Edlin Ellis

Patterson

Edlin Ellis Patterson passed away on September 8, 2025, in his home in Brookings, Oregon, at 86 years of age. He transitioned painlessly, surrounded by family, in his own home and bed, with Deb at his side – which is exactly what he wanted. He was known and will be remembered for his gentle nature and his ability to love.

Ed was born on September 17, 1938, to Lester Patterson and Esther Samuels in San Francisco, California. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at Chico State University. He entered the Navy as a Lieutenant JG in 1960 and continued his service in Guam and San Diego until 1963. He received a fellowship from China Lake Naval Base and went to California State University Berkeley where he earned his master's degree in electrical engineering and returned to work at China Lake Naval Base, California.

While living on Guam, Ed met and married LaVerda Patterson in 1961. He adopted and became father to LaVerda's four children: Denver, Sherry, Chuck and Jodi; and they had two additional daughters, Kimberly and Lynette. They divorced in September 1972.

He married Colleen Murphy in 1974 in Ridgecrest, CA and raised Brett and Gavin Nelson as his own children. They divorced in June 1992.

Ed started the electronics program at Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, CA, as a feeder program for the China Lake Naval Weapons Center. He also taught beginning and intermediate algebra at the college. He loved teaching and seeing his students learn and

progress. Throughout his life he lovingly tutored many students of all ages.

Ed married Debra Worth at Moonstone Beach near Cambria, CA, on August 22, 1992. Debra had two children, Dean Joseph and Eden Anne who quickly became a part of Ed's posterity. Ed and Deb shared 33 wonderful years together in Penn Valley, CA, and Brookings, Oregon. They travelled together to Israel, Egypt, Singapore, Cambodia, Mexico and Europe. They championed causes they believed in and were always concerned about those who were hurting or in need.

Ed and Deb showered their love on their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ed was happiest with a baby in his arms, a child on his lap, or engaged in a conversation with a loved one. He asked endless questions and showed enduring concern. During his retirement, he volunteered at a rehabilitation center where he was a baby cuddler for the drug addicted children of the women in treatment. He had a gift for calming those children. He also volunteered to read to children in a Head Start program. He loved to talk about their unique personalities and always tried to meet their individual needs.

His love of music extended to singing in choirs and with family at Christmas and other events. He joined "Music in the Mountains" in Grass Valley, CA. One of his highlights was singing Carmina Burana in 1997 with the Grass Valley Choir, which he practiced extensively. He loved musical theatre, and Les Miserables was his favorite. His first date with Debra was to "Fiddler on the Roof" in Los Angeles, CA. Ed also loved being in nature, especially at the ocean. He was always amazed at the diversity of driftwood that washed up on the beach.

Ed returned to his Jewish roots by studying the Torah and celebrating his Bar Mitzvah on May 15, 1998, at age 60. He was thrilled to accomplish this.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Patterson and Esther Samuels, his sister Jerilyn Fechner (Larry Fechner), his son, Denver Patterson and his son-in-law Michael Ray (Lynette). He is survived by his brother Jack (Susan LaComu), his wife, Debra Worth, his children Sherry Daves (Allen Daves), Chuck Patterson (Rena Brown), Jodi Elder (Dave Elder), Kim Patterson (Mike Seals), Lynette Ray, and children  he loved through marriage: Brett Nelson, Gavin Nelson (Cathy Gibson), Dean Kruschke (Amanda Torgerson), Eden Simpson (Robert Simpson). He leaves an amazing legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ed contributed to the lives of SO MANY people. He may not be with us, but he will never be forgotten. He leaves us with a desire to listen, learn, love deeply and celebrate individual uniqueness.

Please join us at his Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chetco Grange in Brookings, Oregon. A light meal will be enjoyed together after the memorial.

Ed was passionate about global warming. Ed, along with Bill Gorham, started Coastal Southern Oregon Climate Action Now: https://socan.eco/coastal-socan/ under the umbrella of SOCAN.eco. Ed designed the logo for Coastal SOCAN as well. Donations in Ed's honor can be made to Southern Oregon Climate Action Now ~ https://socan.eco/memorial-fund/