Bent’s Fort Chapter Remembers Pat Palmer, Santa Fe Trail Mentor and Friend

Description: The Bent’s Fort Chapter remembers Pat Palmer, a devoted Santa Fe Trail advocate, mentor, craftsman and friend who passed away May 12, 2026.

Sad News for Bent's Fort Chapter

All members may not have received the information included in the Bent's Fort Chapter Spring Newsletter regarding Pat Palmer's obituary.

Pat will be deeply missed and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Dedicated to the Memory of

Pat Palmer

September 28, 1939 – May 12, 2026

Pat did a lot of living in his 87 years of life. He was a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and a good friend to all.

I first met Pat around 2016 after joining the Bent's Fort Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail. From the very start Pat welcomed me into the chapter as if we were old friends, but I was no exception, which is how Pat welcomed everyone into his life. He never knew a stranger and had a way of making you feel special. He also had this knack of getting people involved into helping him or doing something for the chapter.

I remember at Boggsville Days one year he was demonstrating how to repair a wagon wheel. He asked me if I knew how to put a tire on a wheel, I answered no and he said you are about to learn how.

I was always amazed at how easily he could get people out of their comfort zone to get something done, while teaching them the process of whatever you were helping him with. Some of the things that I learned about, besides an introduction into wheelwrighting, were repair of coal oil lamps, chuck wagon cooking, old wagons, trail etiquette, and about the Santa Fe Trail.

I cannot begin to know how many people he befriended in his lifetime. I do know that when I mention his name the majority of them knew him and always had a story to tell about how he helped or touched their lives.

It is no wonder that Pat received numerous awards and recognition, such as SFTA Ambassador Award, Preservation, Protection and Promotion or the Santa Fe Trail Member of the Year, are the ones I know of, but I am sure he had many others over the years.

Some of the things he enjoyed in life were, his miniature horses, his cat, cooking, teaching, telling stories, and visiting with friends and family.

He genuinely enjoyed life. Even those last few years when his health began to slow him down. Knee replacements, and other mobility issues slowed him down.

He had a smile on his face, a hug, or a handshake for everyone who visited him.

Pat Palmer loved God, his family, friends, and life.

Pat was a Mentor, Advisor, a Loyal Friend, and is Dearly Missed.

By Larry Bourne

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Pat Palmer Obituary

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