Robert C. Patterson

Robert “Bob” Patterson, age 87 of Grandville, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home Friday, March 24, 2023. Joyce, his wife of nearly 66 years, faithfully and lovingly cared for Bob for several months with the help of hospice at home, and she constantly stayed by his side until his spirit left his earthly body. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Marguerite and Gail F. (Pat) Patterson Sr.; and brother, Gail F. Patterson Jr. He will be greatly missed by his family: wife, Joyce Patterson of Grandville; two sons and daughters-in-law Robb (Kathy) Patterson of Kalamazoo and Craig (Lynn) Patterson of Kentwood; two grandsons Michael (Leslie) Patterson of Paw Paw and Eric Patterson of Kalamazoo; great-grandsons Luke and Ben of Paw Paw; sister, Cherylle Beck of Branden, FL; brother- and sister-in-law John (Marsha) Van Prooyen of Cape Coral, FL; sister-in-law Marilyn Bailey of San Jose; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob worked long and hard as a supervisor in quality control for General Motors until retiring for health reasons in 1991. Prior to that, he served in the Army National Guard and worked in Tool and Die at GM. He also enjoyed working at the GR Yacht Club with his dad and brother.

He loved family vacations including camping out west with the boys. He enjoyed traveling all over the world with Joyce, including Ireland to see his ancestral heritage. A trip to Israel with their pastor was especially meaningful for Bob. He was a deep thinker who often challenged people with great questions to ponder. He was loyal and generous; he was a man of integrity, had a great sense of humor, loved photography and had the most organized tools, nuts, and bolts around. He loved to watch and analyze sports and was a coach for his sons in their growing years.

Family gatherings for holidays or for any reason were important to Bob. May was extra special for celebrating many Patterson birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Bob’s best birthday gift, which he predicted and asked for, was his first great-grandson being born on his 82nd birthday. He was blessed to be able to share those birthdays with Luke for five treasured years.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Cook Funeral Home (West building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2023 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to service. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Corewell Health Hospice Foundation (https://www.spectrumhealth.org/foundation/ways-to-give/memorials-and-tributes) Corewell Health Foundation, 25 Michigan St NE, Suite 4100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.