(CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo.) — There didn’t seem to be a dry eye in the audience on Thursday morning, Oct. 17 when the Cripple Creek and Victor community came together Thursday to remember the life of Patrick Weier.
The 46-year-old man was killed while working as a tour guide at the Mollie Kathleen Mine on Oct. 10. Now, a physical display of the community’s grief can be found at the front gate of the mine where people have left messages, flowers, and more.
On Thursday, Weier was formally honored with a memorial procession in Cripple Creek, which was followed by an opportunity for friends and family to speak about his legacy.
All who spoke shared parts of Weier’s larger-than-life legacy. Individuals said he was a huge Cubs fan, a family man, an Air Force Veteran, and one of eight siblings.
“If you knew him, he was in your Mount Rushmore of friends, so to speak,” said one of Weier’s friends.
Weier’s brother began speaking by thanking the community, saying they’re the one thing that’s made this nightmare a bit easier.
“It’s like losing ten family members, not one. For all of you that know Patty, you understand that. He was just that kind of guy. He made me at times feel like a bad person because he was that good of a person. A couple of his friends told me the same thing about him being a dad. It’s like, Man, I thought I was a really good dad, and then I’m around Patty, I see the way he is around his kid,” said John Paul Weier, Patrick’s brother, “That’s who Patty was. That’s why Patty was special, and it all just came so naturally to him.”
The community and those who knew Weier now share one goal, supporting the son he left behind. A GoFundMe organized for Weier’s 7-year-old son has raised over $57,000 so far.
To donate, click the link above.
