served as a director of the El Dorado County Fair. He also served as a member of the El Dorado County Planning Commission. With his love of horses and history, he participated in the reenactment of the Pony Express ride for many years as a member of the National Pony Express Association. In 1984, he had the honor of being one of the sixteen Pony Express riders to ride in the Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade.

He is survived by Donna, his devoted and loving wife of 65 years.

He will be greatly missed by his children and their spouses: Mike (Kunthea), Dave (Wendy), Dan (Stacie), Tim (Laurel) , and Kelly.

He was the proud grandfather of Tim (Ali), Corey, Zachary, Jake, Lindsey, Patrick, Alyssa, Annalea, Jerry, Peter, Sophie and Rosemary, and his great granddaughter, Sawyer.