BELMONT --- Claude Burton Patten III, also known as Rick, 62, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Concord Hospital – Laconia.
Rick was born on February 6, 1963, in Laconia, NH, the son of Claude “Sunny” Burton Patten II and Clara Venita (Leonard) Rollins.
Rick worked for the State of New Hampshire and had won 3rd place in one of the State of New Hampshire Plowing competitions. Rick’s most recent job was working for the Town of Belmont working with heavy machinery. He had great pride in working for the town. The town presented him with the Community Heritage Award in 2019.
Rick once worked with his brother-in-law Gary at a moving company, allowing them to travel and enjoy time together in Canada.
In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Most weekends they gathered for a friendly game of darts, horseshoes or pool. Rick was an avid fisherman and shared his passion with his son Ricky “Jr.” frequenting their favorite fishing spot on Lily Pond.
A proud Harley owner, Rick and his wife Cathy loved an evening ride or a Sunday cruise and often went for a ride around Lake Winnipesaukee with close friends.
During his early years, Rick dedicated considerable time to racing at White Mountain Speedway, where he contributed as a pit crew member for his brothers Mark and Patrick. As an adolescent, he spent several summers at Camp Mayhew and took pride in earning his lifeguard certification during his tenure there.
Rick enjoyed his retirement by working around the house and landscaping. He was known as “Mr. Fix-it,” as he could tinker and fix anything. On Sunday mornings, he regularly played cribbage with his friend Greg. They were often called “The Grumpy Old Men” due to their frequent lighthearted debates.
Rick is survived by his wife Cathy Ann Patten; son Ricky “Jr.,” Claude Danforth and his wife Colleen; daughter Angel Lavoie; half-brothers Mark Patten, and Patrick Patten; brother-in-law Gary Danforth and his daughter Emily; Fictive Kin Shawn Tibbits; Father Claude “Sunny” Burton Patten II and his wife Norma; three grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Rick is predeceased by his mother Clara Rollins, his stepfather Richard Rollins, and his brother Willard “Duke” Smith III and beloved family dog Samson.
Rick will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Rick, may be offered to the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247 or Camp Mayhew, 293 West Shore Road, Bristol, NH 03222.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 12:30pm at Bayside Cemetery, Union Avenue, Laconia, NH.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.