Sad to report that legendary Baja adventurer Marvin Patchen passed away this morning.
Marvin was a wonderful person and delightful Baja companion.
He wrote two books with his wife Aletha.
Baja Adventures by Land, Air and Sea...
And Baja Outpost...
He was a true friend and an inspiration to me and many others. Our family was very fortunate for the Patchens' friendship. His love of Baja goes way
back...
He wrote in Baja Adventures
" I have not recounted all our trips into Baja such as those during World War II when I was in the Marine Corps and stationed in San Diego and El
Centro, making Tijuana and Mexicali close liberty towns. Nor have I told about the wild college days when we slept on the beach at Ensenada, gorging
ourselves on eight-cent tacos and washing them down with ten cents a shot tequila."
God bless you Marvin. And God bless you Aletha and bring comfort in recalling all the wonderful years you had together and all the joy and kindness
you gave to others.DENNIS - 5-26-2011 at 12:04 PM
DEP, Marvin. Thanks for the memories.AmoPescar - 5-26-2011 at 12:17 PM
OH...that is SO SAD!!!
He was truly a very nice man. His love of Baja was shared by so many who met him and he was very generous in sharing what he had.
RIP Marv!
Miguelamo Paulina - 5-26-2011 at 01:12 PM
Very touching post, Graham.
God's speed Marv.
Hugs to Aletha.
Paulina y DernBajaGringo - 5-26-2011 at 02:02 PM
Never got to meet Marvin but I have a copy of both of those books. My condolences to his family and close friends. QEPDwoody with a view - 5-26-2011 at 02:08 PM
Sad news for sure
John M - 5-26-2011 at 02:10 PM
Barbara and I wish to send our deepest sympathy and condolences to Aletha and family.
We have had the distinct and wonderful pleasure of joining Marv and Aletha on many occasions both in Baja and at Canebrake in Borrego.
Their generosity and willingness to share was unmatched, truly BajaNomads and Baja Legends.
A few photos - at Casa Patchen
One of our many visits to Casa Patchen
Our comfy accomodations
One of the many mementoes on display
Their lifestyle is surely summed up in the title of their first book, Baja Adventures.
John and Barbara M
Skip and Barbie Slavkin
[Edited on 5-26-2011 by John M]Hook - 5-26-2011 at 02:18 PM
Very sad news, indeed. Marv was such a gem. I hope Aletha is managing as well as possible.
So, John M., frequent visitor to Canebrake? Did you EARN your beads and/or bolo tie?
Hook
John M - 5-26-2011 at 02:31 PM
See U2Uwilderone - 5-26-2011 at 02:36 PM
Oh gosh - this is sad. But what a life full of adventure - and wonderful legacy that will carry on for many years to come. My heartfelt sympathy and
warm hugs and prayers to the family, and a big thank you for the memorable times at the cabin for which I will always be grateful.Hook - 5-26-2011 at 02:38 PM
LOL! No surprise, here, on the U2U.
Also, remember his margaritas made with 7 up or Sprite? c-cktail Ridge run in the Mitsubishi? ANYONE ELSE?
What a great guy. What a character. I will miss him
Anybody have pics of that vehicle of his with the Callen camper?
Let's turn this post (or another) into a Nomad wake for him.......
[Edited on 5-26-2011 by Hook]Bajahowodd - 5-26-2011 at 04:03 PM
Never had the pleasure of meeting the man. I do have both books. As was mentioned above, " a full life of adventure- and a wonderful legacy." RIP.
Now, how about those eight cent tacos and ten cent shots? Seems to me that Marvin lived the Baja experience at just about the right time.
He obviously did good!
[Edited on 5-26-2011 by Bajahowodd]David K - 5-26-2011 at 05:37 PM
Very sad...
Marv and Aletha have shared so much of their Baja and off road racing love with the world that their life was the stuff of legends! Marvin published
magazines as well and enjoyed flying and boating, as well as racing.
Marv and Aletha attended my Viva Baja events and were very supportive. When they insisted my new ladyfriend (Baja Angel) and I come stay the weekend
with them in Canebrake (Feb. 2005), we couldn't refuse... I am lucky that the hot tub/ beads episode didn't freak out Elizabeth (any more than it did
me) LOL!
