Patrick "Pat" Swandal *Family man, builder, storyteller, mentor, and proud Norwegian (except for the lutefisk) Patrick "Pat" Swandal, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of October 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, just the way he wanted it, after a hard-fought and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Livingston, Montana, to Austin and Bonnie (Brogan) Swandal, Pat grew up on the family ranch alongside his brothers Stuart, John, and Nels, and his sister Cynde. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, helping his beloved Uncle Pat and brothers John and Stuart keep the ranch running, and throughout his life enjoyed sharing stories of their shenanigans together. Pride in the family ranch runs deep and those years instilled in him the simple, steadfast principle he lived by all his life: "A handshake is a man's word." He rounded out his ranching principles by pursuing higher education, a value his mother instilled, at Pacific Lutheran University, then Montana State University, and ultimately earned his MBA from Nova University, furthering his commitment to personal growth and professional excellence. Pat's career began as a surveyor for Exxon's Carter Mining Division in Wyoming, but his true calling was building, which he fully embraced after trading the mountains of Montana and tumbleweeds of Wyoming, for the ocean and forests of Maine. He became a master craftsman, repairing, creating, and improving everything in his path. Every home he touched bore the mark of his craftsmanship, perfectly hung doors, sturdy stairs, and beautiful design. He loved to take people under his wing, teaching the craft of fine building. In his later years, he especially enjoyed working side by side with his best friend Tom, the two of them sharing stories, laughter, coffee and sawdust in equal measure. All of his children's homes carry his handiwork, a lasting legacy of his talent and love and the kind of woodwork that quietly says, Dad was here. Pat knew his life took a turn for the better the night he met Dianne in college. He says he knew that night he was going to marry her, and he never wavered. He thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world, adored her for decades, and taught their children what love is along the way. In their early years they could be found square dancing, with matching outfits and all. He loved road trips with her, taking time to explore the US together when traveling back to Montana. Each year they ventured to Prince Edward Island, a place they both came to treasure for its beauty, quiet charm, beautiful music, and time spent together. Though he and Dianne only got to travel a small portion of the world, Pat was endlessly fascinated by it. He had a deep curiosity about people, places, and history, all history, from ancient civilizations to the latest headlines. Pat was an avid reader, a familiar face at the Old Town Library several times a week. His books, his pad, and a steaming cup of black Folgers coffee were often his ticket to adventure, and he loved sharing what he learned with anyone who'd listen. He also (somewhat begrudgingly) supported Dianne's love of gardening, though he secretly admired her green thumb, and relished in the joy it brought her. He would gift her the perfect dirt for her birthday and build the planter boxes or fix trellises "just right." Seeing her smile was worth any effort for him. Pat was immensely proud of all his children. He took great pride in his son Shane's accomplishment of creating a successful engineering firm with his intelligence, ambition, and grit. He admired his daughter Chelsea for becoming a pediatrician, caring for children with the same dedication and warmth he showed every day. And he celebrated his daughter Meghan for her invaluable work with the University of Maine's grant program, taking pride in the kind, thoughtful strength she shows in everything she does. He also loved and respected the spouses his children chose, welcoming each wholeheartedly into the family. Pat's generosity extended far beyond his craft. He gave his time, talent, and donut holes to anyone who needed them. He visited the local food bank every week, built ramps and railings for neighbors, and always had a tool belt and a smile at the ready. He dreamed big and always believed he'd win the lottery one day, not for himself, but so he could give it all away to those he loved and those in need. Pat was the first father in Wyoming to start a Brownie troop for his daughter Chelsea when the other troops were full, welcoming all and quietly paying the dues for girls who couldn't afford them. The troop may not have learned much about sewing, but they sure knew how to swing a hammer and create with their hands. He loved his daughters' friends as his own, making them feel welcomed with his signature smile and greeting: "How ya doing, buckshot?" It's fair to say they always felt like Pat and Dianne's house was a second home with its open doors, open hearts, extra bed (or a lumpy couch), and plenty of food and love to go around. Above all, Pat loved his family. He adored his six grandchildren: Jessica, Nathan, Margo, Phoebe, Jack, and Gretta. Of all the skills he had gathered over a lifetime, the one he excelled in and cherished most, was being "Papa." They will remember him for his pockets full of treasures, magically pulling Necco wafers from their ears at each goodbye, teaching them funny songs, and sneaking them treats when no one was looking. The twinkle in Papa's eye always let them know there was fun to be had. He also loved building and hunting gophers on the ranch with his son Shane and playing pinochle tournaments with his family, where the competition was fierce, the laughter loud, and the bragging rights priceless. Pat worked hard, loved deeply, and gave freely. His double shirt pockets were never empty, his hands rarely clean, and his heart always full. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, curiosity, generosity, and craftsmanship that will be felt and talked about for generations. Pat is survived by his wife, Dianne; mother, Bonnie Swandal; son, Shane (Cathy); daughters, Chelsea (Jon Whitten Jr) and Meghan (Griffin Dill); brothers Stuart (Shelley), John (Kathy), and Nels; sister, Cynde; and his six adored grandchildren, who will forever carry on his warmth and humor. In accordance with his wishes, Pat will be laid to rest back home in Wilsall, Montana, near his uncle Pat on the land and under the sky that shaped him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Caring Community Cupboard in Old Town, Maine. A celebration of life will be held in spring 2026, where friends and family are encouraged to share stories, laughter, and maybe even a dance or two, just the way Pat would have wanted.