Richard W. Paterson 1927-2011

Richard W. PatersonRichard W. Paterson, 84, of Champaign passed away Dec. 10, 2011, surrounded by his wife and children.
 

He was born Jan. 25, 1927, in Champaign to Harold and Dolly (Webb) Paterson. He attended Champaign schools, graduating from Champaign High in 1945. After serving in the Army, he returned to Champaign to earn a law degree from the University of Illinois. He was an attorney in the community for 52 years.

Richard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marietta Ripley Paterson, and his sister, Bonnie McLauthlin of Denver, Colo. Richard and Marietta have three daughters, Nancy Strang (David), Mary Kaminsky (Lenny), and Martha Henss (Mark). Their beloved grandchildren are Emma and Jake Henss, Maggie Henss Jones, Tucker, Cameron and Shelby Strang, and Bonnie and Lauren Kaminsky. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Norman Paterson.

Richard passionately loved nature, sports, his community and his family. Richard's passion for athletics was a thread running throughout his life. He was an outstanding high school athlete himself, inducted into the Champaign Central Hall of Fame in 1970. He remained a loyal Champaign Central fan and proudly continued to serve, until present, on the Champaign Central C-Club. He coached his three daughters on various youth swimming, softball and flag football teams and most recently received much joy watching his eight grandchildren compete in numerous sports.

Richard loved nature, particularly the water. He was at peace on any lake, river or pond. He spent summers in his youth working the Lake Geneva Water Safety Patrol with his father and his brother, Norman. He loved to fish and shared that passion with his grandsons and sons-in-law.

Richard believed strongly in the work and outreach of the Salvation Army and has served faithfully on the Advisory Board since 1968. It is his wish that memorials be sent to The Salvation Army-Champaign Corp., 2212 N. Market St., Champaign, Illinois 61820.

A Celebration of Life for Richard will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Champaign, where he was a longtime member. The service will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16. Friends wishing to greet the family may do so following the service.

Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy, is handling arrangements.

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Chris Bonjean
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