William Robert Patterson

the morning of Friday, February 2, 2024.

Bill was born on April 17, 1933 to Claude and Maddie Patterson in the small Wisconsin town of

Couderay. He spent his childhood and adolescent years there playing basketball, baseball, and

fishing in the Couderay River. He graduated from nearby Winter High School in 1951, and after

one semester at a local college, decided to serve his country.

He joined the U.S. Navy in June of 1952, and served until June of 1956. He attained the rank of

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class and earned the National Defense Service Medal as well as

the Good Conduct Medal. It was during his time in the Navy, while stationed at Quonset Point,

Rhode Island, that he met his lifelong love and companion, Alice Dumais.

Bill and Alice were married on April 7, 1956. Theirs was a marriage marked by tender affection,

fierce devotion, and unending commitment. Through 66 years of the joys and sorrows of life,

they clung to each other. It was death that finally parted them when Alice passed on July 5,

2022.

Early in their marriage, they moved to Southern California where Bill embarked on a career in

banking. He worked for Bank of America from 1956 until his retirement in 1983. His career was

a successful one, starting as a teller, and retiring as a branch manager with a Vice-President

title. He then spent a few years in real estate before retiring completely.

It was during their time in California that they raised two daughters and a son. As a father, he

was very involved and supportive; never missing a concert, a ballgame, or a school play. He

spent several years in the 70s as a little league baseball coach who was beloved by the kids

and parents alike.

After their kids left home, Bill and Alice relocated to Oakhurst, California for a few years, and

then later to Washington state, where they spent their remaining years.

A hallmark of Bill's life was his love of music. It permeated his life and his family. He played

several instruments, had a beautiful singing voice, and handed down his passion to all three of

his children, who all became musicians themselves. Rarely was there a family gathering in

which music didn’t play an integral part. Over the years, his interests and hobbies were

numerous. Other than music, he also loved reading, golf, ping-pong, cribbage, and traveling.

Bill was respected and loved by all who knew him. He was known for being a gentle, friendly

man with a keen sense of humor. His vast array of one-liners will forever be part of his legacy,

and are already becoming part of the lexicon of his great-grandchildren. His honesty, his

character, and his devotion to his family were apparent to all. The example he set as a husband,

a father, and a man, was one surely to be followed, but most difficult to attain. The loss that will

be felt by those who loved him is immeasurable.

Survivors include his three children: Lee Ann (Mike) Obright, Diane Mora, and Russ (Amy)

Patterson. His five grandchildren: David (Erin) Obright, William Mora, Megan Obright, Michelle

Mora, and Shannon (Arturo) Avalos. And his nine great-grandchildren: Aoife, Maya, Tormod,

Ezra, Billy, AJ, Otis, Tommy, and Adam.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice, his parents, his brothers Henry and

Mailand Patterson, his sister Elaine Mirosh, and his grandson, Bryan Mora.

A funeral service will be held graveside on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 2:00 at Purdy and

Walters at Floral Hills, 409 Filbert Rd, Lynnwood, Washington 98036