Ronald Alvin Patterson

October 13, 2023, Ronald Alvin Patterson passed away peacefully after several months of illness. He passed away in the early hours of the morning, overlooking the Bridger Mountains in the valley that he loved. Ron, the eldest of four children, was born in Chester Montana on June 23, 1940, to Chester M. Patterson and Ethel Mae (Cramer) Patterson. Ron spent his early years in Great Falls, Montana, graduating from Great Falls High School in 1958. Upon his graduation, he immediately enlisted in the Navy, serving 3 years on the USS Los Angeles, a guided missile heavy cruiser. Ron was selected to be the first nuclear field recruit from Montana which gave him a “Secret Rating” of which he was very proud. After completing his 3 year tour with the Navy, Ron enrolled at the MSU School of Architecture in March 1961. He enjoyed a very successful career as an architect. His many achievements include designing the drawings and specifications for the Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Butte, MT, being one of 2 project architects for the School of Architecture and Art at MSU for which he was awarded First Place by the Montana State Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, assisted in the construction of 3 buildings at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, many buildings on the Rocky Boy and Blackfeet reservations including an elementary and junior high school. His architecture career enabled him to travel the US, also working in Texas and Colorado. After he retired, he moved to Belgrade, MT where he pursued his love of photography and fishing. He always knew where the wildlife was and spent many, many, many afternoons driving down Dry Creek Road, photographing the natural splendor of Montana. He is survived by his sons Shawn and Patrick Patterson (Aubrey), his sister Patricia (Patterson) Gunderson and her son Orin Gunderson, his brother Earl Patterson and his sons Craig (Jamie) and Kelley Patterson, his grandson Corey Brainard, two great-grandchildren, a great-niece and nephew, along with many cousins and dear friends. Ron was one of a kind- a practical joker, meticulous record keeper, amateur historian, and a tender heart. He was loved absolutely and will be fiercely missed. He was taken to Fort Harrison in Helena, MT to be laid to rest near his brother Michael; his last afternoon drive. Graveside services followed by a celebration of life which will be held in the late spring of 2024. To be notified of additional details when they become available, please email RAPMemorialinfo@gmail.com with your contact information.