Marvin on the dock at the Canebrake Yacht Club MarinaGregN - 5-26-2011 at 05:55 PM
Thanks for sharing the sad tidings, Graham. My copy of Marv and Aletha's Baja Adventures got pretty dog-eared and their adventures inspired me to
write about Baja. He was a true gentleman and we have lost another Baja "legend." My condolences.Steve in Oro Valley - 5-26-2011 at 07:08 PM
Hola todos:
The Patchens have been an inspiration to our family over the years...
We purposely bought an old 1968 Alaskan Camper (9.5 ') for our old 1976 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 so we could have our own Baja shack on wheels...
Our best to you, Aletha...
Steve in Oro ValleySublimity - 5-26-2011 at 08:01 PM
RIP Marvin
Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Marvin, I was fortunate enough to have stayed at his cabin in Baja...what a magical place and the
restroom offered up some fantastic views! Looking at the picture David K posted of the Canebrake Yacht Club Marina, he appeared to be a character and
someone I would loved to have met.
Best Wishes to all the Patchen's family.BajaNomad - 5-26-2011 at 11:53 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by GregN
My copy of Marv and Aletha's Baja Adventures got pretty dog-eared and their adventures inspired me to write about Baja.
The "Secrets" and "Telling Secrets" chapters of the Patchens' Baja Adventures book were the inspiration/reason behind my first having sought out (and
now visited multiple times) the Sea of Cortez destination north of Bahia de Los Angeles shared and discussed in this thread:
One of our family's favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations - thanks to Marv (& Aletha).ELINVESTIG8R - 5-27-2011 at 06:02 AM
capt. mike - 5-27-2011 at 06:52 AM
one of the top 3 baja books i ever read.
as Greg said, a true baja legend and he should know!
his ordeal with the strapped canoe kayak contraptions going down the coast was unreal.Hook - 5-27-2011 at 07:15 AM
And getting his WIFE to go along is almost as amazing!David K - 5-27-2011 at 11:02 AM
Aletha was one of the first (if not the first) female Baja off road racers... It was fun to have both her and Judy Smith (another of the original
woman off road racer and Dusty Times editor) at my Viva Baja parties!
Marvin wanted me to see the geoglyph (a long line made in the earth by ancient people) he spotted from his plane... He and Eve Ewing investigated it
from the ground... It is very near the El Marmol/ Hwy. 1 jcn. on a low hill... I have yet to spot it. If I remember, I will post the details that Marv
sent me on it, when I getback from Baja.Udo - 5-27-2011 at 11:13 AM
I had no idea that he was an ex-marine.
I'll pass the word of his passing to some of the brass at Camp Pendleton.
Quote:
Originally posted by ELINVESTIG8R
Cypress - 5-27-2011 at 11:39 AM
RIPBajaBlanca - 5-27-2011 at 12:05 PM
R.I.P.Neal Johns - 5-27-2011 at 02:33 PM
R.I.P. in Baja
Nice person and family.
I first met Marv in the '50 when we were some of the first Go Kart racers. Marv was on the Go Kart factory team and I was just a nobody - but it was
fun!
A few years ago the Desert Explorers.org had our annual Rendezvous in Ocotillo and Marv led a trip for us. He will be missed by many.
Reading All These Tributes
Gypsy Jan - 5-27-2011 at 03:10 PM
Makes me very sorry that I never had the honor of meeting him.
Bon voyage, good soul.elgatoloco - 5-27-2011 at 03:50 PM
Heard lots of stories about him and wish we could have met. We stopped at his cabin several times but no one was ever home. He surely was one of a
kind and a pioneer. I sure he will be sorely missed by all those who new him but he leaves quite a legacy.
RIP.Ken Cooke - 5-27-2011 at 04:45 PM
R.I.P. Marvin Patchen
His Discover Baja presentation I attended based on his book, "Baja..." was legendary. I'll never forget it.Borregoman - 5-31-2011 at 01:14 PM
What a TRUE adventurer! Hi Baja Adventures Book was such a great read. Hook and I (with our respective lady's) had the pleasure of meeting Marvin
and Althea at his Canebrake home outside Anza Borrego. Marvin took us on several hikes in the desert during the day and the evening was topped off by
a narrated slide show of some of his many pictures of Baja.Mexitron - 5-31-2011 at 01:30 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by capt. mike
one of the top 3 baja books i ever read.
as Greg said, a true baja legend and he should know!
his ordeal with the strapped canoe kayak contraptions going down the coast was unreal.
