Patrick Owen Spaulding

Patrick Owen Spaulding, of Colchester, VT, died on July 1, 2026, after a long battle with chronic illness and years of cheating death. He was surrounded by three of his daughters who sang him to sleep as lightning lit up the sky, as bright as the life he lived. Within moments of his final breath, the storm passed too.

Born on May 7, 1951, the son of Eileen and Ronald Spaulding, Patrick spent most of his youth in Colchester, VT. He went to South Burlington High School and later attended the University of Vermont. The stories of his childhood shenanigans became the stuff of legend, a legacy he spent the rest of his life fine-tuning.

In 1991, after a lifetime of Vermont winters, Patrick moved to Honolulu, HI, where he built his construction company and raised his ever-growing family with his wife, Tori (Cook). He was a master craftsman whose intellect and eye for detail were highly sought after in high-end construction. His problem-solving skills were second to none.

Infamous for his erratic driving, Patrick always had fast cars, from Porsches to Hemi-powered trucks, and finally his beloved Dodge Ram with a V10 Viper engine. He treated every commute like he was starring in the Fast and the Furious and taught his children that yellow lights mean “hit the gas.” On one occasion, a motorcycle officer pulled him over, handed his passenger a helmet, and said, “You need this more than I do.” Patrick’s last words, in the ambulance on the way from the hospital to the McClure Miller Respite House, where he spent his final hours, were, “Drive fast.”

Patrick was handsome, charismatic, had an infectious laugh, and was a magnetic presence to be around. He was also stubborn, opinionated, and would sink your boat if you wronged him. He loved fiercely, gave generously of his time and talents, and was endlessly proud of the family he built.

Special thanks to Jeremy King, who was a true friend throughout Patrick's life, and especially during his final years. The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to the care teams at UVMMC McClure 4, Miller 5, and the McClure Miller Respite House for the kindness, compassion, and dignity they showed Patrick in his final days. A man who hated hospitals and always believed death was supposed to be painful, Patrick found peace in the care he received. In his final days, as he came to terms with the end of his life, he remarked that he was "taking the easy way out. No pain, but joy."

Patrick is predeceased by his father, Ronald “Skip”, and his brothers Neil and Jim. He is survived by his mother Eileen; his sister Kathleen; his wife, Tori; his children, Sarah, Diana, Olivia, Electra, and Eric, and their spouses; and his beloved grandchildren, Maggie, Declan, Owen, Greta, and Ramona.

A private celebration of Patrick’s life will be held in August.