John Clifton "Red" Patchell

PATCHELL, John “Red” CLIFTON 1933-2024 

Life-long resident of Albuquerque, loving father, unconditionally welcoming grandfather, tender great-grandfather, dedicated friend, and young man in an ornery old man’s body, Red passed away on the evening of February 19. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Louise Patchell. He is survived by six children, two daughters, Cathy and husband Mark Holstad of Albuquerque, Judy and husband Wayne Ward of Las Cruces; four sons J.M. Patchell of Billings, Montana, and Clifton Patchell, Jeff Patchell and Gavin Patchell all of Albuquerque. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Stephanie (Holstad) Ramsey and husband Joaquin of New York, New York C.W. Ward and wife Jana of Las Cruces, Erin (Ward) Stanley and husband David of Austin, Texas, and Kelsey (Holstad) Miramontes and husband Victor of Albuquerque. He is survived by seven great-grandchildren, Jarek, Tyler, Aaron, Alex, Elizabeth, Caitlin, and Zander. He is also survived by his brother Mike Patchell and wife Judy, and brother-in-law Jim Trainer. 

Red was born on Friday the 13th, specifically March 13, 1933, to John and Anna Patchell. He was the big brother to sister Ruth Ann and brother Mike. He worked with his father at his gas station and mechanic shop as a young man, moving on to own and run his own gas station. He ran this business on 4th Street for most of his career, with it being a family affair with Louise working as bookkeeper and his children working with him in the station.

Red met the love of his life, Louise (Trainer) at Albuquerque High School. She was an older woman and he was smitten, spending his lunches his senior year with Louise at the A & W. They married on June 16, 1951 and welcomed their first child, a daughter, Cathy, about a year later. She was soon followed by another daughter, Judy, and then a son, J.M. A few years later they were joined by son, Clifton; then son, Jeff; and finally, son, Gavin. 

Along with the other families of the neighborhood, Red and Louise raised their children in Albuquerque. The kids grew up together, the families celebrated together, and Red was the last of the parents of that generation to pass. Red’s children remember him gathering up all the neighborhood kids in the back of his pickup truck (back when this was legal!) to take them to get ice cream. His children remember him as hard working and a good provider. All their needs were met, thanks to his hard work. 

His grandchildren especially remember how welcoming he always was. While he may have usually responded with a gruff, “We don’t want any!” upon a guest arriving, it was clearly a joke as it would be followed by hours of sitting together and talking.  

Red turned most of his backyard into a garden, where he spent time cultivating tomatoes, chiles, and other delicious food for many years. 

Celebrations often took place in his home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the 4th of July, with the family gathering most recently for Thanksgiving 2023. His family remembers fondly all the years of going to the Jemez Mountains to cut Christmas trees with him, to truly kick off the Christmas season. 

A celebration of Red’s life will take place at a time yet to be determined. Thank you to everyone who loved him in life and joins his family in missing him.