Patchen died January 8, 1972. Came across a half page in the LA Freep, January 14, 1972, noting his passing (photo along with a poem). So the timeline does indicate Patchen could have read the story.
When I read the "Kinnard" story I wondered if it was Patchen being referred to. I have a few Kenneth Patchen books, including one that Hallmark put out in 1970. He was a popular poet.