Rhoderic Kress Patrick Jr. (“Rod”) passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at the age of 87. A longtime resident of Windsor, Colorado, Rod lived a life defined by devotion — to his country, to the skies, and most of all to his family.
Born on August 16, 1938, in Muncie, Indiana, to Mary Elizabeth Goecheus Patrick and Rhoderic Kress Patrick Sr., Rod grew up with a strong sense of duty and determination that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1957 and Suffield Academy in 1958, later attending the University of Pennsylvania.
Rod was drafted into the United States Army in September 1961. What began as a call to serve became a distinguished military career spanning 20 years. After basic and advanced training, he was stationed in Mannheim, Germany, where he married the love of his life, Fern. He went on to receive his commission in Field Artillery through Officer Candidate School in 1963 and completed fixed-wing and rotary-wing aviation training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, graduating as Honor Graduate and later serving as an instructor.
Rod served two tours in Vietnam, holding key leadership roles including Executive Officer and Commander of aviation units. After Vietnam, and before his assignment to Hawaii, he served as a Major commanding the 65th Company at the Army Aviation Center Ft. Rucker Alabama. He later commanded the 147th Aviation Company with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii and served in senior training and operational leadership positions throughout his career. He attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and ultimately retired with the rank of Major — a milestone he and his family were deeply proud of. His military service was not just his profession; it was a cornerstone of his family’s life and identity.
After retiring from the Army, Rod continued his lifelong passion for aviation as a commercial and corporate pilot. Flying was more than a career — it was part of who he was. Rod was also a proud member of Fidelity Lodge No. 19 A.F. & A.M. in Fort Collins, Colorado, A&A Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and Aahmes Shriners.
Yet of all his accomplishments, Rod was proudest of his family. He shared 63 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Fern Louise Patrick. Together they built a life side by side, rooted in deep love, shared purpose, and an unshakable partnership that carried them through every season. He was a devoted and steady presence — strong-willed yet tenderhearted, a man whose quiet support and steadfast encouragement shaped the lives of those around him.
He is survived by his wife, Fern; his children, Kari (John) Baugh of Fort Collins, Colorado; Rhoderic Kress Patrick III of Denver, Colorado; and Eric (Jill) Patrick of Parker, Colorado. He was a proud grandfather to Mikah Admire, Ethan Andrews, Nolan Patrick, Quinn Patrick, and Amanda Patrick, and great-grandfather to one great-grandchild PJ Admire. He is also survived by his sister, Sue (Nele Siebert) Haldane of Sutter Creek, California, and his brother, Thomas K. Patrick of Easton, Massachusetts.
Rod will be remembered as an honorable and loyal man — a loving husband, a steady and devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a leader who led with integrity and heart. Whether in uniform, in the cockpit, casting a fly line, or cheering on a favorite team, he lived with purpose and quiet strength.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Allnutt Drake Chapel in Fort Collins, with a reception to follow. Burial with military honors will take place at a later date at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Rod’s legacy and support for our nation’s heroes, the family welcomes donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Pathways Hospice.
His legacy of service, strength, and deep love for his family will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him.
