Obituary for Robert Wayne Patterson
On November 18, 2022 Robert Wayne Patterson, 67, of Mount Pleasant ended his nearly fifty year struggle with multiple sclerosis, surrounded by his sons, other family members and love of his life Renee.
Bob was born at Mt. Pleasant Community Hospital on September 13, 1955. He was raised by his Grandfather Raymond Patterson on a beautiful property in Deerfield Township, where he lived until going into medical care. While growing up he learned the plumbing trade from his Grandfather. One of the youngest licensed plumbers in Michigan, he became a Journeyman Plumber at the age of 18, shortly after his graduation from Chippewa Hills High School. Yes, Chippewa Hills. The widespread rumor that he attended Montabella High has been debunked. Turns out he skipped a LOT of classes to hang out with Renee at her school.
The following year Bob was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He was admired for his stubborn courage in his personal war with MS. Bob fought the horrible disease like a Warrior, refusing to let it define him. He tried to live in the moment, not taking a single day for granted or letting a day go to waste. His Patterson work ethic always shined through, and if the sun was up it was a good day to work. Over the years his MS would not allow him to be as productive as he wished to be. Nevertheless he worked actively as a plumber and continued the plumbing business his Grandfather established in 1945, which continues now into its fourth generation.
In Junior High School Bob met his wife-to-be, Renee Farrell. She lived down the road and he fell in love watching her play softball at the diamond across from Uebele’s store. They married on June 18, 1976 and built their home on the family’s 40 acres. On January 19, 1984 they welcomed into the world the first of two sons, Aaron Robert Patterson, followed by their second son Andrew James Patterson on October 28, 1986. Bob enjoyed working around the house and re-constructing a 100+ year old log cabin from the Henry Weinsberg farm. With the help of neighbors, family and his many great friends Bob disassembled it log by log and moved it to the Patterson property. There they re-built the cabin using new logs where needed, draw- shaving them by hand! He and his crew built a new roof from local cedar trees, using a friend’s antique “widow maker,” a six foot unguarded blade for cutting cedar shakes. The cabin was his pride and joy. He filled it with antiques and hosted big gatherings there, showing it to anyone who was interested.
Bob was known for his quick and mischievous wit, generous heart and his big jar of M&Ms. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed going to the bowling alley for leagues, tournaments, and to play Keno with great friends. He loved music and played the drums. He was a Harley guy.
In 2008 Bob was blessed with his first of seven grandchildren. In spite of MS he was able to invest his remaining time and energy into the grandchildren and he loved them with ALL OF HIS HEART. He and the kids enjoyed countless tractor rides, board games, and “Patterson popcorn parties”. At the Medical Care Facility Bob was a formidable Bingo Player, always trying to win prizes for his Grandkids. Papa Bob was a huge part of their lives.
Although Bob’s life was cut short by a cruel disease he was truly an inspiration. His work ethic, morals, and commitment to service continue, ingrained in his sons and their children. Those left to honor and cherish his memory are: ever loyal, ever loving wife Renee Farrell Patterson; sons Aaron Robert (Kristina) Patterson and Andrew James (Katie) Patterson; birth mother Carol (Silviano) Fulgencio; grandchildren Ellie, Bently, Abbie, Evan, Kaed, Mia and Aaron, Jr; siblings Raymond William (Jackie) Patterson II and Raye Ellen Long; Half-siblings Laura (Emory Floyd) Sheldon, Steven Morgan, Sallie Morgan, Karla Browning, David (Carolynn Dougherty) Hense and Michael (Donald Koewers) Fallis; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; good friends and neighbors; Dear and Glorious Physician Lourdes Andaya M.D; and the kind and competent staff at Isabella County Medical Facility and Pro-Medica Hospice.
Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents Raymond William Patterson and Ellen Frances Morgan; Father-in-law Donald Farrell; Uncle Wilfred and Aunt Frances Curtiss, Uncle Alfred Patterson, Aunt Helen Patterson Bates, Aunt Charline Wilma Morrison Platte, infant niece Carrie Kay Patterson and “substitute mom” Pat Sawyer.
Funeral Services for Bob will be held at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. Following the Service, there will be a gathering to share in a light lunch and some of Bob's favorite snacks in the Reflections Reception Center. The family will receive friends on Monday, November 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitation will continue the day of the service from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Isabella County Medical Facility Activities Department to go toward Bingo Prizes. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel. The family has requested that if you'd like to share a story of Bob's life, to please submit them to storiesofbobpatterson@gmail.com.
