Patrick "Pat" Allen Child passed from this earthly life into eternal glory on April 1, 2025, held in God's embrace. During a brave year-long battle with liver cancer, he remained hopeful and uplifting, leaving his family with memories of his love, humor, strong-will, and courage.
Pat was born on March 4, 1955, in Los Angeles, California to Richard "Dick" Tomney and Connie Joan Allen. Although his early family life brought change, Pat was lovingly adopted by Allen Guy Child when he was 5 years old. Pat was one of eleven children born to Connie, creating a lively household with lasting memories and a strong bond that lasted through his adult years. He and his siblings spent most of their childhood years in Ogden, Utah, where he attended Ben Lomond High School. In 1973, Pat made the decision to enlist in the United States Navy as a Corpsman, serving until 1976 in Twentynine Palms, California.
In 1981, Pat met his lifelong companion, Alva Darlene Child, in Clayton, ID while working on a construction project for a mine. They met by chance in the small town of Clayton, and married three years later on August 10, 1984 in Morgan, Utah. He was no stranger to the construction industry, as his father Allen taught him the ways of construction from early on in life. Pat worked on many construction projects throughout his life including power plants, chemical plants, and rapid transit systems.
On August 5, 1993, Pat and Alva joyfully welcomed their daughter, Skyla Darlene Child, to the world. After a few years of embracing his new role of fatherhood, Pat and Alva decided to trade the lifestyle of moving around the country for industrial construction for settling down, where they purchased a home in Meridian, Idaho. At this time, Pat began working in the commercial construction sector. As a Commercial Superintendent, he oversaw the construction of medical facilities, restaurants, and retail properties in the area. During this time, Pat met many coworkers who became true friends that lasted a lifetime. He worked in commercial construction up until 2007, when he traveled to Wyoming, returning to the industrial construction sector.
A true testament to Pat's strength and determination was when he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2009. Pat persevered through chemotherapy and radiation during this time, remaining hopeful and positive, ultimately beating cancer in 2010.
After Skyla graduated from high school in 2011, Pat decided to work in the pipeline construction sector as a General Superintendent, primarily in Texas. He enjoyed all the people he worked with, the comradery, and the friendships that he cultivated during this time. Pat continued with pipeline construction until February 2025, almost a year after being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. No matter the odds, Pat always persevered forward with one foot in front of the other, working hard and taking life day by day with his impeccable sense of humor and a smile on his face.
On March 29, 2024, just a month before finding out about his liver cancer diagnosis, his daughter Skyla welcomed a baby boy into the world, Everest Patrick Troxel. Pat found so much joy in being a grandpa to Everest. Pat was always great with children, and always knew how to make them laugh. Before his passing, he expressed that the thought of leaving Everest was very difficult for him. Pat and his family are very grateful that he had a year to spend with his grandson, to build a relationship with him, hold him, and create memories with him.
For that year, Pat received immunotherapy treatments, doing whatever it took to prolong his life, all while working and spending time with family and friends. Unfortunately, he lost his battle to cancer on April 1, 2025.
Pat was always the life of the party and was a true beacon of light everywhere he went. It seemed that during life's challenges, he always retained a positive attitude. He was an avid Boise State Football fan, never missing watching a game on television. He also enjoyed golfing with friends, spending days and early mornings out on the course. For Pat, even a bad day of golfing was a great day. He loved 80's rock music, learning everything he could about current politics, and his family. One of many of his amazing qualities was his willingness to be of support to his family and extended family. He was always a phone call away for anyone in need. Pat was infinitely proud of his daughter, and most proud when he became a grandpa. Pat was the type of man who was unwavering in his support for others, jumping at a moment's notice to provide help. Of all of Pat's beautiful qualities, the ones that stand out the most are his hard work ethic, determination, strength, strong will, and his loving heart. He was also hard-headed in the best of ways.
Pat is survived by his loving wife of more than 40 years, Alva "Darlene"; his daughter, Skyla (Robert); his brother, Roger; his brother, Cory; his sister, Cindy; his sister, Tamara "Tammy" (Jay); his brother, Guy; his sister Julie "Kim"; his sister, Wendy; his sister, Amy; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Pat was preceded in death by his sister, Vickie Lynn; his brother, Michael "Mike"; his sister, Debra "Debbie"; and his brother, Richard "Rick" (Vicki).
Pat's spirit touched everyone around him, and he was a positive light to the lives of many. Pat will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, strength, determination, and endless love for others around him.
His life will be honored at Bowman Funeral Home on April 15, 2025 (10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr, Garden City, ID 83714). Official services will begin at 11:00 AM with internment to follow immediately after at Dry Creek Cemetery (9600 W Hill Rd, Boise, ID 83714).
While we grieve Pat's passing, we also celebrate the life he lived – a life full of joyful memories, a passion for helping those close to him, and his resilience through life's toughest challenges. Pat will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he touched and forever remembered.