The world lost a unique soul on Sept. 4, 2006. Charles P. "Pat" Myers was killed in a one-vehicle accident on Miller Mountain near Cooke City. Pat and friend Steve Liebl were on their way to change batteries in the city's television tower when their jeep rolled off the mountain. It was somehow fitting that Pat died in the mountains that he loved.
Pat was born on April 29, 1955, in Billings, to Charles and Betty Myers. He had one older sister, Vicki Newman. He attended Billings West High School and later worked in the oil fields throughout the northwest as a roughneck. Ultimately, he was an assistant driller on the second largest drilling ship in the world off the coast of South America. Pat graduated from Eastern Montana College with a degree in psychology in 1989. He worked for Alternatives, Inc. as a client advisor and counselor.
In 1991, Pat and Christina Kelly were blessed by the birth of their cherished daughter, Jesse Blake. Pat and Jesse loved to read together when she was little and read the complete trilogy, "Lord of the Rings." Jesse resided primarily with her father and they had a special relationship together. He often told her he loved her to the moon and back a thousand times.
Pat graduated second in his class from the University of Montana School of Law in 1991 and began the practice of law in Billings. He spent his legal career defending the rights of individuals and he helped many people over his 14-year career.
In 1992, Pat met the love of his life, Debbi Surratt, while they were playing co-ed softball in Billings. Pat and Debbi were married on March 12, 1994, in Red Lodge. Their marriage united as a family Pat and daughter Jesse, and Debbi and daughter Laura Dianne, son Phillip Jon, and stepdaughter Tera Lea. The family made their home in Billings and later in Cooke City, where they built their family cabin and became partners in the Beartooth Cafe. Michael Mueller of Borgstadt, Germany, joined their family when he spent a year as a foreign exchange student and continues to be an important part of their family.
Pat continued his law practice in Billings while Debbi taught psychiatric nursing at MSU. The family split their time between Billings and Cooke City, depending on the season. Pat loved to four-wheel with Jesse, hunt with Phil and fly fish with Laura and future son-in-law Steve. Pat and Debbi enjoyed horseback riding in the mountains, as well as cross-country skiing and backpacking and fishing together. He even learned to play bridge! They truly loved spending time together and planned to retire in Cooke City.
Pat became an active member of the AA community in 1986 and remained so during his life. He started an AA group in Cooke City and sponsored many people through the program.
Everyone who knew Pat has a story to tell about him. He had a wicked sense of humor and was rarely seen without his black cowboy hat. Pat made and kept friends wherever he went, and the world will be less without him.
Pat is survived by his beloved wife, Debbi; children Jesse, Phil and Laura; and future son-in-law Steve Watson; along with dogs Tundra and Tawny. He is also survived and remembered with love by all of his many friends of both long and short acquaintance.
A celebration of Pat's life is planned for 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the Clark's Fork Trailhead east of Cooke City. In honor of Pat, please wear jeans. A potluck dinner will be held at the Range Riders in Silver Gate directly following the ceremony. (If the weather is inclement, services will be held at the Range Riders) A memorial service will be held Monday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m., at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Billings. Pat's ashes will be scattered over the mountains he loved.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation and deepest respect to the many courageous and dedicated people who facilitated the recovery of Pat's body.
Memorials may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous or the Cooke City Search and Rescue/EMS.

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