John E Patterson

He was born January 17, 1934 in rural North Carolina, the first child of Clare (Pat) and Pearl Patterson.

John moved with his parents from Detroit to Carlsbad as a young boy, residing in an adobe home overlooking the north Carlsbad coastline, now designated an historic homesite. He graduated from Oceanside Carlsbad High School in 1951 and attended the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating in 1955, with a degree in Economics. He affiliated with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity. Upon graduation, John enrolled in law school at UCLA.

During his second year of law school, he married Romaine Roth. They were married 10 years and had four children: Allison (Eric), Michele (Tom), Jill (Mike), and John David (Laurie).

John’s first job as an attorney was in the District Attorney’s Office in San Bernardino County, where he quickly earned a reputation as a gifted trial attorney. In 1961, he moved back to North San Diego County and opened a solo practice in Oceanside. Later that decade, along with his partners, he established the Oceanside Law Firm of Daubney, Banche and Patterson. Subsequently, Gilbert Nares joined the partnership.

John practiced law for over five decades, primarily providing legal defense in criminal matters. He was a California Bar Certified Criminal Specialist who ardently believed in the American system of justice predicated on presumed innocence and competent legal representation for all. John generously provided pro-bono counsel to many in the community; offering practical advice and support to people in need of legal advocacy who could not afford his services.

Always physically active and health conscious, John was a legendary handball and racquetball player. For the past fifty years, he was a fixture at local North County gyms including Mel Gorham’s, the Vista Courthouse and more recently, LA Fitness. He regularly competed against players half his age, and won multiple tournaments including the North Country Racquetball Championship.

For the past 30 years, John has lived with his partner, Janet Hanly, in Vista where they enjoyed a loving relationship and the company of good friends.

John developed Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) in mid-2018 which eventually resulted in pulmonary fibrosis. After a brief hospitalization, he died at his daughter Allison’s home, surrounded by his partner and his children.

He is survived by Janet Hanly, his children and their spouses, nine grandchildren and one great grandson. Private services are pending.