Richard Patana

RICHARD LEE PATANA Ilwaco resident Richard L. Patana, 81, died February 18, 2011 in Ilwaco. Born in Astoria, Oregon on March 19, 1929 he was the son of Richard L. and Diehless (Haring) Patana. His paternal grandparents came to the Peninsula from their native Finland in the late 1880s, settling in Ilwaco. It was there, in Ilwaco, that Richard grew up and attended Ilwaco grade school. Richard worked in area sawmills, logged and trolled for salmon until 1946. That was the year he enlisted in the US Army and for the ensuing three years he served his country, honorably discharged in July of 1949. Following his military service, Richard returned to the Peninsula and fished until 1974. He served 8 years as president of the West Coast Trollers Association. He then moved to San Diego, California where he worked in power plant maintenance before moving to Boise, Idaho. There he was employed as a driver for Interstate Brands/Eddy's Bread, earning an excellent safety awards multiple times until retiring in 1991. Richard and his wife of nearly 60 years enjoyed being snowbirds in retirement, making many new friendships. Then six years ago he returned to Ilwaco and his roots. He became active in the community he loved, serving as treasurer of PACE and also serving with the Ilwaco Food Bank. Richard enjoyed playing solitaire, reading the newspaper, whistling, country and western music and his family. He often had a can of Coca Cola in his hand and was known to share many a tall tale, some of which were rumored to be true. His family will remember him as a beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather who was an excellent role model to many, and he will be missed by all who knew him. He and Glenna Mae Mosher were married June 8, 1951. She survives, residing in Ilwaco. Also surviving are children Debora (Steve) Easton of Carlsbad, CA, Richard Patana III (Debora) of Chinook, WA, Diela (Steve) Hall of Beaverton, OR, Linda Claudius of Escondido, CA, Sharon (Jay) Easton of Julian, CA, Walter Mathew Patana of Phoenix, AZ, and Elizabeth (Jason) Norman of Austin, TX; brother Merrit Patana of Prineville, OR; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Zoe Schwatzenburg. Memorial service will be held Thursday, February 24, 2011, 2:00 PM at New Life Christian Church in Ilwaco with a reception following. Private columbarium placement will be at Ilwaco Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Ilwaco Food Bank in care of Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.