Patrick Leo Aloysius Thayne, 81, of Hartwell, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026. He was a beloved husband, a devoted father, a proud veteran, and a man whose warmth, distinct talents, and sharp wit left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Patrick, affectionately known as "Pat," was born in Binghamton, New York, on September 22, 1944. He grew up in New York and went on to graduate from SUNY Binghamton, laying the foundation for a long and distinguished career in engineering.

A proud veteran, Pat honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. As a member of the Army Corps of Engineers, he was stationed in Korea, where he worked on building a bridge. It was also during his service that his distinct sense of humor shone through; working in the supply and parts room, he jokingly referred to himself as "Radar O'Reilly" from MASH*.

Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to his fellow service members and his faith. He was an active member of the Laurens, NY American Legion Post 1688 and the Cooperstown, NY Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7128 and was a past member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oneonta, NY.

Pat was a man of action who believed in serving his community and embracing life's unique adventures. He was a dedicated member of the Mt. Vision Fire Department for 41 years, committing decades to the safety and well-being of his neighbors.

In addition to his community service, Pat was a well-known horseman with a passion for the equestrian world. He was trained at Cornell University as a farrier and practiced the time-honored craft of blacksmithing. Whether he was working meticulously with horseshoes or bringing his competitive spirit to the arena, Pat was a true craftsman. He actively participated in barrel racing and even the spirited tradition of scoop shovel races, always bringing his signature energy and sense of fun to everything he did.

An outdoorsman to his core, Pat was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent countless hours on the water, including ice fishing during the cold New York winters. When he was younger, he always enjoyed hunting with his two trusted beagles by his side.

Pat loved a celebration and always had a wonderful time with his neighbors during their many legendary parties together. It was during these get-togethers that countless wild and cherished memories were made. In particular, the family would like to acknowledge lifelong friendships and shared fun with The Hungerfords, the Deckers, the Crawfords, the Parkers, the Routeks, the Marbles, the Oneys, the Hooses, the Greiners, the Devines and the Bronner families.

On December 4, 1970, Pat married the love of his life, Myrna Thayne (Griswold). Together, they shared 56 beautiful years of marriage built on deep devotion, plenty of shared laughter, and a healthy dose of screaming, bringing a colorful, real, and loving spark to their decades together.

Pat loved and actively participated in every aspect of the lives of his two children. He is survived by his wife, Myrna, and his devoted children; Daniel Patrick Thayne of Georgia and Colleen Elizabeth Thayne Beck of Georgia.

He is also survived by his beloved sister, Theresa, and his brother-in-law, Robert Poloncic, with whom he enjoyed many years of joking, storytelling, and having a good time, along with many cherished nieces and nephews and cousins.

Pat is now reunited in peace with his beloved mother and father, Vincent and Hilda Thayne; his brother, William Thayne, and his sister-in-law, JoAnn Thayne; as well as special aunts and uncles who had a profound impact on the honorable man he became.

An accomplished Professional Engineer, Pat dedicated 29 years of service to the New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) company. Following his retirement from NYSEG, his expertise led him to a second, impactful career. From 1996 to 2022, he worked as an independent contractor for the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), where he traveled nationally and internationally, educating and inspiring the next generation of Corrosion Technicians. It was a role that perfectly matched his professional talents and his quick wit, often jokingly referring to himself during this time as a "rust buster."

Pat's biting wit and lighthearted worldview were perfectly captured by his favorite Irish proverb, which he loved to share:

"May those who love us, love us. And those that don't love us, may God turn their hearts. And if He doesn't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles, so we'll know them by their limping".

A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM from the chapel of Coile and Hall Funeral Directors. The service will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in honor of Patrick to the American Legion Post 1688 11 Main St. Laurens, NY 13796 or the VFW Post 7128 60 Main Street Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Services have been entrusted to Coile and Hall Funeral Directors and Crematory of 333 E. Johnson Street Hartwell, GA 30643.