Patrick Thomas O'Connor

Patrick was born in Missoula, MT. He came to Palmer Alaska when he was in high school in 1948. He worked in the mess hall at Jonesville Coal Mine. After graduation he was asked to work as a mechanic at the coal mine. In 1952 He was called into the Army. He spent 2 years in the Army at Fort Richardson. He then went back to the coal mine and worked until they closed down. In 1955 he married Arleta Goodrich. They had 2 sons, Ron in 1958 and Dan in 1960. After several years of mechanic work, he went to Mt McKinley Park in 1971. The family liked it there. Pat built a house out of the park and they lived there until Pat retired in 1992. Pat & Arleta moved back to Palmer where they were raised. Pat built a beautiful home out of Palmer. He was such a worker and could help friends with jobs. If Pat was not working in his shop he was outdoors fishing, hunting, and exploring. Its been said Pat wrote the book on fixing things Alaska style. Pat is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arleta, son Ron OConnor and his wife Kim McMillan, son Dan OConnor, granddaughters Danielle OConnor, Breann OConnor, and Teal OConnor. Also, Great grand son, Kael Evans. A celebration of life will be held later this summer. Donations can be made to Museum of Alaska Transportation where he often volunteered.