Bob Patterson, long-time resident of Carnation and an early organizer of the Eastside chapter of Habitat for Humanity, has died.

He was born and raised in Fauntleroy and graduated from West Seattle High School. During World War II, he left college to enlist in the 17th Airborne. He saw action across Europe including the Battle of the Bulge. He also served in Alaska during the Korean War.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Washington and earned his master’s and doctorate degrees at Washington State University.

He taught and was a school administrator, serving as a high school principal in Carnation and retiring as superintendent of Entiat School District.

Patterson built his retirement home in Carnation. He served on the board of the Sno-Valley Senior Center, and was the mayor of Carnation in 2000, helping to bring a wastewater treatment plant to the city.

His proudest accomplishment was establishing Habitat for Humanity East Side, and working from 1988 to 2008 to build homes for families in need.

Patterson was preceded in death by his first wife, Anita, and son David. He is survived by his wife Shirley, children Jim Dockery, Janet Dockery, Brian Patterson, John Dockery, Joe Dockery, and five grandchildren.