Robert "Bob" L. Patterson

Bob was born on March 20, 1932, in Pittsburgh, PA to Robert & Este Patterson. He graduated from Peabody High School in 1950 and was accepted into the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT which he attended for 2 years during which time he sailed to Europe aboard the USCGC Barque Eagle, America’s tall ship. Bob served in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller in Korea during the Korean War. Bob married Elizabeth “Betsy” Hollmuller, the love of his life, on September 9, 1954. Thanks to the G.I. Bill, Bob graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering on September 9, 1957. He obtained his Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1962.

Bob worked for West Penn Power as he and Betsy started their family on July 4, 1955, with the birth of daughter Deb in Pittsburgh, PA and the birth of son Rich in 1958 in Greensburg, PA. The young family moved to Boston, MA while Bob worked for Stone & Webster before taking a job in 1966 with Commonwealth Associates in Jackson, MI where son Jim was born in 1967. In 1977, Bob boldly “went out on his own” becoming an internationally known and respected consulting engineer specializing in the design of high voltage and extra high voltage electric transmission towers. Following his retirement in 1997, Bob and Betsy moved to Ft. Myers, FL. They embraced the motto “Life’s a Beach” and loved spending time on “their bench” near Ft. Myers Beach Pier, enjoying lunch 985 times at Pierside Grill.

Over the years Bob’s hobbies included traveling, bowling, playing cards, being a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, reading, crossword puzzles and, most recently, drinking iced vanilla lattes. He loved being a grandfather and great grandfather, proclaiming, “If I knew grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first”.

Bob is survived by his loving children, Deb (Ron) Ralya of Holland, Rich (Tonna) Patterson of Williamston and Jim (Jenna) Patterson of Lansing; grandchildren, Kari (Jason) Shaevitz of Bloomington, IN, Melissa (Tim) Geerts of Hudsonville, Kaitlyn (Addison) Brown of Auburn, CA, Paris Patterson of Royal Oak, Ava Patterson of Williamston, Kristin (Nate) Lilly of Lansing, Devin (Ashia) Nault of Haslett; great grandchildren, Alex, Adriene, Reed, Emelia, Autumn, Scarlett and Leland; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betsy in 2017 and sister Marianne Thomas in 2013.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Bob’s life to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of Lansing, and Ele’s Place. A private memorial service will be held later.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Willows at East Lansing, Hospice of Lansing and Independence Village of East Lansing for their compassionate care and support.