Daily Sitka Sentinel

Kevin D. Patterson Dies; Lifelong Sitkan Was 55

Kevin Daniel Patterson

Kevin Daniel Patterson, a lifelong Sitkan, died here Sept. 23, due to complications of diabetes. He was 55.

He was born in Sitka June 12, 1966, the son of Jim and Josephine Patterson. He started fishing at a young age, going with his Uncle Herman Kitka aboard the Martha K as an in-board skiff man.

Kevin shared a lot of interesting stories, including one when he skippered a fishing boat from the Bering Sea to Seattle.  At that time of year, the waters were treacherous with extremely rough weather, and the boat was rocking and rolling and turning on its side at times.  His Aunt Irene had given Kevin a little red Bible that he carried in his shirt pocket, and the trip was one of those times he really hung on to the Bible.  

For a time Kevin worked for the Kensington Mine out of Juneau, working heavy equipment and smashing up large boulders.

Kevin was an artist in his own way.  He created a metal replica of an in-board skiff with all the bells and whistles for a fundraiser sponsored by the Elks Lodge for his brother J.R.’s annual Scholarship Memorial.

Kevin also enjoyed working with leather in an assortment of colors, and he created necklaces and bracelets with beads, shells and feathers.  He created his own ideas on canes and walking sticks.

Another surprising talent of Kevin’s was the ability to create a poem on the spur of the moment when given a word, place, or a thing.

Kevin is survived by his mother, Josephine Patterson; aunts Betty Goldsbury, Irene Vaden and Mildred Layton; uncle Charlie Daniels; cousins Ryker Goldsbury, Garin Goldsbury, Vienna Vaden, Renae Vaden-Mathson, and Curtis Nelson; and nephew Adam Frank.

Also surviving are many other cousins, nieces and nephews spread throughout the United States, including many in Alabama from his father’s side of the family.

Kevin was preceded in death by his brother James (J.R.) Patterson, in 1990, and his father, Jim Patterson.

When uncle Bob Layton shared the comforting words “Kevin is so happy to be joining his brother and father,” there was a surprising feeling of uplifted enlightenment.

“Thank you to many friends who took time to help Kevin,” his family said. “Thank you to SEARHC’s ER crew and medical staff for their patience and understanding.  Also a heartfelt thanks to the ambulance crew for their diligence, patience and kindness, and to the Fire Department and police staff for their kind and patient help.

“A special thanks to Kevin’s primary doctor, Dr. John Baciocco, for his unfailing patience, understanding and kindness. Thank you Pastor Stewart Pook for your support, prayers and checking on Kevin from time to time both at home and in the ER.”

Because of the COVID high risk rate in Sitka, Kevin’s memorial service will be delayed to a later date.

Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Stocker, Jeff Wright, Sandy Bergey, Ryker Goldsbury, Garin Goldsbury, Curtis Nelson, Adam Frank and Larry Garrity.

While his Aunt Betty was working on getting Kevin’s affairs in order, she came across this poem in his wallet, which appeared to have been carried there for years, she said. “Even amidst his problems he still believed.”

‘‘THE CROSS IN MY POCKET’’

I carry a cross in my pocket

A simple reminder to me

Of the fact that I am a Christian

No matter where I may be.

This little cross is not magic

Nor is it a good luck charm

It isn’t meant to protect me

From every physical harm.

It’s not for identification

For all the world to see

It’s simply an understanding

Between my Savior and me.

When I put my hand in my pocket

To bring out a coin or two

The cross is there to remind me

Of the price He paid for me.

It reminds me, too, to be thankful

For my blessings day by day

And to strive to serve Him better

In all that I do and say.

It’s also a daily reminder

Of the peace and comfort I share

With all who know my Master

And give themselves to His Care.

So, I carry a cross in my pocket

Reminding no one but me

That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life

If only I’ll let Him Be.