Stephen Robert Patterson, 64, died at his home in Spokane, Wash., on Aug. 20, 2012. He was born Dec. 13, 1947, in Hailey, Idaho, to Mark and Elizabeth Patterson. After graduating from Wood River High School, Steve enlisted in the Marine Corps and served a tour of duty in Vietnam, in which he earned a Purple Heart. He returned home to attend the University of Oregon, during which time he met his wife, Dianne Wells. Steve and Dianne were married on Aug. 12, 1972, in Harrisburg, Ore. He then served one tour in the Navy.
Steve and his family resided in Caldwell, Idaho, Boise, Idaho, and Las Cruces, N.M. before settling for good in Spokane in 1987. In Spokane, he enjoyed his work for KSPS and KEWU before retiring in spring 2011.
Steve is survived by his wife, Dianne (Wells) Patterson of Spokane and their children, Daniel and wife Shannon Patterson of Hoquiam, Wash., Beth (Patterson) and husband Charles Engelhard of Spokane and Joshua Patterson of Spokane. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Allison, Foster and Toby Patterson, and Samantha and Alexandra Engelhard. Surviving siblings are Mark Patterson of Everett Wash., Douglas Patterson of Yakima, Wash., Margaret Walth of Boise, Idaho, David Patterson of Everett, Wash., and Elizabeth Patterson of Yakima, Wash.
A memorial service was held Aug. 24 at the LDS Chapel at 4444 E. 43rd Ave. in Spokane. Memorial donations can be made to KSPS or to KEWU.