Stevensville – Thomas F. “Pat” Patterson passed away at 5 minutes before midnight on Dec. 9, 2014 at the age of 98 while under the care of The Living Centre in Stevensville. Pat was born in Woodburn, Oregon on February 15, 1916, the youngest son of Fred and Bessie Patterson. He served as Sergeant in the U.S. Marines in WWII from 1942 to 1945. Toward the end of his service, he exchanged letters with Frances Otto, who was a coworker and friend with his sister, Louise. Following his military discharge and a short engagement, Pat and Frances were married in March 1945. Soon after, they moved to the Loma Linda/Redlands, California area where he eventually became self employed, owning Patterson Trenching. In 1997, Pat and Frances happily made their last move, to Stevensville, MT.
While living in Redlands, Pat was an active member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. Pat has been an active member of the Whitetail Golf Course, and made 13 hole-in-ones over his lifetime. One of dad’s fondest recent memories was being able to participate in the Big Sky Honor Flight. This would not have been possible without Ray Williams’ love and assistance.
Pat was predeceased by his wife, Frances, in 2005 and his grandson Thomas F. Patterson III. Survivors include his children, Dawn Wakefield, Tom Patterson, Jr., Patricia Brewer, Marcia Diamond, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Patricia and Dawn will forever be grateful for the love and attention given to their dad by his “Full Moon Family”: John Holt, Jackie Goren, John Giacometto, Mike Small and many others too numerous to name. John and Jackie certainly added months of life for dad while he was under the care of Hospice.
Thanks also to everybody who watched over dad at The Living Centre and through Aspen Hospice. We needed Dad to be in a safe loving place and you provided all of that.
Pallbearers are Ray Williams, Daniel Brewer, Justin Brewer, John Holt, John Giacometto, and Mike Small.
A graveside service with military honors was held on Monday, December 15, 2014 at Riverside Cemetery in Stevensville. Following the service, there was a reception and potluck at the Full Moon Saloon in Stevensville.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Genesis House in Stevensville or to the Stevensville Senior Center. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.