Obituary of Patrick "Patty" Thomas Marchbank

Patrick Thomas Marchbank took his final checkered flag and entered into the arms of Jesus his Savior on August 6, 2017 at a local hospital. His final weeks were spent in a coma as a result of head trauma from a motocross accident. Patrick was a resident of Black Forest, Colorado and was born on November 23, 1998 in the same hospital he died, having brought his life full circle.Patrick is survived by his parents, Jim and Kelly (Dowling) Marchbank; sister, Sean; paternal grandparents, Don and Vera Marchbank; maternal grandparents, Millie and Joe Ratcliff, all of Black Forest, Colorado; and maternal grandfather, Tony Dowling of Princeton Junction, New Jersey. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends and mentors who all love him dearly.Patrick was a recent graduate of Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs and was scheduled to attend Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix, Arizona later this month. Patrick was a recipient of the Black Forest Education Opportunity Foundation Scholarship, for which he was greatly honored. Patrick dreamed of becoming a motorcycle mechanic for a Yamaha factory team or privateer. Having discovered his love of two wheels, at the age of four Patrick started riding motorcycles. Patrick raced on many tracks, including quarter midgets, stock cars, motorcycle ice racing, trials, enduros, and supercross. But his true passion was motocross, especially vintage, where he has raced and placed at national venues. His favorite riding partner was his father, Jim. He was a fierce competitor and a caring teammate. Many comments from fellow riders are about his willingness to help, and sharing tools, bikes, gear, and stories. He loved the sport and the comradery.Patrick worked part-time jobs at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Air Force Academy Ticket Office, and Black Forest Soccer. Patrick has been a lifelong member of Black Forest Chapel, and recently began attending Friday night services at New Life Church. At Black Forest Chapel, he attended Youth Group and AWANA. Yearly mission trips to help the Northern Cheyenne Indians in Lame Deer, Montana were a huge part of Patrick’s life. Patrick’s zest for life was evident to everyone that knew him. His beautiful smile, sparkling blue eyes, and quick wit is what many people remember about him. He has been described by many as an “old soul”, making age no barrier for friendships and giving him wisdom beyond his years. Patrick excelled at everything he did. He played soccer for years at Black Forest Soccer and at Pine Creek High School. Until injury, he ran track and had record-setting speed. Patrick’s other passion was playing percussion. He has played drums since he was two years old. He played hand bells at Wolford Elementary and percussion at Challenger Middle School. He was an active member of Pine Creek High School’s Instrumental Music Programs, including: Marching Band, Jazz Band and Combo, Winter Percussion, Pep, and Symphonic Band. He had performed at several National and World competitions. Patrick carried these memories close as lifelong friendships were real to him and his successes filled with him pride. He was awarded the Patrick S. Gilmore Award. His talent was infectious and obvious - able to play any instrument he was asked - even if he couldn’t pronounce it.Visitation, 5:00PM-8:00PM, Thursday, August 10, 2017 at The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado. There will be a private burial, 10:00AM, Friday, August 11, 2017 at Eastonville Cemetery. The family asks you join them in the Celebration of Patrick’s Life, 12:00PM, Friday, August 11, 2017 at the Theater at New Life Church, 11025 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921. Reception to follow. To honor Patrick, you are asked to wear purple, his favorite color.Patrick was God’s gracious gift given to this family by his birth mother, Jill. There are no words to express this gratitude. Patrick finished his mission by donating life-saving tissue to others. He led a life worthy of all, valuable to God - eternity is not long enough to count the ways. Patrick will remain forever in our hearts, gone, but never forgotten.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to organizations that mattered to Patrick: Pine Creek Eagle Band Boosters, Life Network, and Road2Recovery.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Visitation Thursday, August 10, 2017 5:00PM - 8:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611 Service Friday, August 11, 2017 12:00PM New Life Church 11025 Voyager Parkway Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Phone: 719-328-1793 Cemetery Friday, August 11, 2017 10:00AM Eastonville Cemetery Northeast Corner of Meridian and Latigo Boulevard Elbert, CO 80106 Phone: 719-328-1793