Patrick "Pat" Milton Kerrigan

Patrick “Pat” Milton Kerrigan was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to John Patrick Kerrigan and Marcella Joyce Kerrigan (Binkert). The third of five siblings, Pat grew up in a close-knit family, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and community.

He attended St. Pius X High School before continuing his studies at New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico. After college, Pat moved to Oxford, Colorado, where he began farming his mother’s land. It was there he met the love of his life, Elayne, and they were married on March 24, 1974, at Sacred Heart Church in Durango, Colorado. They eventually settled in Allison/Arboles, CO where they built their life together.

Pat spent over four decades working in the oilfield industry, with a career that took him across New Mexico, Alaska, Africa, and Colorado. When he retired in 2015, he returned to the work he loved most—farming. Farming was not just a job to Pat; it was a passion and a way of life. He was a perfectionist, taking great pride in every aspect of his work—from turning the soil and planting seeds, to harvesting hay and feeding cattle. His love for the land was matched only by the satisfaction he took in feeding his family from the fruits of his labor.

Pat’s greatest purpose and deepest love was found in his family. His love was constant, generous, and unwavering. He cherished his four children, helping them grow with strong roots and long-reaching limbs of love. He and Elayne were a team, both committed to shaping their children’s lives with wisdom, guidance, and unconditional support. Pat was always present—cheering them on at school and sporting events, offering his best advice, or simply listening when they needed him. Pat found happiness in the simplest moments spent with his family; from duck hunting and fishing trips with his brother Dan and his lifelong friend Ted to sharing his faith with his sister Carol. Whether napping under a shade tree, camping trips, adventures abroad, fishing with his grandchildren, family dinners at the kitchen table, or enjoying a bowl of ice cream and a movie, Pat was at his best when surrounded by those he loved.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife Elayne; his children Melissa Kerrigan, Josh Kerrigan (Beth), and Mary Jo Kerrigan; his grandchildren Kent Kerrigan (Codi), Blade Gump (Shy), Heather Kerrigan-Walsh (John), and Joshua A. Kerrigan; his great-grandchildren Karson, Kelton, Asher, Silas, and a great-grandson arriving in June; his siblings Carol O’Brien (Larry), Dan Kerrigan (Michelle), and John Kerrigan; sister-in-law JoAnne Howey (Tim); brothers-in-law Raymond Carpenter (Janice) and Wayne Carpenter (Lori); numerous nieces and nephews; and his lifelong friend, Ted Coleman (Darla).

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marcella Kerrigan; his son, Patrick A. Kerrigan; and his sister, Mary Theresa Peters.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and a deep connection to the land and to the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Services will be held at St. Ignatius Church in Ignacio, CO, on April 26th at 10:00 AM, with a meal to follow in the parish hall.