Robert W. Patterson, 95, passed away Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Bob was born Aug. 19, 1913, in Picabo, Idaho, to Margaret and W. R. (Wid) Patterson Sr. He attended Star School and graduated from Gannett High School before it was closed.
Bob served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After discharge he moved to Reno, Nev., where he was employed by Wells Cargo Trucking Co. Through Wells, Bob was part of the crew that laid the first pavement over Timmerman Hill. He was later employed by Norris Fuel Co., from which he retired in the early 1980s.
Bob was a true cowboy—he spent many years ranching and farming, including flood irrigation and moving livestock across both Idaho and Nevada. This was his true passion and his grandson, Jim, spent many summers doing this with him.
Bob married the love of his life, Dorothy Gladden, in September 1958. They spent 50 wonderful years together. Bob and Dorothy became "snowbirds" after Bob's retirement, spending winters in Arizona and summers in Idaho, mostly Bellevue. In 2003, they moved to Bridgeview Estates retirement center in Twin Falls where they both remained until their deaths.
Bob was proceeded in death by his wife, Dorothy, his father and mother, Wid and Margaret, his sister Mary Bonewell, and his brother, Bill Patterson.
He is survived by sister Bonnie Svare, Reno Nev.; grandson, Jim Olson (Jeanne); and son, Ian of North Carolina; nieces, Barbara Patterson (Kelley Wardell) and Kathleen Swanson and her children, Cody and Brandon (Janie) Swanson of Bellevue, Idaho.
A remembrance service to honor Bob will be held at Bridgeview Estates on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. in the Great Room. A graveside memorial service will be held at Bellevue Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 7, at 3 p.m. with Pastor Richard Kimball officiating.
Arrangements and cremation are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey.
