Patrick Bystrom and Family

Patrick was larger than life and far bigger than any words. Literally. He stood 6”6’ with a big scruffy beard, wild blonde hair and the bluest eyes. A Viking!

 

Patrick Johan Bystrom entered this world September 28, 1981 the first son of Richard and Patricia Bystrom, and was the most perfect baby boy his mother had ever seen with a head full of white cotton hair, a perfectly round head, skin the color of cream, and the clearest blue eyes. He was an angel. His love for life was obvious from the start - He was a little wild, a lot mischievous, and so full of wonder and curiosity, always ready for an adventure. Patrick, the first born of two boys, was just about the best big brother a kid could get. He was always sure to include his little brother Shawn in everything he did. According to their mother the two were “like puppies” both of them always rolling about. Everywhere Patrick went, Shawn was right beside (never behind) him. You didn’t see one without the other. Thick as thieves the two of them.  Patrick also had two other siblings. A half brother Erik- who he shared his middle name with and had the utmost respect for and a beautiful half sister- Monika who he adored and admired. 

 

Patrick loved all things sports, and had a natural talent for everything he played. Basketball was the sport he was best known for. He was a local legend, a Marsh Valley and Poky record holder. Many had the pleasure of watching him play and it was plain to see the gift he had on the court. The boy had mad hops. Patrick received a full ride scholarship to Black Hills State for basketball and football. He was an all-star player, a real MVP. But he was modest too, never one to brag or toot his own horn. He later moved to Boise where he worked for DirecTV for many years. His work ethic was admirable and he always did well for himself.  He owned his first home where he learned to build a deck from scratch with his father and brother. In 2013 he landed himself back in Pocatello where he worked on the golf course - his happy place. In 2014 Patrick met and fell in love with Dominique Delucchi, a firecracker single mom with a heart of pure gold. Dominique was different than the rest; she made Patrick want to be better. She was a package deal that came with three young children: Vinny, Marina, and Olivia. Patrick instantly fell in love with the kids and longed to be a constant in their lives. Patrick was eager to start a life with his new family. The five moved to Carson City, Nevada in 2017. Life was good and Patrick was the happiest he had ever been. He had a job at Eagle Valley golf course in Carson City, and he finally had his own family just as he’d always dreamed. He and Dominique exchanged vows in October of 2019 in a lovely fall backyard ceremony. Life couldn’t get any better. Patrick had it all.

 

 

Patrick wasn’t a traditional guy, some might say he was eccentric, a little silly. He did things his own way trekking his own path, and rarely second guessed himself.  He was a giver of unconditional love and he loved and accepted everyone exactly as they were and embraced individuality. Patrick had a way of understanding things and people in a way many of us cannot. He loved all people, and struck up conversation at every chance. A real social butterfly, always the first to say hello. He was the definition of an incredible human; he listened with his heart, and was unafraid and authentic. The rarest of souls, Patrick was full of life, from childhood to adulthood. May we all remember him as the gentle giant he was, a friend to all, always smiling, laughing, and ready to help with that same familiar gleam in those crystal clear blue eyes.

 

On August 31, 2020 a pulmonary embolism traveled to Patrick’s lungs and cut his life short. He leaves behind Dominique and those three children that Patrick lovingly called his own, Vinny 19, Marina 13, and Olivia 10. Times are hard for this family following this great loss. Any contribution would be appreciated and helpful during this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forever Young

(My 1st poem)

 

 

When I look for you

it’s your back I see first.

Always galloping away, full speed.

Berry brown, bones jutting,

I can see where your wings attach.

Curved spine like the ridge of the hill

across from our house.

Then it is your smell

of dust, clean sweat, and sagebrush.

Now the back of your head.

Your hair is spun gold and silk and it fans

out, rises, falls as you run.

A quick glance over your shoulder and

now I see your clear blue eyes,

looking straight into mine,

laughing,

open,

honest,

unafraid.

 

                                                                                                ~ Patricia Bystrom, 2011