On Tuesday, May 29, 2018, Pat Allen Nees passed away peacefully at his home in Colstrip after a long battle with cancer. Pat was born on August 17, 1951 to Ama and Ehrmel Nees in Forsyth, Montana. Pat grew up in Forsyth, the youngest child in a family of four. After the loss of his father in his late teens Pat started working weekends and summers at the Owen and Vernie Johnson ranch north of Forsyth. Pat became family and this relationship colored much of his life.
After high school Pat worked at a variety of jobs around Forsyth prior to starting in Colstrip as a member of the construction team that built units 1 & 2. Pat lived in Colstrip from 1974 to his passing. He was an avid horseman and was instrumental in the forming of the Colstrip Roping Club where he spent many nights and weekends roping with friends. Pat eventually hung up his spurs for a helmet and warm clothing for snowmobiling but never lost his love of horses. Pat was also involved with the Loyal Order of the Moose, spending many hours helping others. Pat loved dancing and gardening but his greatest joy was his family.
Pat married Maxine Lehto in June 1972 and fathered two beautiful daughters, Shasta Nees and Shila Fischer. Pat and Maxine parted in 1992. In 1994 Pat reunited with his high school sweetheart Dianna Johnson. They were married in December of 1994. With the marriage Pat gained two more children Wendi Simpson of Miles City and Jason Heathman. Pat loved his family and spent countless hours with all of the children that called him Grandpa.
Pat is survived by his wife, Dianna; daughters, Shasta Nees of Moore, Shila Fischer (Darren) of Moore; son, Jason Heathman; brother, Mike Nees of Sheridan; sister, Darlene (Larry) Eichhorn of Lewistown; nine grandsons and six granddaughter; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Pat was preceded in death by his mother Ama, father Ehrmel, step-father George Crawley, daughter Wendi, sister-in-law Carol and sister Doreen. He will live on in the memory and hearts of the people who love him and all that knew him. Rest in peace Pat!
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Tom & Robin Shahan says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dianna and family! Pat has been a part of my life since I was in high school when he drove our bus to away basketball games to being there for me during my apprenticeship at the plant. He touched many lives and he will be missed!!
Shirley Skinner says
Diana and family… I am so sorry to hear about Pat. He was a truly good man…. our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to you.
David and Mary Jensen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Pat was truly a very special person.
Diana Robinette says
Diane sending you my prayers and thoughts, keep all the good memories close to your heart, keep those babies close they will be a comfort to you.
Mick and Jo Brady says
You will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to your loved ones.
Kenda Heck says
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences to you, Diana and your family. I am praying for you and your family to find comfort during this difficult time. Pat was such a wonderful and kind man. We are all blessed to have known him.
Chantelle says
We are so sorry for your loss. May you all cherish all the wonderful memories.
Chantelle, Dan, Alyssa, and Zackary
Mary & Mike Holzwarth says
I too, have known Pat, since he was driving school buses. He was a good man, may he Rest In Peace. Diana and family, please accept our sincere condolences, during this most difficult time.
Teresa D. Elliott says
I remember Uncle Pat and Uncle Mike always being there for my brother and I, we spent a lot of time over at Grandma’s house hanging out, Uncle Pat and Uncle Mike had their bedrooms down in the basement, I would wander down there to hang out with them and they would pull silly tricks like pretending to chop off their finger, and showing it to me in a little box with cotton and Ketsup around the finger, this of course sent me screaming up the stairs for Grandma to get Mike help.
Mostly what I remember about Uncle Pat is that he loved cowboys, he loved his family and water skiing on the Yellowstone in Forsyth, they always included my little brother and I when they went to the River, watched out for us, and made sure we were safe. I Love you Uncle Pat, I always will, and you will be missed very much.
Tami Klapwyk says
My prayers are with all of you. He will be missed by many. May God grant you peace and comfort.
Steve & Sandy Perusich says
Sending our deepest sympathies to the Nees family. May God take Pat into his loving arms and grant you peace. Know that the ones we love are always with us.
Jerry W. Johnson says
My deepest sympathies to the Nees family I am truly saddened to hear about your loss.
