Obit: Richard Patterson, 78, Ludington.

Richard Patterson

Richard Harry Patterson, age 78 of Ludington passed away on Thursday November 27, 2014 at Spectrum Health – Ludington Hospital.

He was born on September 14, 1936 in Wyandotte, son of the late Harry and Marion (Roulinson) Patterson.  When Richard was a child, his family moved from Wyandotte to a farm South of Scottville.  He attended Scottville High School and graduated with the class of 1954.  He attended Michigan State University and loved his Spartans.

Richard married Edith Marie Thurow on April 4, 1959, and enjoyed almost 50 years together until she preceded him in death on August 15, 2006.

Never one to sit still, Richard had many “professional lives.”  He worked for Dow Chemical and Laman Asphalt in Ludington during the 1960’s and 1970’s.  In the fall of 1982 he realized a lifelong dream of becoming a business owner.  For 25+ years he owned and operated Pere Marquette Sport Center in downtown Ludington.  During this time he served a term as President of the Chamber of Commerce.  He also started two new businesses in Ludington – Pere Marquette Bait & Beverage and a costume shop called Ludington House of Disguise.

Richard’s love of kids extended past his own, as for many years he was a very popular School Bus driver for Ludington Area Schools.  He and Edith were also very gracious hosts to two foreign exchange students – Willi Carstensen of Germany and Ilka Toivila of Finland.  Another great joy for him was playing Santa Claus at numerous business functions and family gatherings during the Christmas season.

An avid reader, his collection of books number into the hundreds.  He also loved to deer hunt with his family – early in his life with his dad and brothers, and then passing that passion to his own sons and grandson.  Many “Deer Tales” were always shared and enjoyed in the fall.  Richard enjoyed playing cards (especially cribbage), and later in his life many mornings were spent playing cribbage with the gang at the Ludington Senior Center.

Richard was a man of deep faith, as St. John’s Lutheran Church provided him great inspiration and spiritual foundation in his life.  He was very active in the church, serving as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the congregation, and for many years on the Board of Elders.

During his last seven years of life, Richard was blessed to spend that time with a very special companion – Helen Woirol.  Helen and her entire family opened their doors and life to him, to which he was eternally thankful and grateful.  She was an absolute rock for him.

Richard Patterson will truly be missed by his family, friends and loved ones.

Richard is survived by his 2 sons: Scott (Stephanie) Patterson of Stevensville, MI and Mark (Susan) Patterson of Norton Shores, MI; grandchildren, Christoffer (Lindsey), Kailey and Andrea Patterson and Erica Brower;  great-grandson, Hayden;  loving companion, Helen Woirol of Ludington;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edith; infant son, Brian; and brothers, David and Greg Patterson.

Funeral services for Richard will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday December 4, 2014 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ludington with Pastor Thomas Boehne officiating.  The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday December 3, 2014 at Oak Grove Funeral Home from 2:00 to 4:00PM and 6:00 to 8:00PM.  Visitation will also be held at the church on Thursday morning from 10:00AM until time of service.  Burial will take place at Center Riverton Township Cemetery in Ludington.

Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be directed to Mason County Relay For Life.  Please feel free to share are memory or photo with Richard’s family at www.oakgrovefh.com.  The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center.