Patrick B. Splane

Patrick B. Splane of Cozad, Nebraska passed away peacefully Sunday morning, January 7, 2018 at the Cozad Care & Rehabilitation Center after a brief stay. He was 85. Born August 8, 1932 in Portland, Oregon to Ruth and Millard Splane, Patrick attended Marymount Military Academy in Tacoma, Washington, followed by attendance at Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento, California. His proficiency in typing and business machines led to employment with Union Pacific RR as a telegrapher which ended when he enlisted in the US Army as a member of the 706th Ordnance Corp, receiving a Commendation for service with Honor and Distinction. After attending Western Washington State College in Bellingham, Patrick’s skills lead to positions as Office Manager to several prominent plumbing supply firms in Bellingham, Portland, Seattle, and Denver. After several years with Keenan Supply of Denver, he retired and moved to Nebraska with his beloved cocker spaniel, Johanna. In August 1998, he accepted employment with the Brady Public Schools as a school bus driver until April 2004; a job he truly enjoyed. A member of the Good Sam Club, Patrick traveled with his camper through Nebraska, Colorado, Washington, and California. He served for several years as secretary/treasurer to the Elwood Odie Chapter of AA. An authority on vintage automobiles, his favorite being the Studebaker, Patrick attended car shows throughout the region of Denver, Nebraska, and New England. He was a life-long member of the Lambda Car Club International and its Regional chapters of Denver and New England. In September 2017 he was awarded "Best In Class" trophy for a 1994 Oldsmobile Cruiser SE submitted by Patrick and his best friend, Colonel Robert Freitas. Patrick is survived by his daughter Davia and her husband, Steve Larson of Portland, OR, his son Tim Splane and his wife Rochelle of Brady, NE and grandchildren Lachelle, Daniel, and Colin, and his brother Tony and his wife Cleo of Sedro Woolley, Washington, and their children Shawn Splane of Seattle and Renee Roozekrans of Mt. Vernon, WA. Patrick was cremated. Interment is scheduled for Auburn, CA where he wished to be buried alongside his mother, Ruth. A military burial ceremony will be performed to honor his service to his country.