In his early years, Patrick gained an interest in sports, racing and activities with family. He proudly recounted early involvement in the Kinetic Sculpture races with his dad, Don Bent, and uncle, David Bent. Patrick looked fondly on his participation with the One-Man Band which won Grand Champion in 1971. The Kinetic sculpture operated various drums in rhythm with the peddles, while powering horns and a wooden pipe organ. He made several pages in the paper at nine years old.

Into high school, Patrick was involved in the Eureka High football team and played running back. He gained the nickname LPB (Li’l Pat Bent) which he took as a compliment, as it referred to his surprising speed for his short stature.

Later into adulthood, Patrick remained active with local adult softball and bowling leagues until his body no longer cooperated. You could also often find him at race tracks, first involved in midget car races and winning several trophies in his time competing, and later in life just watching the race days at Redwood acres and NASCAR on TV. He treasured his extended hunting trips with friends, although there was rarely ever a deer brought home. He also had a softer side, and enjoyed baking, cooking, and sewed his own vest in home economics in high school.

Patrick worked at Cutten Inn during the 1980s as a line cook. He then started working at Hilfiker Retaining Wall and Pipe Company in 1985, soon followed by his wife Diane. They enjoyed going to work together and being able to take occasional lunch dates before Patrick’s retirement in 2015.

Patrick was loved for many qualities, including his sense of humor. He was typically a man of few words, unless he was telling an exciting or funny story, and he had a way of spreading joy to those around him. He was also known for having a sweet tooth, rarely turning down a surprise slice of cake. He particularly loved the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and had a special recipe for a baked peanut butter frosting that he would layer over a large pan of brownies.

Until meeting his wife Diane, Patrick lived a bachelor life. He famously laid in front of her car demanding her phone number when they first met. They married at the Bent family cabin off Highway 36 in 1991 and had a huge campout reception that lasted the weekend. They did everything together and loved to travel around the US and other countries. Later in life, they took up cruises and appreciated the lasting friendships they made with other cruise passengers. Patrick and Diane rarely spent a night apart until her death.

Patrick was an avid member of the Eureka Moose Lodge for the past 20 years. He held various positions over the years, helped with dinners and breakfasts, and was a regular at the social quarters. His Moose family has been a huge support for him over the years, particularly since the passing of Diane.

Patrick is preceded in death by parents Donald and Beverley, stepfather Carl, brother in-law Jim, sister in-law Ruth, mother in-law Oma, father in-law Ralph, and beloved wife Diane.

Patrick is survived by siblings Kris, Cynde, Shelly, step-sister Barbara, brother in-laws Chuck and Ron, daughter Kylie, step-daughters Courtney and Chelsea, grandchildren Jerran, Basil “Isaac”, Payton, Mackenzie “Drew”, Sophia, Gianna, Nick, and Roman.

Patrick suffered after the death of his wife on Jan. 12, 2023. Despite the support of close friends and family, Patrick was still grieving significantly, and took his own life on April 2, 2023.

A combined celebration of life for Pat and Diane will be held at the Eureka Moose Lodge on July 29, 2023 for all friends and family to come together and celebrate their lives. After, immediate family will break away and spread their ashes together at a location requested by Pat and Diane.

It can get better. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, know help is available. Call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit https://www.nimh.nih. for additional resources.

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Patrick Bent’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.