Ditto! Via con Dios Marvin.David K - 5-31-2011 at 07:18 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Borregoman
What a TRUE adventurer! Hi Baja Adventures Book was such a great read. Hook and I (with our respective lady's) had the pleasure of meeting Marvin
and Althea at his Canebrake home outside Anza Borrego. Marvin took us on several hikes in the desert during the day and the evening was topped off by
a narrated slide show of some of his many pictures of Baja.
The beads...
Marv and Aletha were great hosts and I am very glad that we got to spend a weekend with them in Canebrake. The funniest memories were of my (then new)
girlfriend and I being handed a box of beads to wear, after dinner... I think the rest of the story can be told another time... but to the many Nomads
who have stayed or visited the Patchens in Canebrake... YOU know! bacquito - 5-31-2011 at 08:05 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by elgatoloco
Heard lots of stories about him and wish we could have met. We stopped at his cabin several times but no one was ever home. He surely was one of a
kind and a pioneer. I sure he will be sorely missed by all those who new him but he leaves quite a legacy.
RIP.
Where was his cabin located? Sounds like an interesting person. RIP
Ooops I just found out!
[Edited on 6-1-2011 by bacquito]Graham - 6-10-2011 at 08:48 PM
A tribute to Marvin Patchen with these and other photographs can be found in the current Discover Baja newsletter, released online today. And on my
website:
1968 Aletha Patchen and Carol Bryan - first women's team to finish the Baja 1000
By tandem canoe from Puertecitos to Mulege
Loading the amphibious "Tortuga" for another Baja Adventure
[Edited on 6-11-2011 by BajaNomad]David K - 6-11-2011 at 10:17 AM
Great stuff Graham, thank you!
I second that...
Ken Cooke - 6-11-2011 at 11:58 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Great stuff Graham, thank you!
His Discover Baja presentation several years ago was legendary.MexicoTed - 6-13-2011 at 11:13 PM
What a great guy! And Aletha is a wonderful woman too. They both were amazing to speak with and welcomed many into their lives. I really enjoyed any
opportunity I had to hear about their adventures and share our love of Baja.
He certainly lived a full life that many of us can only hope to attain.
My best wishes are with you Aletha,
Ted
Patchen camper - Hook
John M - 6-30-2011 at 05:44 PM
Hook, is this the Callen Camper mounted on a FUSO you asked about?
Marv showed us the camper in the garage at Canebrake, I think this may have been it, but cannot recall for certain, and for some reason did not think
to get a photo.
There was an article in one of the Four Wheel Drive magazines back in the late 70s I believe about it.
John MDavid K - 6-30-2011 at 05:52 PM
Marvin had a Jeep FC (Forward Control) cab over pickup, converted into a camper, as well... THAT was sweet!
[Edited on 7-1-2011 by David K]
Forward cab
John M - 6-30-2011 at 05:58 PM
Ok David, maybe that is what we were given a "tour" of at Canebrake.....
......and not the FUSO
JohnDavid K - 6-30-2011 at 06:04 PM
It was out next to the garage when we were there in 2005... I thought it was the coolest off roading camper (until Art's) with great visibilty ahead!Graham - 7-15-2011 at 10:07 PM
An update on Marvin's "Patchen Explorer"
1973 cover of Aero Magazine featuring the Patchen Explorer
Marvin formed his own aircraft company, Marvin Patchen Inc., and oversaw the development of a remarkable plane—the Patchen Explorer, a landplane
version of the Schweizer Teal amphibian. It was “intended as a cheaper, faster, more maintenance-free alternative to the helicopter for such tasks as
pipeline and fire patrol, fish spotting, aerial photography and police missions.” Like the Teal, the Explorer was powered by a single engine mounted
above the wing—the powerplant a 200-hp fuel-injected Lycoming.
A South African company acquired the project, but the Patchen Explorer never went into production; only a single prototype was built.
