Hundreds gather to bid farewell to Pat Pyette

Represenatives of local, state, federal and even international law enforcement and emergency service agencies joined hundreds of the family and friends of Blaine County Undersheriff Patrick A. Pyette Monday in a funeral held in the Chinook High School gymnasium.

Pyette died of injuries sustained Wednesday when a vehicle struck him while he directed traffic on U.S. Highway 2 east of Chinook around a broken-down semi.

Havre Daily News/JNikki Carlson

Honor Guard members fold an American flag that was draped over Blaine County Undersheriff Pat Pyette's casket at Kuper Memorial Cemetery in Chinook Monday during Pyette's burial. Pyette died Wednesday in the line of duty.

The funeral service, including a full military burial, began at 11 a.m.

A string of nearly 100 law enforcement and emergency service vehicles, lights flashing escorted Pyette's family and the hearse carrying his body, along with his prized Chevrolet Corvette, to Kuper Cemetery east of town for the burial rites, including "Taps," a 21-gun salute, and the Blaine County Sheriff's Office ordering a moment of radio silence before giving him a benediction on the airwaves.

"We cherish his dedication and service to the people of Blaine County and the people of Montana," the dispatcher said on the airwaves.

Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger attended the funeral, reading the proclamation by Gov. Brian Schweitzer dated today ordering flags on state property to be flown at half-staff in Pyette's honor.

The Rev. Jose Valliparambil officiated the service, and Chinook City Judge Perry Miller and Chinook Police Chief Mark Weber gave eulogies for Pyette during the service.

Pyette had served as a deputy sheriff in Blaine County following more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. He joined the sheriff's office in 2001, and became undersheriff in 2006.

Pyette is survived by his wife of 32 years, Terri, son, Kristopher and his wife Jessica, and grandchildren, Tristan and Taylor. Complete coverage of thefuneral in Tuesday's Havre Daily News.