Meredith “Lynn” Patten, known to everyone as Lynn, was born August 20, 1945 in Cortez, CO the son of Mary Josephine (Miller) Patten and Ray William Patten. Lynn passed away peacefully on Sunday March 1, 2026 at the spry age of 80.

Lynn was known to many as a warm, kind, funny, and wise man. He loved his wife, kids, grandkids, and many others that came into his life. He would greet most as a friend and always give the benefit of the doubt. Citing, “You don’t know what they have going on” or “Maybe they are just having a bad day”. Lynn loved the outdoors and would often hike the canyon by his home and take in the beauty of the landscape. He had this amazing talent for instruments, especially the flute, saxophone and guitar. Watching him play was a sight and sound to behold. A soul joining forces with the flow of the notes and melodies flowing out of whichever instrument was in his hands.

Lynn graduated from Montezuma-Cortez High School in Cortez, CO. Lynn had a passion for learning his entire life. In high school, Lynn very much enjoyed his participation in academics, athletics and band. Lynn was a three sport athlete who participated in football, basketball, baseball, along with track and field his senior year. Lynn was a member of the 1962 state championship basketball team.

Lynn held a B.A. in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO and loved Geology. He was so knowledgeable on the surrounding geological landscape. He enjoyed family outings that involved camping, fishing BBQ’s, football games, the Olympics, and anywhere that friends gathered. Over his lifetime, Lynn enjoyed friendships with people from many walks of life, backgrounds and interests, both near and far. He enjoyed speaking to everyone and having deep conversations. Though he could be quite stubborn at times, he was a man of compassion, light, and love. He loved animals though always asked where, “all these damned animals came from”, he loved them dearly. Lynn always had a wise word if you needed guidance or just someone to talk to. He will be deeply missed by many.

Surviving Lynn are his spouse Mary Lou Patten (Musgrove); children, Russ Patten (Renee Podunovich-Patten) of Dolores, CO; Katherine Patten, Cortez, CO; grandchildren, Maxwell Patten, Aurora Hamilton, both Cortez, CO; sibling Karen Wade of Page, AZ; nephew Michael Wade (Beth Cafarella Wade) of Marana, AZ.

Lynn was preceded in death by parents Ray and Mary Patten; niece Mylea Wade.

A celebration of Life will be held in the Spring and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to Hospice of Montezuma County.