Robert Ellsworth Patterson, known affectionately to all as Bob, made his grand exit on May 20, 2025, just shy of his 70th birthday. Born to Yoshie and the late Ellsworth Patterson on May 28, 1955 at the U.S. Army Field Hospital in Thierville, France, Bob's journey led him to a peaceful farewell in Ann Arbor, Michigan, surrounded by the love and laughter he had fostered in others throughout his years.

Bob was a master of the masonry arts, a pillar of strength with a trowel in one hand and a witty retort in the other. For 48 years, he laid the foundations of community and camaraderie as a proud past master and member of Olive Branch Lodge #542. His dedication to the craft was rivaled only by his commitment to shaping young minds and characters in Scouting, where he served as a leader and volunteer for over two decades. And let's not forget his unwavering devotion to Ss. Simon and Jude Church, where for over 20 years, he was the go-to repairman and a familiar face ushering the flock to their seats.

Bob's heart was a toolbox brimming with love and selflessness; if there was a need, he had the gadget or gizmo to fix it. His home was like a hardware store annex, stocked with multiples of every tool under the sun, just in case someone might need to borrow a wrench or twelve. Very handy indeed, Bob could fix anything that didn't talk back, and even then, he'd still give it a shot with his signature playfully sarcastic banter.

Behind the scenes, Bob was the unsung hero of school yearbooks and PTA meetings, a man whose life was a trifecta of Boy Scouts, church, and work. He was as stubborn as a stain on your favorite shirt and just as memorable. He met his match in journalism class with Nancy, his wife of 43 "long" years, as he'd jest with a twinkle in his eye, marking their partnership in love and laughter from their anniversary on August 22, 1981.

Bob's legacy lives on through his kin, a lineage of Pattersons including his sons Joe, with his wife Cassie, and Mark, with his wife Shelby. His grandchildren Jordan, Lyla, Sydney, Ezra, Gordie, and the late Ryan are testaments to his enduring spirit, each embodying a spark of his humor and heart. Bob's sisters, Laura, with her husband Steve, Donna, with her husband Pat, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews continue to share his stories, ensuring the echo of his laughter never fades.

Bob was a complex man, but if you asked anyone to describe him in a few words, they'd say he was handy, selfless, and funny. He was the guy who'd show up at your door with a toolbox and a cheeky grin, ready to tackle whatever challenge you faced, all the while regaling you with tales that could make even the most stoic of statues crack a smile.

As we bid farewell to Bob Patterson, let's not say "goodbye" but "see you later," for a man like him leaves a mark that doesn't fade with time. Bob, here's to you, the man who taught us that the best things in life aren't things at all, but the moments we share, the laughter we create, and the love we give without hesitation. May your stories continue to inspire chuckles and your memory be a blueprint for kindness and mirth in all our hearts.