Patrick Anthony Miljour, II

WEAVERVILLE - Patrick Anthony Miljour II, beloved husband, father, son and brother passed away Saturday Sept. 6, 2025, doing what he loved, kayaking the Gauley River in West Virginia. Patrick was born in Harbor Beach, Michigan on June 19, 1972, to Pat and BetteJo Miljour. Patrick’s love of adventure began early, as he was the youngest person to cross the US in a bike seat peddled by his mother, as a toddler. In an epic journey, the family would ride 2,250 miles camping as they traveled cross country in 43 days.

Patrick is survived by his beloved wife, Mari; his daughters; Tatiana and Analise of Asheville, NC. He is survived by his parents, Pat and BJ Miljour of Gwinn, Michigan; his brother, Joe (Sandra) Miljour; and his niece, Maia of Marquette, MI; in addition to several aunts and uncles, as well as the thousands of friends he met along life’s way.

Patrick graduated from Gwinn High School in 1990 and moved to the Asheville area to attend UNCA, where his love of the river grew. He worked as a guide for a French Broad tubing company and moved on from that to raft guiding, kayaking and video boating. He was part-owner in Savage Designs, an innovative kayak company in Asheville, for several years. Patrick’s love of kayaking only grew, and he became a legend in the paddling community. He was willing to share his love and knowledge of the river with anyone who would listen. He married the love of his life, Mari and they settled on the Ivy River to raise their 2 daughters. Their quaint little cabins became a hub for family and friends until the inception of Air B&B when the cabins became a full-time job for Patrick, with their many visitors. Patrick and his friend, Randy, were always working on something on the property together, whether it was a leaky pipe, a vehicle that needed repairs or trying to recover from the devastation that Hurricane Helene had inflicted upon their lives and cabins.

Patrick was one of the most selfless people in this world. He would go out of his way to help others in need. Whether it was going down to help with hurricane Katrina before any other help could arrive or nursing an animal back to health he found in the wild. He would give the shirt off his back and be the first to help anyone before they even asked. His selflessness will be an inspiration to all that knew him.

He will be remembered not only for his generosity for others but also for his dedication to fatherhood. He devoted his life to being the best father he could. He made sure to instill his love of nature, his kind spirit, his passion for paddling and his appreciation for life in his daughters and family. He was always there and always teaching them to be the best they could be. His love and devotion to his family will always be in their hearts and never forgotten.

Patrick will be remembered for his zest for life, his loving and giving spirit and his ability to reach out to others to lend a helping hand. He will also be remembered for the light he brought to world and the people he loved.

Patrick was preceded in death by his grandparents Melvin and Henrietta Smith; Vernon and Christine Miljour; in-laws George and Darlene Burgi, his nephew and best friend Mikel Evers, as well as several aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, 15, 2025, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the funeral home, followed by a bonfire and potluck at their farm.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Patrick’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.