Walter Patterson

The Lord called Walter T. Patterson, 79, home to his heavenly reward on May 26, 2008.

Walt was born Oct. 28, 1928, to Karl and Elsie Patterson. While growing up in Kalispell, he met the woman of his dreams and his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara (Van Alstine) Patterson. Together they lived in Whitefish and Eureka, and eventually found a permanent home as ranchers in Polson.

Walt had an engaging smile and a way of winding up to a handshake and shaking with gusto, letting you know he was always glad to see you and you were a member of his family. He never met a stranger.

He was a lifelong member of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and enjoyed many hours serving alongside his Christian brothers and sisters at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.

He was always the first one there if you needed help and the last one to leave.

He would give you the shirt off his back and let you know he was happy to do it. He served the community in too many different ways to mention them all, but always with dignity, compassion and a sense of humor.

He was loved, respected and will be missed by many, but none so much as his wife and five children, Bruce Patterson and wife Jane, Joyce Shima and husband Mike, and Gary Patterson and wife Patti, all of Polson, Ruth Patterson, of Seattle, and Teresa Frazier and husband Scott, of Olympia, Wash.; 16 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sisters Agnes Gustafson, Betty Van Alstine and husband Glenn, and Anna Jones and husband Bob; and a multitude of extended family and friends.

A memorial service was held May 31, 2008, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Polson, with the Rev. Aaron Stinnett officiating. Inurnment took place after at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.