Michael David Patton

Michael David Patton, 55, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on February 6, 2012 in Boulder, Colorado. Michael was an amazing, devoted and loving father to his children, Shelby Michael and Graham Wilson Patton, and displayed this love daily with his words, actions and deeds. Included in his circle of love was the love of his life, Amparo Rodriguez, who gave Michael tremendous joy and happiness every moment that they were together, even though that time was too short. Michael also leaves behind his best friend Jeff Kostelecky and his beautiful wife, Caroline - they were Mike's family, too. There was never any doubt of the special love they all shared together.

Michael was born in Germany on October 10, 1956. His career started in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably from 1977 - 1980. In 1980, he began his career with Ford Aerospace and moved to Lockheed Martin shortly thereafter. He was a Certified Program Manager with Lockheed Martin, managing the Space Based Infrared System operations at Schriever AFB in a career that spanned over 30 years. His accomplishments and awards were many, but most of all Michael was proud of all the talented people he had the privilege to work with and their success and dedication to their programs.

In his spare time, Michael was an avid runner and ran every race he could with passion. He was also a gifted amateur photographer who loved nature and the outdoors. He loved to travel and photograph the world around him, and especially loved sharing travels with Graham, Shelby and Amparo. Michael had a passion for the ocean and sailing. He took every opportunity he could to sail and most recently went on a sailing trip to the British Virgin Islands with his children. One of Michael’s biggest dreams became a reality when he began planning to retire, buy a boat and sail around the world.

Michael had an amazing sense of adventure and was always pushing himself towards new experiences. His natural curiosity and intelligence led him to constantly learn new things; from bow-making to cooking, photography and sailing. He was fascinated with other cultures and seized any opportunity he could to learn about different countries and people. Michael was always looking towards the future and planning his next adventure with his family.

Most of all, Michael was devoted to his children. He gave everything he could to see his children succeed and provided them with every opportunity to do so. He was so proud of their success and accomplishments.

Michael also leaves behind his father, David Wilson Patton, and his mother, Sandra Graham Patton; his sisters, Patti Patton Bader, Tinta Patton Martin, and Ann Wilson Patton, and brothers, Charles Graham Patton, and David Wilson Patton II; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.