Dr. Patrick A. Sillix

Dr. Patrick A. Sillix, a distinguished retired orthopedic surgeon in Grand Junction for over 40 years, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 29, 2025, following a brief illness. He was 73 years old.

Born in Lawrence, Kansas, on September 26, 1952, Patrick remained a proud, lifelong "Jayhawk". He attended the University of Kansas, where he graduated with honors with a double major. Following his passion for medicine, he earned his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences College in Kansas City, Missouri. He went on to complete his orthopedic surgical training at Dayton Children’s Hospital and a specialized surgical hand rotation at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine.

Dr. Sillix dedicated his career to the health and well-being of the Grand Junction, Colorado, community. His professional impact was vast, serving on the medical staff of St. Mary’s Regional Hospital and VA Medical Center and as Chief of Staff at both Community Hospital and Hilltop Rehabilitation Hospital. He also held the positions of President of the Mesa County Medical Society, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Community Hospital, and served on the Board of Trustees for the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine.

Beyond the clinic and operating room, Dr. Sillix took great pride and joy in serving as a team physician for Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University), supporting student-athletes with his expertise and spirit.

Outside of his professional life, Patrick was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and adventure fishing, camping, or boating and was most at home on the Colorado River, Lake Powell or Alaska. At his second home in Telluride, he enjoyed the mountains and the company of family, friends, and his Great Danes Austin, Esme, and Saige.

Those who knew Patrick best will remember him for his quick wit, charm, and the ease he brought to every room he entered. His intelligence was matched by his easygoing nature and a genuine sense of humor that made him a joy to be around. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help others, always ready to lend a hand or offer support whenever it was needed.

Above all, Patrick was a loving and involved father. During his former marriage to Pamela Sillix-Grotstein, they welcomed two sons, Blake Stefan Sillix and Fletcher Sloan Sillix, and he provided an active, adventurous life with them—countless backyard football, basketball, soccer, and baseball games; Lake Powell trips and beach vacations; soccer tournament road trips; and endless hours riding and racing motorcycles in the desert - acting as mechanic, coach, medic and partner in crime. He found joy in simple moments as well, from lighting fireworks to clay pigeon shooting in the desert, to lego-building, billiards and computer games at home. In all of these activities, fond and loving memories were created for his boys, their many friends, and their cousins, Nate, Hollie and Chad Reiber.

Dr. Sillix is survived by his oldest son, Blake Sillix, daughter-in-law Taryn Martin, and grandson Edward Sillix, of Santa Barbara, California; a brother, Michael Sillix of Wind Lake, Wisconsin, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Dale Sillix Sr. and Emily Sillix; his sister, Dr. Dale Sillix Jr.; and his beloved younger son, Fletcher Sillix, who fought a valiant 3 ½-year battle following a brain injury.

Arrangements are being handled by Callahan-Edfast Crematory. A private family service will be held at a later time to honor his life and legacy.