John D. Patterson

John was born on March 14, 1946, in Lewiston, 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. 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 to 1973 - 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 the Idaho Steelhead and Salmon Unlimited from 1984 to 1999.

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 details 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 and Wildlife Foundation at www.ifwf.org.

Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.