Obituary of Walter Dean Patterson

Walter Dean Patterson was born 12/11/1926 in Edmonds , WA and passed away 12/30/2007 in Tacoma, WA. Dad grew up in the mountains of California during the depression. His child hood was a tough one. His spirit and determination for a better life, led him to join the Navy and fight for his country during WWII. All this at the ripe old age of 16. Soon he found himself serving aboard the USS Raleigh in the South Pacific as a Radar Operator. After the war, he settled in Tacoma and began a career in the woodworking industry. He enjoyed working with his hands and building quality, comfortable furniture. Dad held engineering management positions at Northwest Chair, Slyter Chair, Pasquire Panels and was an owner of Jorma Chair in Puyallup. His greatest treasure in life was spending time with the love of his life, his wife Audrey. They enjoyed traveling in their motor home, entertaining and investing in Real Estate. Dad was a real handyman with the rental property; fixing and repairing electrical and plumbing problems. He had a sneaky sense of humor and a real heart of Gold. He loved his Family like no other and will be missed by all he touched. Walt is survived by his loving wife Audrey of Tacoma; son, Walter James (Debbie) of Tacoma; step-son, Richard Fisher (Marsha) of Bonney Lake; step-daughter’s Liz Fisher, Margaret Birnie and Pat Refling, all of Tacoma, step-son, Gary Johnson; step-daughter, Patti Knapp of Yakima, brother, Joseph Patterson; sister, Margaret Vincent both of Cashmere, WA; grandchildren, Kaela & Walter Connor Patterson; 6 step-grandchildren. Service to be held Monday January 7th 1:30 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA. Reception following at the Weatherly Inn, 6016 N. Highlands Pkway, Tacoma from 3:00 to 5:00. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Weatherly Inn and Franciscan Hospice. View Video Tribute online by clicking the link below: http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=13704 Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008.