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John D. Patterson, 69, of Juliaetta
DNews.com, Moscow-Pulman Daily News
Posted: Saturday, December 19, 2015 12:00 am
John D. Patterson, 69, of Juliaetta died of a heart attack on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, while doing what he loved - hunting pheasants with a good friend and his dog, Max.
John was born on March 14, 1946, in Lewiston, Idaho, to Allan and Eleanor Patterson. He was predeceased by his only sibling, Jo Ellen Patterson/Savage, whose son, Jesse, is the only surviving member of the Patterson family. Jesse, Elaine, his spouse, and their three children reside in Mountain View, Calif. Despite the miles between John and Jesse and his family, John made regular visits to California and was a loving uncle/great-uncle.
As a young man, John attended Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston and, later, the University of Idaho studying forestry. John left this academic pursuit to work for the Camas Prairie Railroad in Lewiston where his father had preceded him. John was a hostler, switchman and, for most of his career, a yardmaster.
When the Camas Prairie Railroad sold in 1998, John continued his railroad career with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, based in Pasco, Wash. During his eight years in Pasco, John regularly returned to his Juliaetta home to hunt, fish and enjoy the company of family and friends. He retired from the railroad in 2006.
In 1988, John fulfilled a lifelong dream, building a beautiful home on a hilltop in Juliaetta with an expansive view of the Clearwater on which he spent countless hours fishing. John was a good friend of his Juliaetta neighbors and was an active member of the local fire district.
While John's interests were wide-ranging - for example, racing his 1956 Chevy "Big John" at the Spokane drag races from 1969-73 - his real love was for the outdoors and time spent fishing and hunting with friends throughout the Pacific Northwest. A skilled outdoorsman, John was a respected and sought-after steelhead guide on both the Clearwater and Snake rivers. His friends and clients attest to his skill and the fishing success it provided for them.
While John regularly fished the Clearwater, Snake and Columbia Rivers, he said his favorite venture was the annual two-week visit to Vancouver Island from which he fished the Pacific Ocean.
Active and concerned about the management and conservation of Idaho's fishery, John served as the Clearwater regional director of Idaho Steelhead and Salmon Unlimited from 1984-99.
John was a big man with a big heart. He was and is much loved by his family and wide circle of friends. He will be missed.
In remembrance of John, a "Celebration of Life" is planned for the spring of 2016 near his home on the Clearwater River. Please obtain detail with respect to the celebration by email to: jdp11212015@gmail.com.
Those wishing to honor John's love and care for the outdoors may wish to make a donation in his name to the Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation at: www.ifwf.org.
Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.
Lewiston Morning Tribune: Thursday, November 26, 2015
NEZPERCE - John D. Patterson, 69, of Juliaetta, died Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, in Nezperce. Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.
2014 Reunion News:
After 1964 I attended college until 1968 at which time I went to work for the railroad industry in Lewiston. In 1998 I transferred to Pasco and the BNSF RR, followed by retirement in 2006. During this time frame I also worked as a fishing guide during the fall seasons for steelhead and in 1988 I built my current home. My home is located 15 miles east of Lewiston at the mouth of Potlatch Creek. Since retirement I have done a series of updates on the home.
I spend my free time fishing the Northwest and bird hunting with my current dog, Mad Max a Labrador retriever.
I am looking forward to the reunion and hope to visit with folks at that time.
2004 Reunion News: No input
30 Year Reunion 1994
Current residence: Juliaetta ID
Occupation: Yardmaster/Camas Prairie Railroad (retired)
Places lived in the last 10 years: Juliaetta
Hobbies and other interests: Being a fishing guide. Enjoying Idaho outdoor recreational opportunities.
Plans or goals for the next 10 years: Retire and live off my investments, kick back.
Major highlights of the last 10 years: Survived the last nine years as an Idaho Steelhead Fishing Guide. Built a new home on the Clearwater River, 11 miles east of Lewiston.
20 Year Reunion 1984
Current residence: Lewiston ID
Occupation: Yardmaster for Camas Prarie Railraod
Four years of college from 1964-68; 1968 accepted a position with Camas Prairie Railroad, current to 1984. Interests and hobbies include utilizing Idaho's outdoor resources such as horse packing, jet boating white water, fishing for steelhead, bass and walleye, hunting big game and birds of the Northwest.
10 Year Reunion 1974 No input
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