Wednesday, June 8, 2016
To Dad/ Robert Dwight Patterson
Just a some words to honor and remember our Dad, Robert Dwight Patterson… he married our Mom "Marie Ratie Sonneck" on Feb. 20,1943, she at 19 & he, at 22 years old…they had just shy of 63 years together on this earth! Right after they got married he was off to War as a B-17 pilot in World War 2. He served a few short years and then the war was over. During that time among other things, he was actually shot down in the English Channel!...a story which we thank fully got on tape. We are very proud of Dad's faithful Service to our Country.
I believe I speak for Bob, Lynn and myself, when I say that Dad was a good Father & always worked hard to provide a good life for us to grow up in. It was Dad who gave us all, our sense of humor...full of fun he was. Mom & he always made our home & family a safe & sheltered place & though things were not perfect.…no family ever is...ours was pretty darn good. When I shared with an old childhood friend Ty, that Dad had passed, this is what she texted me: "I'm sending you my love. I'm sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. I will always remember what a clown he was. And...how staying at your Family's house was such a treat in so many ways. It was always a safe haven for me. I always felt so relaxed & envied the peaceful, positive & fun atmosphere."
Since I was the bonus baby I grew up with Dad being a bit older, so I probably have memories that are a little bit different from Bob & Lynn's. One of my, fond childhood memories, is Dad bringing home gadgets & gizmos on occasion, that were fun & different. Two of those that stand out in my mind were "Water Weenies" (ask me later) and a funky Toothpaste Dispenser that hung on the wall in our bathroom , in service, for years. These gizmos were always great fun for my friends and I. Another fond memory is the built-in Pool, that Dad put in when I was in Jr. High….when I saw him out there measuring…I could not believe it!!…yay!….so many fun memories of time with family & friends in that Pool. Turns out, it a was a good thing that Dad hated the Beach crowds. Ha! I could go on, but don’t want to get too long.
Though Dad, did not come to a personal faith in Christ till later in life. I am thankful that he did, and that we know he is with Mom in the presence of our Lord & Savior and we will see him them both again someday in Heaven.
So…Goodbye for now, Dad…Thank you for everything, & we love you, Cathy for Bob and Lynn too
