Ralph W. Patterson

Ralph W. Patterson Ralph went home for the last time Saturday December 20th, 2014 with family and friends by his side. Ralph was born November 30th, 1938. Ralph was the seventh child brought home to the family farm in Hartford Michigan, the son of Clarence and Florence Patterson. Growing up on the farm instilled a work ethic in Ralph that would be with him his entire life. After graduation, Ralph decided to head for the big city of Chicago to make his fortune as a diesel mechanic. Ralph loved the mechanic work, along with his pride and joy of the time, his Porsche. Many a law-stretching fun times were had in this car. But the city was not all it was supposed to be, and Ralph returned home to Southwest Michigan. Grand Junction was now to be his home, because that is where he and his new bride, the former Darlene Szymanski, were to reside. Ralph began working with his father- in- law John, at JOHNS Manufacturing and Leasing. The years that followed saw Ralphs’ mechanical and engineering genius flourish. He helped to develop the JOHNS forklift that revolutionized the Fruit and Vegetable growing industry in the United States. This piece of equipment was like no other, and became the standard in the industry. Although Ralph retired in 2006, the JOHNS BN Forklift still commands top dollar at auctions, and is still in high demand. Ralph could truly say that he made a difference in the world, and he left it a better place. Ralph was a lifetime member of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, a past Van Buren County Fair Board member, and a member of the Van Buren County Farm Bureau. Ralph also had a soft spot in his heart for the Van Buren Youth Camp, where all of his children attended during the summers. Ralph was honored by the camp as one of the recipients of the Pearl Fisk award for many years of dedication and service to the camp as a lifetime board member. Ralph is survived by his wife of 52 years Darlene K. Patterson, three daughters, Tammy (Keith) Dykstra of Hartford, Karen (Tod ) Kubiszak, of Lawrence, Laurie (Chad) Hamilton, of Grand Rapids, and a son, Randy (Brenda) Patterson, of Butler, Wisconsin. Ralph was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Ralph also has one surviving sibling, Don Patterson of Monticello Indiana. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Florence Patterson, two brothers, Dale and Louis, and three sisters, Wanda, Sue , and Lois. The family will receive well wishers on Monday, December 22, from 5-7 PM at the Bangor Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be at 11:00 am December 23rd, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bangor. Memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to either Sacred Heart Catholic Church or The Van Buren Youth Camp.

Ralph W. Patterson

November 30, 1938 - December 20, 2014