Wyndell LaFaye "Pat" (Brownback/Powers) Bishop
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5A Obituary - August 7, 2021
Wyndell
La Faye“Pat”
Bishop
November 12, 1933 - July 31, 2021
Wyndell La Faye “Pat”
Bishop passed away
peacefully, surrounded by
dear friends, on July 31,
2021, at HopeWest Hospice
Care Center with complications from breast cancer.
She, fondly known by her nickname “Pat”, was born
November 12, 1933, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to
Evelyn Elizabeth Brownback and Joseph Wayne Powers.
Pat had a wonderful childhood. She loved school, trips
to the library, her friends, Girl Scouts, camping, and
trips to her grandparents farm in Kansas. Her father
worked in the oil and gas industry as a Trouble Shooter
in Oklahoma. He later opened an Insurance Office in
Denver and a second in Colorado Springs. Pat attended
public school in Oklahoma before moving to Denver
then Colorado Springs.
Pat met Tillie Bishop in her senior year at Colorado
Springs High School. They were married after
graduating before moving to Greeley to attend the
University of Northern Colorado where they both
received their Degrees in Education. For the next three
years they both taught in the Greeley area.
On February 8, 1953, Pat and Tillie were blessed with
the birth of their son, Barry Alan Bishop.
In the fall of 1962 Pat and Tillie moved their family
to Grand Junction, Colorado. Tillie began heading up
the Student Recruiting Office at Mesa College and
Pat taught Business Education at Central High School
until she retired in 1988. Her students asked Tillie to be
their Commencement Speaker. Pat was so proud of her
students, taking great pleasure in seeing them become
successful members of our community. She truly loved
teaching, watching her students develop their business
skills, sharing their adventures and many humorous
stories.
Pat brought FBLA, the High School division of Future
Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda to the
Western Slope enabling her to join one student on a trip
to Philadelphia and have breakfast with Muhammad
Ali! She cherished the memory of a trip to Cortez with
the cheerleaders for a football game on Halloween,
stopping at Saw Pit to Trick or Treat, enjoying cookies
and candies all the way home.
In 1971 Tillie was elected to serve as State
Legislature for six years, then as State Senator
for 28 years, then as Colorado University Regent,
Mesa County Commissioner, and CMU Trustee.
Pat provided exceptional support, spending endless
hours participating in campaigns, fund-raisers, town
meetings, parades, and political rallies. She stood by his
side with pride, a smile on her face and a great sense of
humor. Tillie was often heard saying “Thank you, Pat, I
could not have done it without you.”
Pat served on numerous state and local boards
including Colorado State Board for Colorado Women
and most recently HopeWest Center for Living Your
Best”.
December 19, 1990 was declared “Tillie and Pat Bishop
Day” by the City of Grand Junction in appreciation
of their 20 years of service to the citizens of Western
Colorado. On September 16, 1998, Pat was honored by
The Senate of The Colorado State Legislature for her
28 years of giving support, loyalty, devotion and love
to her husband, Tillie, during his political career. Pat
received numerous awards as an educator including
“Top Teacher”, “Teacher of the Year” and for Dedicated
and Unselfish Service To Mesa County School District
51 to name a few.
When living near Denver University Pat was
inspired by their on campus Chapel. She hoped to see
a non-denominational Chapel on the Colorado Mesa
University campus to serve the spiritual needs of the
students and faculty. This year the dream has become
a reality when The Center of Reflection was completed
and opened it’s doors.
Pat and Tillie traveled internationally on political
trips and recreationally with friends. Seeing the sights
of Europe, Russia and China. Pat’s life was filled with
adventures like getting tethered down on the deck of
an aircraft carrier so she didn’t get blown away as the
jets took off. No doubt her petite frame was of concern.
She enjoyed time with friends at their cabin on the
Grand Mesa for 53 years and shared numerous unique
trips with their group of friends, “The Roadrunners”
and an earlier group “Destinations Unknown”, each
member arranged a surprise excursion. One of the most
memorable trips was to the World Series in Kansas City,
arranged by Sam Suplizio.
Pat and Tillie loved their hometown Grand Junction,
Colorado, and it’s residents. Pat will always be known
for her kind heart, generous and compassionate spirit
and love of animals, music, needlepoint, knitting,
woodworking, gardening, fine art, good food, dirty
martinis with three olives and Corona beer. She was
known to have the best book recommendations, being
an avid reader who enjoyed many genres.
Pat is survived by her multitude of dear friends and
her community. She was preceded in death by her
father, Joseph Wayne Powers, at age 52; her mother,
Evelyn Elizabeth Powers, at age 52; her son, Barry
A. Bishop, on December 26, 2008 at 55; her beloved
husband, Tillman M. “Tillie” Bishop on Father’s Day,
June 16, 2019, at 86, and her faithful canine companion
“Buddy” this past May.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to
HopeWest or charity of your choice.
Special thanks to the dedicated nurses and staff at
HopeWest and the many loving friends who filled her
days with comfort, conversation, laughter, flowers, and
homemade treats.
Per Pat’s wishes no services will be held. May we all
cherish the love and wisdom she so freely shared
