Alexander Joseph Pattison, age 20, known to many as Alex or “Zander Bander,” was born in Reno, Nevada, on August 21st, 2005, and passed away in Carson City, Nevada, on January 17th, 2026.
Alex is survived by his father, Christaphor Pattison; step-mother, Svetlana Grabelnikova; mother, Shannon Pattison; step-father, Josh Kelley; sisters, Andreya Pattison, Veronika Egorova, and Jordan Kelley; brother, Carter Kelley; grandparents, Tammy Mask, William Pattison, Kristi Pattison, Dianna Hammock, and Mike Hammock; great-grandmother, Carol Eyre; and many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Alex grew up mostly in Carson City. School was tough for him early on, but things shifted in high school. Later, we would laugh about how he seemed to attend nearly every grade school in the area, mostly because he kept getting kicked out for telling teachers off.
After high school, Alex followed what he loved. He attended the Chapman School of Seamanship, where he earned his Master Yamaha boat engine mechanics certificate, an OUPV/NC (less than 100 ton) Captain’s License, and Merchant Marine Credentials. He continued building his skills through North Lake Tahoe Boat Rentals, and had recently passed another boating course.
Alex was driven and determined, working hard to build a life around the things that made him feel most alive. He loved the outdoors: hunting, fishing, boating, and motorcycling. He loved his family and friends, and he loved video games too. Alex embodied the saying: “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Lions were his favorite animal. With golden hair and blue eyes, he was like a lion himself — beautiful, strong, kind, and unforgettable.
He had a kind and noble heart. He was an amazing friend, always eager to help, a wonderful brother, a dearly loved son. He will be sorely missed.
A viewing and service will be held at the Dayton Valley Golf Course on Saturday, January 31st at 9:00 am. This will be followed by burial at the Dayton Cemetery at 12:00 pm., and then a gathering at The Odeon. The Odeon will be closed to the public and open only to family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made in Alex’s name to https://cleanupthelake.org/alex-pattison-charitable-giving/
It is said, that at sea, there’s no route—just the trail that you leave in waves.
Know, captain, as you sail out, you are leaving behind a trace.
Though today your waves turn to clouds, the direction you showed us stays.
You’ve lit beacons that won’t go out—lights of kindness, and love, and grace.
— from Lana