The South African Air Force Museum now owns that one and only example of the Patchen Explorer in the world, where it is on permanent display.
I'm sure Marvin will be happy to know that the Patchen Explorer is being made ready to take to the air again. Because of its unusual design it has
always been a popular exhibit at the SAAF Museum.
capt. mike - 7-16-2011 at 07:41 AM
wow that looks fun! i'd like to see it emerge as a kit with amphibious floats.
was it tandem seating or side by side? 4 place? 2?
any details on it like specs?
very cool, thx for noting.Graham - 7-16-2011 at 09:24 AM
Some more info for you Capt. Mike.
This from the SAAF Museum's website :
Status: Museum Manufacturer: Patchen Country of Manufacture: United States Role: Reconnaissance/Utility Description: The Explorer was developed for
pipeline patrol operation, aerial photography and law enforcement agencies. The large forward view from the unobstructed canopy made this an ideal
observation aircraft. Construction of a prototype was completed by the Aerofab Corp. of Sanford, ME, and its flight-test program was completed in
November 1972. The prototype was shipped to South Africa and evaluated by the SAAF's Test Flight and Development Centre for use as a light recon
forward air control aircraft, but was not quite what was required. As a result it languished in a hangar for many years before being donated to the
SAAF Museum. The Explorer, serial 2000, is part of the SAAF Museum Historic Flight. Aircraft Stats: Powerplant: 1 x Lycoming 200hp 4-cylinder engine
Speed: 202 kph, 125mph mph Seats: 4 Span: 9.8m, ft Empty Weight: 621kg, 1,370lb Max T/O Weight: 998kg, 2,200lb Weapons: None specified Squadrons: SAAF
Museum Historic Flight Attrition: No incidents found.
And a little background from Bob Aberle, who designed a flying model:
A neat aspect of building scale models is finding a little known, full-size aircraft for the subject. Anyone can build a Piper Cub or a Cessna, but
not everyone has heard of a Patchen Explorer TSC-2. When I start a scale project, I always look for obscure aircraft. Fellow retired Grumman engineer
Nick Dannenhoffer gave me a photo of the Explorer a dozen years ago. I recently pulled the photo out of its file and decided it was time to share my
find with others. Working from that single photo and a specification sheet, I ended up creating an electric-powered model.
The Explorer was apparently designed by aircraft engineer David Thurston, who was responsible for some of the early Grumman civilian designs (the G-63
Kitten, for example), as well as the Republic Seabee amphibian. He later went on to design the Teal amphibian. The Explorer was essentially a
land-based version of the Teal ... The full-size Explorer had a 32-foot wingspan, weighed 1,370 pounds (empty) and had a maximum takeoff weight of
2,200 pounds and a maximum cruise speed of 125 to 130mph. It was powered by a pylon-mounted Lycoming 200hp 4-cylinder, air-cooled engine.
The Explorer looks really different in the air and always attracts attention from other modelers who want to know what it is.
There's a Youtube video of a model Patchen Explorer flying around -- made me think of Marvin's spirit flying all over Baja.
sweeet!!!!!! thx so much.AmoPescar - 7-16-2011 at 09:58 PM
Very COOL airplane. Amazing what an innovative thinker he was! Been amazed to hear more about his life, all he did and all his adventures!
Miguelamo Graham - 11-5-2011 at 12:21 PM
There will be a little gathering for Marvin at the Santa Ines cabin –“Casa Patchen” – next Saturday, November 12.
Aletha and a few family and friends will be there to scatter some of his ashes at sunset and celebrate his life and love for Baja. Anyone passing
through Cataviña who knew Marvin and Aletha and anyone who has enjoyed the cabin over the years will be very welcome to stop by.David K - 11-5-2011 at 05:07 PM
Sweet... thanks for the message, Graham!Graham - 11-18-2011 at 12:11 AM
A few photos from our tribute to Marvin at the Santa Ines cabin last weekend.
We scattered Marv’s ashes around the cabin, on the runway he used so often, and north by a large cross on top of the mountain overlooking the Santa
Ines ranch and campground.
