(InEDC) BY Cris Alarcon Published: September 15, 2023
We are saddened to report the passing of Patrick Shepard Couch, who peacefully passed away at the age of 88 on July 18th, 2023.
Patrick Couch was born on December 26, 1934, in Jefferson City, Missouri to Robert W. and Helen J. Couch. He completed his education at St. Peters High School in Jefferson City, graduating in 1952. Following his high school graduation, he pursued his passion for engineering and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in 1957.
His dedication to public service led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he completed Officer Candidate School and served in various assignments. He worked at the Public Works Department at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, the Naval Hospital at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Pendleton, California, and the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Couch served in the Navy for almost five years before transitioning back to civilian life.
After his military service, Couch returned to the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, where he earned his master’s degree in civil engineering in 1964. Later that year, he relocated to Sacramento, California, and continued his military career in the Naval Reserves (Seabees), eventually attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander during his 18-year service.
In his civilian life, Couch worked as a design engineer for the Department of Water Resources on significant projects such as the California Aqueduct, Napa’s turnout reservoir, and its pipeline surge tank. He also contributed his expertise to Caltrans, where he wrote construction contract specifications and worked on road projects at the city and county levels. In 1980, he joined the Department of Parks and Recreation, where he remained until his retirement in December 1984.
Aside from his professional achievements, Patrick Couch had a deep love for the outdoors. He cherished the hills, streams, and meadows of El Dorado County, where he settled with his family in 1967. Couch was an ardent advocate for conservation and actively participated in monthly cleanups of illegal dumpsites in the El Dorado National Forest with the El Dorado Rod & Gun Club.
Known for his wry and self-deprecating sense of humor, Patrick Couch had a fondness for simple yet clever jokes. He was a devout Catholic who found solace in his faith, although in his later years attending Mass became physically challenging. In true Patrick Couch fashion, he would humbly ask for prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and would have reciprocated by offering the same for others.
Patrick was preceded in death by his brother, William Robert Couch, his sisters Mary Bob Palermo and Marilyn “Susie” Couch, and his former wife Peggy Helen Couch, who passed away in December 2022. He is survived by his six children, and 12 grandchildren: Kevin Couch, (Jenny Anderson; Colin); Kitty (Katherine) Light (Nicole Alvarez (Matt) and Ethan Suaste (Charla); Julie Dunn (Tony; Chrystal Garrett (Joe) and Melissa Mutzig (Scott); Sara Easterbrook (Keith; Ian Lange, Amelia Hughes(Sean), and Elizabeth Easterbrook); Rachel Couch (Natalie Hurt); and Tony (Anthony) Couch (Sequoya Campbell, Kai Lee Campbell, and Denali Campbell). Patrick also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Clayton Garrett, Evelyn Mutzig, Alison Mutzig, Spencer Mutzig, Isaiah Morgan, and Jett Alvarez.
Patrick Shepard Couch will be remembered for his dedicated service to his country, his contributions to the engineering field, and his love for the great outdoors. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
