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ROBERT PATTERSON Obituary

Robert Steven Patterson 1937 ~ 2010 Robert Steven Patterson passed away peacefully on March 21, 2010. He was born in Fort MacLeod, AB on June 8, 1937 and was the second born to Robert Dwight Patterson and Mary Winnifred Reach Patterson. Bob was raised by his mother in Fort MacLeod and was involved in athletics, school clubs and cadets at FP Walsh High School where he graduated in 1955. He received both his bachelor and master of education degrees from the University of Alberta and then pursued his doctorate in the history and philosophy of education at Michigan State University. In 1990 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Lethbridge. Bob was blessed to have met the love of his life, Belva, while in school in Fort MacLeod. He married Belva Emily Orr on July 2, 1957 in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. They were married nearly 52 years before Belva's death in 2009. Together they raised and are survived by four sons, Steven (Shirley) of Wetaskiwin; David (Jeannette) of Edmonton; Douglas (Dawn) of Calgary; and Michael (Nola) of Las Vegas. They were the beloved grandparents of 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his second wife Janet Clark Hunt Patterson, her children and grandchildren, and his half sister Adair Patterson of Vancouver. He was predeceased by his parents and older sister, Florence Winnifred Patterson. Other survivors include siblings, cousins, many nieces and nephews, young men that lived with the Pattersons at different times and countless friends and colleagues. Bob's greatest pleasure in life came from spending time with his family and friends. He always had a delightful story to share about someone who had touched his life or whom he had touched. Many career opportunities were afforded to Bob and he was known by all who worked with him, whether presidents of Universities, visiting professors, or custodial staff, as a kind, caring, and charming individual. He was accomplished in many aspects of his career including writing and publishing, leadership and motivation, synergy and problem solving and of course teaching. He was instrumental in instituting many visionary coalitions and partnerships at the universities that he was connected with. He taught at University of Alberta for over 30 years including his time as the Dean of Education from 1983 to 1991. In 1992 he was persuaded to spend the concluding years of his professional career at BYU in Provo, Utah where he served as Dean of the McKay College of Education. He treasured the people he associated with in Alberta, Michigan, Utah, and at other Universities around the world. A love of God was instilled in Bob by his mother and was evidenced throughout his life. He served as an altar boy in the Catholic Church in Fort MacLeod. At age 18 he was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has served in many callings over the years including Bishop, Counselor in a Stake Presidency, Stake Patriarch, and Temple President of the Alberta Edmonton Temple. Bob and Belva were also blessed to serve at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies where they lived for 15 months. Bob lived a life full of service and charity for those around him. He was an example to many of Christ-like love. You could not be around Bob and not sense his deep conviction of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. The legacy that Bob leaves his posterity is one of testimony, service, generosity, kindness, good humor, and love. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 in Edmonton at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Riverbend Stake Centre. The family will be present prior to the service from 10:00-12:30. The service will commence at 1:00 p.m. A live web-cast of the service will be available for viewing at the 2433 W. 450 S., Pleasant Grove LDS chapel on Tuesday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Orton Cemetery in Orton, Alberta on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Bob's name to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To send condolences please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com (780) 422-2222.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Mar. 27 to Mar. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT PATTERSON

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Craig/Priscilla Stutz

April 5, 2010

Dear Patterson Family,

We were truly saddened at the news of Bob's passing. He has had a tremendous influence for good in our lives as he has in the lives of countless others. He was a spiritual giant, a remarkable teacher, and a true friend. We will always treasure our special memories of both Bob and Belva in Edmonton and in Utah. We extend our love and condolences to you and give thanks for our associations with your family through the years.

Sincerely,

Craig and Priscilla Stutz

March 30, 2010

The family of Walter Gong -- Jean Gong, Gerrit and susan, Brian and Sue, and Rusty and Marguerite -- extend condolences and every best wish on the passing of our friend and BYU colleague Bob Patterson. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your extended familly at this tender time.

Deep sympathy and best wishes --
Jean, Gerrit and Susan, Brian and Sue, Rusty and Marguerite

John Fisher

March 29, 2010

Bob influenced my life greatly. He was a friend and mentor at a critical moment in my life. His assistance helped me succeed in my doctoral studies at the University of Alberta. I am extremely grateful for his support at a time when I needed it.

