Edwin Stephen Patterson Jr.

He was the son of Edwin and Julia Patterson. Edwin grew up in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Washington and Portland, Oregon.

Edwin was raised with 3 Brothers and 4 Sisters. He had Gene, Buck, Jim, Kathryn, Ethel, Bob and Helen. Edwin was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Edwin had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Edwin was an active child who took part in basketball. However, to Edwin, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Edwin had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from St John's The Baptist High School in 1935. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Prof, some of Edwin's accomplishments in high school were graduating and playing basketball.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Edwin enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were his siblings and Cousins. : Later in life, Ed became friends with Tom Tebo, Bob Roberts, Oz Osborne, Vern Howard & many longtime neighbors.

On April 18, 1949 Edwin exchanged wedding vows with Mildred M. Smith at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, of Portland, Oregon. Empathic and loyal, Edwin was committed to making his new family happy.

Edwin worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Edwin was blessed with 4 children, 3 sons, Steve, Mark, Rich and daughter Kathi Liebenthal. Another blessing for Edwin was the gift of 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, Heidi, Katie, Brandon, Danielle, Sammy, and great grandchildren, Billy, Bobby and Henry.

Fortunately, Edwin enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Edwin worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a Portland Police Officer. He was employed for 22 years, including time working on the original K-9 Corps. Edwin always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Edwin was an Army Veteran. He was in WWII, serving in the South Pacific. Edwin saw action for 2 years. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Tech 4. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including 4 Medals. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Edwin enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were family, gardening, watching sports and reading. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Edwin found pleasure in sports. In high school, Edwin was a catcher on his baseball team. Recreational sports included golfing and horseshoes. Edwin was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were Blazers, boxing, baseball and any Notre Dame game.

Throughout his life, Edwin was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Edwin was an active member of the Elks, Eagles and Footprinters.

Edwin’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Ascension Catholic Church for over 50 years.

Edwin enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included South and North Dakota, Carribbean Cruises, Hawaii and the beach.

Edwin was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His two favorites were dogs, Ripper & Shana.

When Edwin’s retirement finally arrived in 1974, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in travel, beach house, garden and beating everyone at cribbage. Even in retirement, Edwin continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Edwin was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Edwin passed away on June 25, 2012 at Portland Adventist Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Complications from a hip fracture. He is survived by sons, Steven, Mark and Rich, daughter, Kathi, grandchildren, Heidi, Katie, Brandon, Danielle, Sammy, great-grandchildren, Billy, Bobby and Henry. Services will be held on Saturday June 30, 2012 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Edwin was laid to rest in Willamette National Cemetery in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Simply stated, Edwin was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Edwin leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories.

In Leiu of flowers the family ask that you make a contribution to a couple of Edwin's favorite charities:

Portland Police Sunshine Division

687 N. Thompson St.

Portland, OR 97227

or

The American Diabetes Association

4380 Southwest Macadam Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97239