On October 17th, 1949 Patrick John Surrena began his extraordinary life. He was welcomed into life by his parents, Clarence Tobin and Julia Rosemary Surrena in Oak Park, Illinois. He would later be joined by 3 sisters and a brother, Suzanne, Sheila, Mary, and Matthew. His family moved from Chicago, Illinois to Thornton, Colorado, and finally settled in Euclid, Ohio. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1967. His love for Colorado as a little boy would bring him back in 1990.
Patrick made the decision in 1969 to follow in his father's footsteps and join the United States Navy. He was trained at boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Station. He went on to become a Communication Technician, and went through the Navy Seal SERE training. Pat flew missions out to Da Nang in Viet Nam and spied on the enemy in unarmed aircraft. He had a top secret clearance and would serve in the air, on land, and the sea. He received an air medal for meritorious achievement along with other medals and his unit received the equivalent of a Bronze Star.
Pat married Eileen Mary Kraft on September 25, 1971. They lived in Rota, Spain until 1972 when Pat finished his military career. They lived in Euclid, Ohio where their two beautiful daughters were born, Erin Kathleen and Kathryn (Katie) Suzanne. They moved to Dallas, Texas in 1980 and were blessed with the birth of another beautiful daughter, Patricia Elaine. Pat went on to work in the Marketing and Advertising field and through the years worked at Diamond Shamrock Corp., Padgett Printing, Hanson Brothers Printing, and G.A. Wright.
Pat and Eileen have 5 wonderful grandchildren, Alexander (Zander), Elexa, Kaiya, Aidan, and Tobin. All of them have his spirit of adventure, love of photography, love of flying, sense of humor, kind spirit, and the love of the outdoors.
Pat was a devoted family man, photographer, historian, mountain man, Aeronat (hot air balloon pilot), writer, author, drummer, proud Irishman, ham radio operator, and advertising and marketing guru. He was a proud, and founding member, of the Viet Nam Veterans Chapter #1106, and a lifetime member of the VFW. Pat belonged to the American Mountain Men Association #1449, and loved his mountain man brothers, and recreating the history of the Trappers. He loved the outdoors, camping and the beauty of the mountains. His maternal grandfather, John Jiran, shared his love of photography with Pat and he never stopped taking pictures. He leaves a legacy of beautiful photographs of his travels throughout Colorado, the USA, and the world. .
In the early hours of July 23rd, 2019, Patrick departed from his incredible life and is now watching over his family and the mountains he loved to photograph. In memory of Patrick his family would request that donations be made to his fellow Viet Nam veterans in the 1106th Chapter of VFW, or to the Purple Heart Homes of Colorado who provide much needed adaptions to the homes of our wounded warriors.
Pat will be missed by all of his family and friends. He leaves all of us saddened with his loss, but we are strengthened with his example of strength, courage, and love of family and country. Until we meet again, Patrick, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