Russell T. Osguthorpe

March 29, 2010

Dear Patterson Family,
I am still having difficulty acknowledging that Bob is no longer with us. He affected my life in so many positive ways. He is likely the only one who called me by a nickname--one he invented--when he saw me in the deans' office each morning. As he entered the office suite, my door would be open, and he would exclaim: "Well, Ruskie, how are you doing today?" He created these terms of endearment for those who were close to him.

About one year ago, when he was suffering with a health problem, he asked that my son and I come and administer to him. We went to his Pleasant Grove home and had a very memorable evening. At the completion of the blessing, he kept thanking me through his tears. Even when he was not feeling well, he made you feel better than ever.

He was a unique soul. He knew how to be completely honest while at the same moment being completely kind. He could give a hard message to someone and make that person feel good about it. This was a gift he had that was truly a blessing for everyone who knew him.

We will miss him. We will miss his smile, his laugh, his self-depricating humor, his love. We will miss his amazing creativity, his ability to see through the most difficult problems. We will miss him. And we know that our loss is so much less than the loss you as his family members feel. Our prayers are with you. I know that the Lord will buoy you up. I know too that Bob will continue to bless us every time we think of him! Love, Russell T. ("Ruskie") Osguthorpe

Dixie H. Mitchell

March 29, 2010

Patterson Family,
We loved Bob and Belva when they moved across the street from us in American Fork.
What a fun and knowledgeable person he was.
Our best to the boys and Janet.
Dixie & Ann Mitchell

don gerdy

March 28, 2010

I first met Bob when we were in grad school at Michigan State. He took all of us new teaching assistants under his wing and provided us not only with valuable information but a great role model. I reconnected with him when he came to BYU. He was a great educator, leader, example, but more than that a wonderful person. All of us who were privileged to know him have benefitted from that.

March 27, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Robert's sons, their families and Janet. We've known the family for many years and just acouple of weeks ago Robert mentioned that seeing us brought back so many memories. He has blessed our family as a Patriarch and a friend. His smiling face and friendly greetings will be missed by all. Norm & Adeline Depeel & sons and their families

Beth (Law)Street

March 26, 2010

I had the marvellous blessing of having Bob as my bishop in my teenage years and had a brief reconnect three years ago while visiting the Edmonton temple.
I know he would be the first to tell all of us, don't be sad, be happy and know that I will always love you. He and Belva were awesome people who left a profound influence on all whom they came in contact with. My love and condolences to Janet and to all of the boys. Bob left a wonderful legacy for you to follow. Love Beth (Law) Street
PS my siblings send their condolences as well

Dave & Jan Peterson

March 26, 2010

Such a shock to learn of this sad news. Bob and Belva were such dear friends. His gentle loving manner was a blessing in our ward as he taught each of us with such skill. Please know of our love for them and their family.

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

Dear Patterson Family,

We first knew Bob when he was at the U of A and then as Dean of Education at the U.of A. Also when he was President of the Edmonton Alberta Temple. We loved him and loved working with him. His cheery smile will be missed. Bless you Janet as we give you all our love.

Jim and Maryon Buffel

David Williams

March 26, 2010

Bob was such a wonderful example to me and all of us here in the BYU McKay School of Education. He influenced me early in my career in very positive ways and I will continue to do my best to live up to his expectations. He has blessed my extended family as well, as my daughter married into a Canadian family (Spencers) who had wonderful interactions with Bob when he was investigating and joining the Church. His legacy will live on in many ways, in addition to his wonderful descendants.

Mindy Walsh

March 26, 2010

Dear Patterson Family,
Oh, how we loved Bob and Belva! They were our neightbors here in the Orem, Utah Cherry Hill 5th Ward. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Love,
Vic, Mindy, Andrew, and Tom Walsh

Roger Cram

March 26, 2010

I just wanted to write a quick note and offer my condolences to the Patterson family. I first met Bob and Belva when I served in their ward as a missionary in 1989. They treated me like a son. Their testimony of the Gospel was so strong and such an inspiration to me. I will miss Bob's smile. Take care. You will all be in our prayers.

David Barnsley

March 26, 2010

Our prayers with the family at this sad time. Love David and Sue Barnsley

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