Marvin helped Brian Chuchua lift the cross – made of welded water tanks – by helicopter back in April 1982. Brian, of course, owned a renowned
Southern California Jeep dealership, and was instrumental in promoting early Baja off-road racing, entering 3 jeeps in the initial 1967 Mexican (Baja)
1000. Marvin and Aletha drove Brian Chuchua vehicles in their Baja races.
The weather was perfect apart from Saturday night/Sunday morning when we had 2/3 inch of rain… but that produced a wonderful series of rainbows to
lend a special magic to the celebration of one of Baja’s more colorful characters.
wilderone - 11-18-2011 at 08:43 AM
Thank you Graham. The final chapter - at the end of the rainbow - Marvin's cabin, friends and legacy.Ateo - 11-18-2011 at 08:49 AM
To be missed by so many is the ultimate statement of a man's impact on those he loved.shari - 11-18-2011 at 08:55 AM
What a wonderful tribute to a Baja legend...thanks to all of you who have painted this lovely picture of Marv.
My condolences to the family and friends who I'm sure will miss him very much but he will remain in your hearts forever.
Marv...enjoy your next adventure in the beyond...see ya there.David K - 11-18-2011 at 08:59 AM
Thank you Graham!Graham - 11-18-2011 at 07:50 PM
It was a privilege to pay tribute to Marvin at a place that he and Aletha loved and made available to so many Baja travelers.
Paulina - 11-18-2011 at 10:55 PM
Thanks Graham, I was hoping you would do a follow up and here it is. I appreciate you sharing the photos with us.
P>*)))>{Ken Cooke - 11-18-2011 at 11:22 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
Thanks Graham, I was hoping you would do a follow up and here it is. I appreciate you sharing the photos with us.
P>*)))>{
I also appreciate the photos, Graham. I remember attending a Discover Baja slide/super-8 presentation featuring Marv and Althea Patchen roughly 10
years ago. It was an amazing speech and collection of images. I appreciate how you placed this information here for us to read and view.
Thanks,
Ken
Thanks to everyone!
MPatchen - 11-20-2011 at 02:08 PM
I want to thank everyone for their kind words regarding my father. And I’d especially like to thank Bonni and Graham for going down to Casa Patchen
and help spread his ashes and celebrate his life.
Also I was amused and pleased to see that my father will live on in Baja, even if in name only as a minimarket in San Quintin…
Mike Patchen
[Edited on 11-20-2011 by MPatchen]
David K - 11-21-2011 at 12:19 AM
Mike, just wanted to say how fascinating it was to know both of your parents!!
I remember your mom as being one of the first women off road racers, read of their travels in magazines when I was young,
loved their Baja Adventures book,
enjoyed the show your dad put on at Discover Baja about 11 years ago, then was privilaged to have them as guests at my Viva Baja parties, and finally
to spend the weekend with them in Canebrake (hot tub incl)!
Marvin talking about his book as I hold it up to our guests at Viva Baja #3 (2002)
Vaya Con Dios Marvin Patchen, you were a GREAT friend to Baja California!
[Edited on 11-21-2011 by David K]David K - 11-1-2012 at 06:17 PM
Remembering a great friend of Baja... Marvin Patchen...
thanks DK and all !!
captkw - 11-1-2012 at 06:43 PM
I dont know if I ever met the man, at the pemex,dock,taco stand....but I sure would say Hola !! and that plane is a GOOD concept !!! put twin floats
with inner wheels and you could do T/D's all day !!! I know this is a old thread and I'm glad that I saw/read it...........Is his wife "athena" still
at the "cabin" or living somewhere else ??.............K&TKen Cooke - 11-1-2012 at 07:02 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Remembering a great friend of Baja... Marvin Patchen...
It was great that your brought this thread back to the forefront, again. Thanks, David!
myself..I glad as .............!!
captkw - 11-1-2012 at 07:27 PM
Aletha Patchen has joined Marvin...
David K - 12-6-2018 at 01:41 PM
I saw in the Discover Baja newsletter that Marv's wife Aletha (who was the first woman to win both the Baja 1000 and Baja 500) has joined her husband
in the great desert beyond!
Both Marv and Aletha were so very cool and fun to be friends with. The photo above was from 2005 when they invited us to spend the weekend with them
at their desert home in Canebrake.
