Patrick "Pat" William Rice

Patrick “Pat” William Rice, 70, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2019 of complications from heart disease. The fourth of Mary and John Rice’s seven children, Pat was born June 12, 1948, in Great Falls. He attended schools here, graduating from Great Falls Central High School. He went to Santa Clara University where he earned a bachelor’s degree before pursuing post-graduate studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He returned to Santa Clara to earn his law degree. After graduation, Pat returned to Great Falls and began his lifelong career with Transystems (Rice Truck Lines), a company founded by his father during World War II. Pat worked there until his unexpected death. Pat’s primary focus was his family and the people with whom he worked. He also had great devotion to Easter Seals-Goodwill, following in the footsteps of his brother Mike. Pat served on the organization’s regional board beginning in 1990 and ending with his death. Pat was proud of the work Easter Seals-Goodwill does and wholeheartedly believed in the organization’s mission. He once said in a newspaper interview, “In my volunteer work, I like to be involved in organizations that serve people.” His devotion to Easter Seals-Goodwill did not go unnoticed. In 2009, Pat was chosen as volunteer of the year from among the 50,000 Easter Seals Inc. volunteers worldwide. Pat is survived by his siblings, Kathy, Peter (Stella), Rosemary (Ray) and Dan (Jackie); sister-in-law Patti; nephews and nieces John, Ashley, Carrie, Jason, Liz, Katie, Maureen, Daniel, Errol and Curran; several great-nieces and nephews; and long-time family friends, Allan and Tina Rabbitt. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Mike; nephew Barney; and infant sister, Maureen. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at the University of Providence’s Trinitas Chapel. Private family inurnment will follow. Those attending are encouraged to park in the east parking lot. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rocky Mountain Easter Seals-Goodwill or a charity of your choice.