Obituary: Vincent Wayne Gilpatrick

In Loving Memory of a life full of spirit, love, morals and character that was strong, devoted, honest and a heart of gold that reached out to so many:

Our son, brother, uncle and friend, Vincent, was senselessly taken away from us on Oct. 30, 2012 in Carson City, Nev.

Vincent was only 33 years old, but had experienced a lot in his young life. Vincent had a free spirit about him and a love for life. As a young child, he cared about his family and for animals. He had an energy about him that always made you smile. He attended school in Panaca. He loved football and wrestling and lifting weights while he was in high school. He cheered his teammates on and was always encouraging others. He always fought for the underdog and the disadvantaged and guided the younger children. He was a true leader in all his roles of life. He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, climbing and rock hunting and riding his motorcycle.

After graduating from Lincoln County High School, he worked several jobs and then enlisted into the Army. Vincent had various jobs while exploring the countryside. He then graduated from the police academy and became a Correctional Officer for the Nevada State Prison System. After 12 years, he retired from Nevada State Prison System and changed careers. With an interest in mining and oil drilling, he decided to pursue that for his next adventure. He was working for Major Drilling Company in mining until his sudden death.

Vincent loved life. He loved people and touched many lives wherever he went. He was a wonderful, devoted son, a caring brother and a loving uncle. His nephew and niece, Seth and Samantha Patrick idolized him and talked about him all the time and Vince loved them dearly. He always dreamed of having more time to be with them and taking vacations with them and helping them with their future. Vince loved children and one day he hoped to have children of his own.

Vincent was very happy in Carson City, where he had made it his home. He had a girlfriend, Chelsea Lavender that he was falling in love with and was starting to plan a future with. He enjoyed riding his Harley every chance he had and enjoyed a brotherhood of friends and would ride with them. He was loyal to his friends and loved from his heart.

We will miss his smile, his caring hug, his beautiful eyes and his voice that comforted so many. He had so many dreams, goals and a bright future and this was all taken from him and us. Our family circle has been broken as well as our hearts. We will always remember Vince and he will always be in our hearts. We know he is with God and will be our guardian angel through life and one day we will see him again.

The greatest gift that we can give to our Vince is to live fully in his place. This is what Vince would have wanted. He celebrated life even though it was taken away from him before it should have been.

Hold your babies hands as long as you can.

Call them and hear their voices often.

Visit them when you can.

Love them with an open mind and from the heart.

Vincent is survived by his mother and father, Victoria and Quentin Gilpatrick; sister Christine Patrick; nephew and niece Seth and Samantha Patrick; and many, many loving friends.