Melinda & Chad Formanek says
Deepest sympathy for all family and friends. Pat was a kind hearted great man who will be sorely missed by all.
Ray Krenik Jr. says
My condolences to the Nees family. My dad always spoke very highly of Pat. I know if he were still alive today he would be very sad to hear the news. Pat was a good man. So sorry for your loss .
Bert & Helen Woods says
So sorry for your loss. You have our sympathies and our prayers during this difficult time.
Dave Johnson says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, may God comfort you through this time of Sorrow. God bless you, and keep you through this time of Sorrow.
David and Punky Mann says
So very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for you all
Charlie & Lisa Blevins says
I remember Pat was always there to give a hand or experienced advice to his fellow plant workers. I have relied on him many times.
Sorry for your loss, it is much to soon.
Leslie Manning says
Pat will be missed great guy prayer and thought with family
Stacey Rosman says
Pat will be missed by so many. I’m very sorry to hear of his passing, and my heart goes out to his family and friends. Pat and my late father Dave Rosman were good friends. I spent many hours hunting from one of Pat’s saddles. He taught me to light a match with my pant leg when I was a young man. Shasta, Shila, and Maxine all babysat my brother and I when we were young. Pat was a rock for my family when my dad was sick. One of the kindest, most honorable men I have ever known. I count myself as a lucky man to have known him. May he rest in eternal peace with our Savior and Shepherd, Jesus Christ
Dave & Lu Hensel says
We are so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Our prayers are with the entire Nees Family. Pat was a kind, sweet man, he will be missed by many. God Bless.
Boni and Gary Eernisse says
We are saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. We both respected him as a co-worker and person. He built a cabinet door to conceal our water softener in our home, we will think of him each time we access that cabinet. Prayers of comfort and peace to his family.
Patty says
Pat will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend. Remember every moment of every memory as you begin this difficult journey. With our thoughts and prayers. Patty and Gordy
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
We are so very very sorry for your loss. Pat was such a kind and gentle man. He will be truly missed.
Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers with you all.
Barbara Loumer says
My heart is with you Dianna. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Stand strong knowing that you will be together again one day.
Gerald Tallent says
Dianna and family,
Sorry to hear of his passing. He will always be in my heart.
Prayers for the family.
Gerald and Jayne Tallent
Steve Perusich says
I’m sorry for the loss of Pat. He was a friend and coworker whom I enjoyed spending time with. I send prayers and blessings to the family and offer my condolences.
Brent and Lori Ricks says
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all his friends.
Judy Lynn Nees Seeley says
I send my condolences to Pat’s family. As his cousin, I last saw him when I lived in Miles City (between 1979-1988). Unfortunately, time passed and, throughout the years, I lost contact with Pat, especially after I moved to Arizona in 1988. Pat’s father, Ehrmel, was my father’s brother, so, as I child, we spent a lot of time in Forsyth around the Nees family so I have fond memories of being with Pat, Mike, Doreen, and Darlene. Pat, even as a child, was always smiling and was always such a kind, gentle person and I know he will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers go out to all of his family in the days ahead.
Bob Smith says
Hi Dianna. It’s Bob Smith, I was a classmate to both of you. I actually just Googled Pat to see if I could contact him when I came down to see family this summer. I’m so sorry to hear of this. I always thought so highly of him. Sorry for your loss. Bob Smith
Janice Strommen says
Beautiful tribute to a man well loved.
Jack Berish says
So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. My first lead man in 1984. So fair and truly a good guy. I’m sure he will be sorely missed.
Donna Ludwig Cook says
Dianna,
Just read about Pat. Many prayers to you and the family. You have many friends there to help you through this.
I know we lost contact through the years, I have thought about all. One of these days I will be back to Montana.
Be strong.
Donna Ludwig Cook
Penny Pulver Teeters says
Dianna: Many of my teenage memories involve Pat and the ranch during the summer and weekends. He was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers to you.
Courtney Sand says
Dianna, I was one of Pat’s high school classmates and am sorry to learn that we have lost him. My sincere sympathies to all of the family.