Wednesday, February 27, 2008

W.R. ?Bill? Patterson


W.R. "Bill" Patterson, born Oct. 14, 1919, passed away Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at his home in Bellevue surrounded by his family.

Bill was the son of Wid and Margaret Patterson, born and raised in Picabo. Bill graduated from Bellevue High School in 1939. He ran his family's farm on the baseline until it was sold in the 1960s and was awarded Blaine County Master Farmer in 1958. Bill then went on to manage some of the great ranches of the valley such as Charles Larkin's, Spring Creek, The Suzie Q and the Cove. Bill's vast knowledge of cattle and ranches then got him working for Oppenheimer Industries Inc., where he was in charge of western U.S. operations, overseeing leasing of cattle to ranches all over the western U.S.

Bill also worked as a pickup man for Doc Sorensen and Earl Hutchinson, where he worked great RCA rodeos like Salt Lake City, Idaho Falls, Filer, Blackfoot, and back then, Sun Valley. He worked for Sun Valley Co. driving a sleigh to Trail Creek cabin and a ski bus in the winter. He drove and supplied teams of horses for the Sun Valley Wagon Days and was an out rider for the Big Hitch for several years. Bill also worked as an extra and supplied horses for movies that were made in the valley. Bill was a tireless worker; he was a marshal on the Warm Springs golf course, and drove a dump truck for Sluder Construction until his early 80s.

To Bill's friends and those who knew him best, he was one of the most respected cowboys, cattleman and horseman in the country; if you looked in the dictionary under cowboy you might find Bill's name. His wit, wisdom, and mere presence will be sorely missed by all who came to know him.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jewel, of Bellevue; his children Kenny Van Leuven, his wife, Cindy, and their children, Kirby and Karri and husband Mike Heda of Boise, Kathleen Swanson and her children Cody and Brandon and wife Janie Swanson of Bellevue, Barbara Patterson, her partner in life Kelly Wardell and her daughter Mandi of Bellevue, Vickie Bradshaw and her daughters Michelle and husband Bob Marriot and Moniique and husband Roger Jacketta of Woodcross, Utah; and 10 great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of Bill's life in the spring on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Hospice of the Wood River Valley, PO Box 4320, Ketchum, ID 83340. Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey, Idaho (www.woodriverchapel.com).




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