Patrick Joseph Traphagan, aka “Dr. Pat”, was born on August 15, 1958, to Robert and Phyllis (Kotschwar) Traphagan in the San Fernando Valley in California. He went to be with the Lord on April 16, 2025 after a long battle with cancer.
Pat and his twin brother, Michael, were the oldest of 4 children. The family moved to Wheat Ridge, CO in 1963 where they established a small farm hosting horses, cows, pigs, chickens and a myriad of family pets including dogs, cats, rabbits and birds. Pat attended school at Fruitdale Elementary, Our Lady of Fatima, Everitt Jr. High and Wheat Ridge High School before attending Northeastern Junior College and Colorado State University.
Pat’s love of animals began early in his childhood. He worked on a ranch in Wheat Ridge, CO for many years during high school before pursuing his education and professional career in veterinary medicine. Pat knew he wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age – he never considered another career option. He achieved his Doctorate, graduating early from the Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in January 1984.
In December 1983, Pat was approached by a clinic in Yuma, CO who needed a veterinarian right away because one of the partners broke his leg in a car accident and calving season was fast approaching. Pat found himself graduating on a Friday and starting work the following Monday. Pat started his work out of their office in Wray. The veterinarian who broke his leg turned out to be a wonderful mentor – he was a graduate of West Point and graduated in the top 10% of his class. He was very intelligent, laid back and became a very good friend. However, by the end of his first season, Pat questioned his career choice after nearly 100 C-sections, numerous calvings and prolapses!
While living in Yuma, Pat met and married his first wife, Cindy Unger Traphagan, on June 14, 1986. To this union, they were blessed with three beautiful children: Jessica Lee, Austin Patrick and Tara Juilene. After they divorced, Pat married his second wife, Peggy Hemphill, on January 28, 2022.
In 1985, the local AG economy tanked, including the dairy buyout program. Being the low man on the totum pole, Pat’s services were no longer required in Yuma, so he quickly found another position in York, NE. He remained in York until 1990 when he moved back to Yuma, CO. Pat and his first wife Cindy moved to a ranch east of Yuma where he ran about 250 head of mama cows, began building a mobile vet practice and a one room small animal clinic in the old dairy barn. In 2000, Pat purchased a veterinary practice building in Yuma, remodeled the facility and began the practice that would become the Countryside Veterinary Clinic. In 2021, Pat’s son Austin (KSU ’20) joined the practice and they were able to work side-by-side until Pat’s death.
Throughout his life, Pat enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, woodworking and cooking. All of the amazing woodwork at Pat’s house was his own handiwork, inside and out, including the custom-made furniture (for tall people, of course). A labor of love! He was an accomplished gardener and grill master and loved having family over to visit. You never wanted to miss a BBQ at Pat’s house. He especially enjoyed BBQ’ing at University of Wyoming Football and Volleyball games while his kids were playing sports in college.
Pat is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Phyllis Traphagan and his twin brother Michael (2014).
Pat will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, and his three children: Jessica Traphagan, Austin (Sammi) Traphagan and grandson Hank of Yuma, CO, and Tara Traphagan of Denver, CO, along with his sisters Mary Traphagan and Tracy DeDore, and a nephew Kevin Traphagan, all of Denver, CO. He is also survived by his 4 stepchildren and 14 step-grandchildren.
The graveside service was held Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma, CO, officiated by Curtis Glenn. Inturnment will be at the Yuma Cemetery. A public celebration of life was held at the Yuma County Fairgrounds following the service.