You may view Bob's obituary online at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.
Bob was born at Mt. Pleasant Community Hospital on September 13, 1955. He was raised by his Grandfather Raymond Patterson on a beautiful property in Deerfield Township, where he lived until going into medical care. While growing up he learned the plumbing trade from his Grandfather. One of the youngest licensed plumbers in Michigan, he became a Journeyman Plumber at the age of 18, shortly after his graduation from Chippewa Hills High School. Yes, Chippewa Hills. The widespread rumor that he attended Montabella High has been debunked. Turns out he skipped a LOT of classes to hang out with Renee at her school.
The following year Bob was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He was admired for his stubborn courage in his personal war with MS. Bob fought the horrible disease like a Warrior, refusing to let it define him. He tried to live in the moment, not taking a single day for granted or letting a day go to waste. His Patterson work ethic always shined through, and if the sun was up it was a good day to work. Over the years his MS would not allow him to be as productive as he wished to be. Nevertheless he worked actively as a plumber and continued the plumbing business his Grandfather established in 1945, which continues now into its fourth generation.
In Junior High School Bob met his wife-to-be, Renee Farrell. She lived down the road and he fell in love watching her play softball at the diamond across from Uebele’s store. They married on June 18, 1976 and built their home on the family’s 40 acres. On January 19, 1984 they welcomed into the world the first of two sons, Aaron Robert Patterson, followed by their second son Andrew James Patterson on October 28, 1986. Bob enjoyed working around the house and re-constructing a 100+ year old log cabin from the Henry Weinsberg farm. With the help of neighbors, family and his many great friends Bob disassembled it log by log and moved it to the Patterson property. There they re-built the cabin using new logs where needed, draw- shaving them by hand! He and his crew built a new roof from local cedar trees, using a friend’s antique “widow maker,” a six foot unguarded blade for cutting cedar shakes. The cabin was his pride and joy. He filled it with antiques and hosted big gatherings there, showing it to anyone who was interested.
Bob was known for his quick and mischievous wit, generous heart and his big jar of M&Ms. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed going to the bowling alley for leagues, tournaments, and to play Keno with great friends. He loved music and played the drums. He was a Harley guy.
In 2008 Bob was blessed with his first of seven grandchildren. In spite of MS he was able to invest his remaining time and energy into the grandchildren and he loved them with ALL OF HIS HEART. He and the kids enjoyed countless tractor rides, board games, and “Patterson popcorn parties”. At the Medical Care Facility Bob was a formidable Bingo Player, always trying to win prizes for his Grandkids. Papa Bob was a huge part of their lives.
Although Bob’s life was cut short by a cruel disease he was truly an inspiration. His work ethic, morals, and commitment to service continue, ingrained in his sons and their children. Those left to honor and cherish his memory are: ever loyal, ever loving wife Renee Farrell Patterson; sons Aaron Robert (Kristina) Patterson and Andrew James (Katie) Patterson; birth mother Carol (Silviano) Fulgencio; grandchildren Ellie, Bently, Abbie, Evan, Kaed, Mia and Aaron, Jr; siblings Raymond William (Jackie) Patterson II and Raye Ellen Long; Half-siblings Laura (Emory Floyd) Sheldon, Steven Morgan, Sallie Morgan, Karla Browning, David (Carolynn Dougherty) Hense and Michael (Donald Koewers) Fallis; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; good friends and neighbors; Dear and Glorious Physician Lourdes Andaya M.D; and the kind and competent staff at Isabella County Medical Facility and Pro-Medica Hospice.
Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents Raymond William Patterson and Ellen Frances Morgan; Father-in-law Donald Farrell; Uncle Wilfred and Aunt Frances Curtiss, Uncle Alfred Patterson, Aunt Helen Patterson Bates, Aunt Charline Wilma Morrison Platte, infant niece Carrie Kay Patterson and “substitute mom” Pat Sawyer.
Funeral Services for Bob will be held at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. Following the Service, there will be a gathering to share in a light lunch and some of Bob's favorite snacks in the Reflections Reception Center. The family will receive friends on Monday, November 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitation will continue the day of the service from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Isabella County Medical Facility Activities Department to go toward Bingo Prizes. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel. The family has requested that if you'd like to share a story of Bob's life, to please submit them to storiesofbobpatterson@gmail.com.
You may view Bob's obituary online at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.