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1946 - 2016

BORN

1946

DIED

2016

About

University of California Los Angeles

Robert Patterson Obituary

Robert Edward Patterson died last week after a decade long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was 70. Gentle, strong, and infectiously optimistic, Bob was born in Bloomington, Indiana in 1946 to John Patterson and Mary Elma Curl. After studying Chemical Engineering at UCLA under mentor Ken Nobe, Bob embarked on a forty-year career in aerospace. At 22, he designed photovoltaic solar panels for JPL. By the end of his work life, he directed Mission Assurance across Northrop Grumman's entire Space & Technology division. Throughout his life, Bob applied his scientific mind in creative ways. He once wooed a long-distance girlfriend, Karen Berkey, by describing with exactitude the precise beauty of her night sky. Bob married Karen in 1983. And together they nurtured what would become the great passion of his life -- his family. A Manhattan Beach resident across four decades, Bob spent his free time bodysurfing and headtripping with Dave Williamson and Jim Berryhill. And climbing the Sand Dune with Kelli McCabe. In recent years, he became an advocate for Alzheimer's awareness, serving on the board of the Alzheimer's Association alongside his good friend, Dr. Jeffrey Cummings. With the help of his caregiver, Lula Suleiman, Bob approached the daunting challenge of living with Alzheimer's with his characteristic strength and grace. In addition to Karen and siblings Mary Jane Kingman and Bill Patterson, Bob is survived by his children Dylan Berkey, Melanie Berkey, and Matthew Patterson -- and by his grandson, Oliver Tranchi. All of whom remember him as a man who lived with profound integrity and warmth. As a man who left this world having experienced -- deeply -- that most simple yet elusive of human traits: happiness. Memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to Opica or to Alzheimer's Greater LA.

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

Published by Los Angeles Times from Jul. 15 to Jul. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Patterson

16 Entries

Duke Marsh

July 9, 2025

I still have pleasant memories of the Patterson's visits to New Albany. My mother (Esther) and their mother (Mary Elma) were sisters. I knew all of the children well (Johnny, Bill, Robert, and Mary Jane). I remember playing a game with Bob in 1954 when he was eight years old (I was twelve, then). We didn't see the Pattersons often as they lived in CA and we were in IN. Our last visit was in 1982 when I, and my two youngest children, flew to LA for a visit. Karen and Bob were wonderful hosts. He was a remarkable man, and is surely missed.

Jerene Aldinger

November 21, 2016

Dear Karen and Family,

I never met you personally, but listened to your StoryCorps interview and was so moved by what you two shared. I am an oncology nurse up in Seattle, but also spend time as a dancer and choreographer and created a piece inspired by that interview for a local art museum's conference on Legacy, Dementia and the Arts. I was hoping to be able to send it to you. I don't know if you will get this message, but here is a copy of our performance this summer. It was an honor sharing your message.

My love and warmest wishes,

Jerene Aldinger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6yks6ieeLk&t=952s
The dance starts at around 15:50 in this video.

September 21, 2016

My deepest condolences to the family and friends. May you find comfort by drawing close to God during this difficult time. James 4:18.
D. Wilmington - California

hill

September 6, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

August 26, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. May Almighty God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1,2) With heart felt sympathy to you and your family.
LR, VA

Linda

July 28, 2016

When someone you love dies, we need to go God for comfort. (Jeremiah 29:12) says " And you will certainly call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you ". His words can equip you with "power beyond what is normal" to go from one day to the next.

Kenneth Edwards

July 25, 2016

I remember Bob from Dominguez High School. He always had a smile and was a great example of a leader. I will miss him. Blessings to his family. Ken Edwards Class of 1964

Dana Southwood

July 22, 2016

Kind, thoughtful, intelligent, accomplished, loving, genuine.... a true gentleman in every sense of the word. We will miss you Bob.

Mardelle Anderson

July 18, 2016

I met B through Paula Kaiser. We were 12 years old. When B and I were in ninth grade Acro-Government together, we sat next to each other. I got him in trouble all the time. He would turn beet red! We've had a lot of laughs over the years and all of us were blessed to have him in our lives. He was one of the good guys.

Kathy Brower

July 17, 2016

It's so hard to understand the loss of someone who meant so much to you and everyone that knew him. I hope you know special thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless

Al Maybeno

July 17, 2016

Bob was a member of the class of 1964 at Dominguez High School, even though I was in the class of 1963 at Dominguez I remember Bob as a extremely intelligent and outstanding member of his class. My condolences to the Patterson family and to all those who knew him.

Christine Ford Dayton

July 17, 2016

I've known Bob since kindergarten and he was always such a great guy! Everyone loved him! He was so fun and so caring and decent. I last saw him a few years ago at his home. Karen invited us classmates over and we were all so grateful. He will be missed!

Christine Ford Dayton

Duke Marsh

July 17, 2016

So sorry to hear of the loss of Bob, a first cousin on my mother's side. Memories go back a lifetime: I first remember him as little boy when the Pattersons would come to New Albany to visit Elba in the fifties. Our last visit was in 1982 when I and two of my kids flew to Los Angeles. Although miles separated us most of the time, I have many fond memories of times together long ago. Rest in peace, Bob....

Stephanie Sundius

July 17, 2016

I worked for Bob many years ago, and counted myself very lucky. Such a kind, gentle man who also knew when to stand firm and make decisions. Fly with the angels now, Bob. My condolences to his family. He was so proud of his wife and son, spoke so lovingly of you.

Dick Croxall

July 17, 2016

Dear Patterson Family:
My deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Bob for almost 30 years at TRW/Northrop Grumman Space Park. He was an excellent engineer and a great human being.
I will remember him for his contributions and friendship over our time together.

July 16, 2016

Sending my condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results