Richard Alexander Patterson Iii

Richard Alexander Patterson III, known to many as Rick, passed away after a courageous 4-year battle with cancer on March 18, 2025, in Longmont, Colorado, at the age of 72.  

Rick was born on November 16, 1952, in Torrington, Wyoming, to Richard Alexander Patterson II and Evalyn (Bon) Patterson. He grew up in Wyoming, moved to San Francisco, CA for a year in tenth grade, until the family settled in Colorado, where he graduated from Lakewood High School in 1971.

While working at Wyatt’s Cafeteria he met his high school sweetheart, Sandra Brannon, and they married on March 15, 1975. They lived in Greeley from 1973 to 1977, when they built a home and moved to Firestone.

He started the new role of father to daughter Christina, and four years later the family was completed by daughter Heather.

His career spanned over four decades at Coors, where he dedicated 43 years before retiring in 2016. As a celebration, he took a road trip by himself through Canada to see the Calgary Rodeo.

Beyond his professional life, Rick was deeply involved in public service. After moving to Firestone, Rick became interested in the town government and started attending town board meetings and serving on several committees. He served as a town trustee for ten years, followed by Mayor of Firestone from 1990 to 2002, leaving a lasting impact on the community through his leadership and dedication. The town’s growth and master plan can be attributed to Rick’s planning and ideas. During that time because of the work they did, the town received The Governor’s Smart Growth and Development Award in 1997. He was very proud of the accomplishment. During this time a new town hall and police department were built and the police department expanded. In honor of his service to the Town of Firestone, Patterson Park was created in the Saint Vrain Ranch neighborhood.

Rick had a passion for hot air ballooning that began in the 1980s when his family started assisting with local balloon launches alongside Marti and Terri Hill. In 1989, he became a certified balloon pilot and purchased his own hot air balloon, which he named Dreamship. This passion took him and his family on adventures across multiple states, where they formed lifelong friendships within the ballooning community. He especially loved traveling with Sandy; they ventured to New York City for Broadway shows, Las Vegas, and even to Alaska to fulfill a lifelong dream of Rick's. He also enjoyed trips to the Caribbean and spending quality time with his family.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra; daughters, Christina (Markus) Malessa and Heather (Nicholas) Nakamura; grandchildren, Sebastian and Savannah Malessa; sisters, Catherina Mill and Donnica Jones; brothers-in-law, Charles (Denise) Brannon and David (Kathy) Brannon; sister-in-law, Jeanne Mikulics; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Evalyn Patterson; parents-in-law, Dean and Doris Brannon; brothers-in-law, Mark Mikulics and Bill Mill; and son-in-law, John Allen.   

A Funeral Mass will be held March 27, at 1:30pm, at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, in Longmont, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. 

Rick’s adventurous spirit and commitment to family and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him.