Patrick Alan Blackhoop-Donovan, 50, formerly of Rifle, passed away April 4, 2008, in Phoenix.

Pat was born Dec. 14, 1957, in Denver. The family later moved to the Western Slope.

Pat spent his childhood in New Castle and Rifle, and graduated from Rifle High School in 1976. He worked with the BLM, Boise Cascade and Sandstone Productions of Grand Junction, among others, while living in Rifle. He also became involved in acting, with parts in a Disney movie and a few commercials.

He married Carol Racek March 17, 1993, in Glenwood Springs. They lived in Rifle and worked together at the Western Academy where Pat was a counselor to at-risk teenagers. In 1994, Pat and Carol moved to Arizona and were later divorced.

While in the Phoenix area, Pat had several occupations in retail sales, transportation, customer service and ground operations for Ontario Aircraft Service, which he especially enjoyed.

Pat enjoyed the outdoors, playing guitar, photography, drawing, practicing martial arts, and especially his canine companion, Burro. Pat was humorous and light-hearted. Despite his adversities, he maintained a positive outlook on life that inspired and encouraged many of his friends.

Pat is survived by his father, Glenn Donovan of Fruita; sister Lisa (Clyde) Sampson of Craig; niece Megan (Steve) Mudge of Craig; other members of the Donovan, Hogue, Blackhoop and Howling Wolf families; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and mother, Vonna Lee Donovan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. May 17, at the First Christian Church, 300 E. Third St., Rifle.