Mark was born in Charlottesville, February 28, 1956 to the late Theodore and Claire Patterson. Mark dedicated 30 years of his life serving the citizens of Lynchburg as a proud police officer. His career spanned many areas – the highlights were working with the S.W.A.T team, helping to initiate the bicycle officer program and writing grants to assist in the police force growing.
One of Mark’s favorite spots was Emerald Isle. Mark, his parents and siblings spent their summers traveling to the coast for their vacations. The memories of his childhood and latter those with his niece and nephew on the shore were ones he held closest to his heart. Mark had a deep affection for his sister and her family.
In 2008, his love affair with his wife Lynn Patterson began. Together they created a life they loved. They traveled throughout the United States in their RV enjoying numerous destinations, particularly Emerald Isle. In addition to his passion for Lynn, Mark loved music – beach, classic country and Elvis were his favorites and riding his Harley Davidson on the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of his greatest pleasures was the home he and Lynn created in their log cabin at the foot of the Peaks of Otter.
Mark is survived by the family he inherited and adored when he married Lynn - children, Cassie Fitzgerald (Dave), Meagan McGuire (Matt) and Bobby McGuire (Sarah), grandchildren, Kilen Fitzgerald and Dulaney and Mackenzie McGuire, and mother-in-law, Gloria Farrar who was Mark’s biggest fan. Also, to mourn his passing are his sister, Kim Moles (Kerry) and his brother, Mike Patterson, nephew Andrew Moles and nieces, Emily Moles and Katherine Patterson. Mark is also survived by his beloved Toto, his law enforcement family and the many friends he made along his journey.
A service celebrating Mark’s life will be conducted Saturday, September 17, 11am at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. Pastor Mark Wilkerson of Otterville UMC, where Mark and Lynn are members, will officiate.
Visitation with the family will be conducted one hour prior to the service.
In honor of Mark’s love for Hawaiian shirts, we ask you to dress in a tropical theme. Please bring your smiles and stories of Mark to share. Mark’s loss will be felt until we meet him again and his love will remain with us for the rest of our days.
Memorial contributions in his honor can be made to the Lynchburg Police Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
We will meet again Somewhere Over the Rainbow, because there’s No Place Like Home….
