05 Aug Thomas Joseph Patton
Thomas Joseph Patton, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend to many, was reunited with our loving Heavenly Father on July 15, 2022.
Thomas was born on December 20, 1988, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to his adoring parents, Dr. Larry K. and Margery Patton. Thomas was born beside his fraternal twin sister, Caroline, with whom he shared a close bond and lifelong friendship. For many years, Thomas was surrounded by only sisters, his eldest sister, Elizabeth, fraternal twin sister, Caroline, and younger identical twin sisters, Sarah, and Rebecca, until backup finally arrived in the form of his younger brother, William. Thomas and his siblings were all incredibly close and enjoyed a childhood filled with adventure, the great outdoors, and sometimes, a little mischief.
Thomas was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a Boy Scouts of America member and diligently earned his Eagle Scout badge at 16. Thomas was enthusiastic when sharing the gospel that he knew and loved and frequently started conversations on The 7 train and the Staten Island Ferry.
Thomas enjoyed family vacations and summers spent on the beaches of Southern California. As a California native, Margie enthusiastically shared her love for the ocean and marine life with her children. Thomas loved riding swells at sunset and admired the massive waves breaking at the Wedge in Newport Beach. Thomas cherished time with his Dad and felt most at home at the Alaska family cabin. His Dad taught him the importance of patience, hard work, service, and being kind to others. Larry practiced as a surgeon and passed along his scalpel finesse in teaching Thomas how to fillet sockeye salmon. His favorite place on earth was fishing on the banks of the Kenai River with his dad, surrounded by nature and wildlife. Thomas loved his father very much and always strived to make him proud.
One of the most memorable Patton family adventures was hiking the Subway in Zion National Park. The famous 9.5-mile hike is known for rappelling down steep waterfalls and canyoneering over gigantic boulders. On the first descent into the canyon, 10-year-old Tom bravely exclaimed, “I’ll go first, Dad!” before rappelling down a waterfall into a deep pool of water. Thomas displayed bravery and strength during this hike and throughout his life, always volunteering to go first and protect his family. He was a courageous adventurer with a heart of gold and our very own Tom Sawyer.
Thomas displayed a natural athleticism from a young age. He followed in his parents’ footsteps and became an expert skier and active Alta Youth Club (AYC) member. Thomas was passionate about expert runs such as Alf’s High Rustler, Baldy Chutes, and hiking up to Devil’s Castle and Catherine’s. In the wintertime, one could always find Thomas racing down moguls, throwing backflips in the backcountry, and gliding through powder. Likewise, in the summertime, one could always find Thomas practicing on the driving range, putting greens, or playing a round of eighteen holes at his favorite local golf courses, Bonneville and Mountain Dell.
Thomas was an artist and always had a sketchbook nearby, finding beauty and meaning through art. Thomas was known for his extensive hat and sneaker collection and enjoyed the craftsmanship behind many of his belongings. Thomas was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about significant historical events. Throughout his lifetime, he garnered widespread knowledge and was always eager to continue learning.
Thomas loved connecting with people and celebrated differences. He could start a conversation and find common ground with anyone. He was generous, hard-working, and always the first person to offer a helping hand. Thomas was a trustworthy and loyal friend. He adored his nieces and nephews and loved spending time with them. Thomas cared very much for his fraternal twin sister Caroline, and they talked almost daily. His beautiful and bright smile brought immeasurable happiness and love to all those around him.
In 2017, Thomas married Kaylee, with whom he shared laughter, love, and the joy of life. Thomas and Kaylee were best friends and found peace, comfort, and a home with one another. Together they enjoyed traveling and spending time with family, friends, and their sweet dogs.
Dr. Larry and Margery Patton have always emphasized to their beloved children that our goal in this lifetime is to be worthy of regaining the presence of our loving Heavenly Father and his merciful Son, Jesus Christ. Thomas will forever be an integral member of our family of eight and a dedicated follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ. We will never forget the light that Thomas shared with us all and firmly believe we will be reunited as a family again. The following poem written by Tennyson represents the continuation of Thomas’ journey to eternal progression and the infinite joy that meeting his Pilot, his loving Heavenly Father, face to face will bring:
Crossing The Bar
“Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that, the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.”
Thomas is survived by his parents, Dr. Larry K. and Margery Patton, his fraternal twin sister Mary Caroline Patton, his eldest sister Elizabeth Jane Porter (Jonathan), and their six children, Sarah Kathryn Putkonen (Miro) and their two children, Rebecca Anne Patton, and William Russell Patton in addition to his dog, Bonnie, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A private, peaceful, beautiful graveside service was held for Thomas on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Larkin Sunset Lawn in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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