Patricia "Pat" Jean Hardy Herrick

Patricia (Pat) Jean Hardy Herrick

Patricia Jean Hardy Herrick was a caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She was born May 25, 1933, in Denver, Colorado and she passed away May 20, 2023, just five days from her 90^th birthday.  She was the daughter of Virginia and Joseph Hardy of Telluride where she grew up. She graduated from Telluride High School and then summa cum laude   from Colorado A&M with a degree in sociology.  Pat met her husband David Herrick while studying at Colorado A&M (now CSU).  Pat and Dave married in June 1954 and moved to New York City to fulfill a ROTC commitment and then settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  In 1958, the opportunity to practice veterinary medicine in Cortez provided for their move back to the western slope of Colorado where they truly wanted to be.

Together the Herricks were an incredible team. They owned and operated the Cortez Animal Clinic until 1997.  Family was so important to Pat and Dave.  They raised their 3 children in Cortez and instilled in them tolerance, respect and perseverance. They also encouraged fun, adventure and enjoyment of the outdoors with many camping trips around the Four Corners, Lake Powell and ski areas.

Patricia was always up for a travel adventure. She and Dave traveled extensively to Africa, South America, Galapagos, Mexico, Guatemala, Haiti, Europe and China.  After a bicycle accident rendered Dave a quadriplegic, Pat lovingly cared for him and even drove Dave around the country in their 40-foot motor home that was modified to accommodate Dave’s needs. Dave and Pat were married for 47 years.

After grieving her husband’s loss in 2001, she reconnected with Ray Walter, an old sweetheart whom she had dated when she was a freshman at CU. Ray had lost his wife in 2001 as well.  They spent almost 15 years together traveling the world. 

She loved arts and crafts and was a very good gardener.  She was highly intelligent, and shall we say, determined.  She always had her own way of doing things.  She was proudly independent, spirited, frugal—yet generous and had strong opinions.  She had a fierce interest and concern for current affairs, was well-informed and followed the news.  She never lost her Telluride common sense.  She didn’t impose her beliefs on people but was always up for a discussion or debate on an issue.  Tough until the end, she will be sorely missed.

She is survived by 3 children, Gail Herrick and husband Gordon, Jimmy Herrick and wife Laura and Jeffery Herrick, grandchildren Alek Herrick and his wife Melinda Montoya, Chad Herrick and companion Samantha Merrick, Gabriella Herrick and great granddaughter Kayla Vanlandingham

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Joan, husband David, grandson Dante, and her companion Raymond Walters.

Pat received great compassion and care at the Beehive during her last months of life.  All Herrick family and friends extend gratitude to Jan and the staff at the Beehive Memory Care Center for their outstanding care. Job well done!

There will be a celebration of life late summer 2023.

No flowers, please.

Contributions to the Onward Foundation in Pat’s name are encouraged and will be most appreciated.

www.onwardfoundation.org   There are numerous funds to contribute to.