Patrick Putnam was born on March 20, 1950, and raised in Gregory, SD, by his parents, Francis and Bertha. He remained close to his brothers and sisters throughout his life. After graduating from Gregory High School and the University of South Dakota, Pat enjoyed a long career managing car dealerships in Sioux Falls, SD, Oklahoma City, OK, Visalia, CA, and San Mateo, CA. In addition to being incredibly hard working and intelligent, his coworkers remember him as a personable but exacting manager who enabled them to do their best. When friends and family remember Pat, the first thing that typically comes to mind is his humor. He was quick-witted and clever, skilled at telling stories as well as making sharp observations, and his laugh was infectious. He loved golfing with his wife Linda and his friends, often traveling to play with partners he had known since childhood. He was an avid fan of the 49ers and Warriors, and as an adult, he became an excellent chef with an appreciation for fine Pinot Noir.
More than anything, Pat loved Linda and his family. After a decadeslong friendship, Pat married Linda in 1999, and the two spent the next twenty six years growing closer and making one another better people. Their love was—and is—an inspiration.
Patrick Francis (Pat) Putnam, 75, of San Mateo passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 2, 2025, in Redwood City, CA. Pat was a devoted husband to his wife, Linda; a loving father to his children, Sam and Julie, and to his stepchildren, Kevin and Shelly; and a proud grandfather to his six grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his siblings, Joe, Bob, Nan, Doris, and Jim. A celebration of Pat’s life took place on Saturday, December 20, from 2–4 p.m. at Crippen & Flynn Woodside Chapel in Redwood City, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mission Hospice & Home Care (https://www.missionhospice.org/donate/) or to the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/?form=19983).
