Patrick Thomas Mudd

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Patrick Thomas Mudd, age 48, of Sheridan, Wyoming, passed away surrounded by his family and close friends in Billings, Montana, on July 14th, 2024. Patrick was born to Mike and Pat Mudd on December 9th,1975, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Patrick is survived by his partner and soul mate, Dr. Jenn Gage; his children Taylor Mudd, Riley Mudd, Parker Mudd, Charlie Gage, and Oscar Gage, mother Pat Mudd-Eivins (Steve), sister Jennifer Howatson (Dennis), niece Mikayla Howatson, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. His father, Mike Mudd, and grandparents Thomas (Lee) Mudd and Olga Pratt preceded him in death.

Patrick graduated from Palmer High School in Colorado Springs and then attended college in McCook, Nebraska, on a golf scholarship and later St. Mary’s University in Minnesota to play hockey. He returned to Colorado Springs, where his children Taylor, Riley, and Parker were born. In Colorado Springs, he worked with HVAC systems and the U.S. government contracted him to conduct assessments on military bases worldwide. In 2013, Patrick and his family moved to Dayton, Wyoming, where he started his own company, Bear Paw Test and Balance, and volunteered with the Tongue River Fire Department. In 2018, he transitioned to work with Sheridan County School District #2 in the Maintenance Department. In 2020, Patrick and his kids moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, with the love of his life, Jenn. In 2022, he became the Assistant Superintendent at Kendrick Golf Course, a dream job for this turf loving man, where he thrived on his daily interactions with the “old guys” and the “young kids.”

A dedicated father, partner, friend and coach, Patrick had many passions in life but none so much as his family. Patrick and Jenn both knew how lucky they were to have a second chance at love and felt fortunate that their blended family merged so seamlessly. He often told people he was “out-chicked” but Jenn knew she was the lucky one, having found her a safe place to land. “Be the Sheep Dog,” Patrick would tell his kids-don’t be meek but don’t be a bully, always protect and take care of your herd. He ran on military time and after a long-winded explanation, you might understand why it’s more efficient.  His love and confidence in his children garnered his consistent presence, high expectations, and loud encouragement. A hockey family, they traveled many miles across this country, packed in tight, laughing, consuming a lot of Panda Express, listening to Dean Martin and John Prine, experiencing life to the fullest. Patrick embodied authenticity, heart, and fun. Jenn says it best for all of us, “We knew we were deeply loved.”

An avid hunter, one of Patrick’s favorite accomplishments, was drawing and filling a Colorado sheep tag in the Fall of 2021. Some of his favorite memories are of hunting camps and long hikes with his closest friends and with his son. Cooking was another one of Patrick’s passions. He could conjure a five-course meal from whatever ingredients were on hand. His meals always drew a large crowd and gained accolades on his Instagram page.

Patrick coached at every level within the Sheridan Amateur Hockey Association.  The players, coaches, and parents who knew Patrick will all say they had a special relationship with him because that’s how he made each person feel. He would spend countless hours teaching and playing the game with all kinds of hockey folks. Whether you were an adult beginner trying to find your way in a new sport or a smelly, hardheaded high school kid, Patrick was always there to cheer you on and help you improve, all for the love of the game.

Rarely the frontman, Patrick was often the man behind the scenes, creating opportunities, encouraging growth, telling it like it was, and always appreciating life in the moment. A father figure to so many, he held kids accountable and lovingly pushed them to their potential, whether they were eight or eighty-two. Patrick coined many a nickname and always had a story to share.  A big kid at heart, the man never knew a stranger.  Patrick was one of the good ones and we were all lucky to be a part of his life.

Gone far too soon, you will be missed. Rest in peace, dear friend.

A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at the M&M’s Center, 475 E. Brundage St, Sheridan, Wyoming, on July 26th at 4:30 pm (his favorite meeting time). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Patrick Mudd Memorial Fund c/o First Federal Bank & Trust or c/o Sheridan Ice. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.