Boyd Van Patten

Boyd Van Patten, 68, of Bismarck, ND, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2016, with his two sons, Derek and Shane, by his side. Services will be held on Monday, February 15, at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2930 Cody Drive, Bismarck, with Bishop Chris Chase presiding. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 14, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Services, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, and will continue on Monday one half hour prior to the service at the church. Boyd was born on November 5, 1947, in Orem, UT, the son of Goldie and Vivian (Strong) Van Patten. He was raised in Springville, UT, and graduated from Springville High in 1966. While in high school, Boyd was an all-star football and baseball player. Boyd was awarded a scholarship to Southern Utah and won the Jim Mazurie Award to Brigham Young University. Instead, Boyd opted to sign a professional contract with the Houston Astros and was sent to Bismarck, ND, to play for the Bismarck-Mandan Pards. The following year Boyd suffered a leg injury, which ended his career in professional baseball. Boyd then attended Bismarck State College where he met his wife and love of his life, Marilyn (Bullinger) Van Patten. They were married on November 29, 1969. Boyd continued to have a love for sports, which was shown in softball where he played fast pitch and slow pitch. During his time, he received the player of the decade award for the 1970’s by the NDASA. He was also named into the North Dakota Hall of Fame in 1986. Throughout his career, Boyd had the opportunity to follow many passions, which included being a teacher, insurance agent, bookkeeper, and business owner. Boyd was very active in his church and the Bismarck North Star Lions Club where he was the treasurer for many years. Some of Boyd’s greatest joys were traveling with his wife Marilyn, watching his sons compete in sports, and the birth of his grandson, George. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Van Patten; sons, Derek (Jessie) Van Patten and Shane (Andrea) Van Patten; brothers, Dale Van Patten, Blaine (Lily) Van Patten, and Norman (Janie) Van Patten; brother-in-law, Mike (Peggy) Bullinger; sister-in-law, Gale Van Patten; grandson, George Van Patten; and many other friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Goldie and Vivian Van Patten; father-in-law, Anton Bullinger; mother-in-law, Mary Bullinger; brothers, Verl Van Patten and Dean Van Patten; sister, Arlene Coppola; and sister-in-law, Ann Van Patten. The family would like to personally thank Doug Bahr for his friendship, support and guidance over the years.