Obituary of Lawrence V. Patterson

Lawrence Vane “Gus” Patterson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in the early hours of March 18, 2023 at Healthsource Saginaw at age 80. Lawrence entered this world on November 17, 1942 to the late Hamilton Vane and Marjorie Mae (Dobbs) Patterson in East Tawas, Michigan.  He met his future wife, Sandra “Sandy” Keyser, on an elevator between the main and seventh floor at the Second National Bank building in Saginaw, Michigan. They were married on July 26, 1974.

After spending many winters playing hockey on frozen Tawas Bay, Lawrence moved to Saginaw with his parents and brother, graduating from Arthur Hill High School in 1960.  Lawrence began his professional career at Second National Bank, later Citizens Bank, where he dedicated 40 successful years to helping others navigate the financial system.  Lawrence participated in numerous conferences acting as a guest speaker throughout his career, and was published in several financial journals before retiring as the Assistant Vice President of Collections and Bankruptcy. During his retirement years, he worked at Saginaw Medical Federal Credit Union working special collections and bankruptcies until 2018.  

What he cherished the most was his family.  His wife, Sandy.  His children – Scott, Heather and Eric were his pride and joy along with his six grandchildren: Sydney, Fischer, Otto, Brandon, Nicholas and Jade.

Throughout his life, Lawrence was active in his community where he served as a member of United Way and Junior Achievement, President of the Saginaw Gears Hockey Booster Club, little league coach at Saginaw Township South, head coach of the Mudhens 16 and under travel baseball team, and head coach of the Nouvel junior varsity baseball team.  He enjoyed catching for the Second National Bank and Hamilton Street Pub softball teams.

Lawrence was an avid storyteller, inviting all to gather around the kitchen table or in the backyard over the grill to solve the world’s most pressing problems.  Even though he was color blind, he knew green and white of Michigan State University were the only colors he needed to see.  He never hesitated to pause, remove his watch, and savor nature’s splendid beauty while fishing on Basswood Lake, Ontario. After Christmas, the 4^th of July was his favorite holiday, which he spent shooting commercial fireworks for Zambelli Fireworks with his sons.

Lawrence was passionate about music, spending his earlier years traveling with “The Sting Rays” playing bass guitar.  Sounds of 50’s, 60’s and 70’s music could often be heard throughout the neighborhood during a garage jam session. 

Besides his loving wife Sandy, he is also survived by his two sons and daughter.  Scott Patterson, Heather Patterson (Brad), Eric Patterson (Margaret); six grandchildren whom he loved tremendously, Sydney Patterson (Chris), Fischer, Otto, Brandon, Nicolas, and Jade; one brother, Robert Bruce Patterson (Deborah), sister-in-law, LouAnn DeVoogd and several nieces and nephews.

Lawrence is reunited in heaven with his parents, Hamilton and Marjorie; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Thomas and Janet Keyser; brother-in-law, Richard DeVoogd and beloved and faithful dog, Katie. 

SERVICE: In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a service to celebrate his life will be held on 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Susie Hierholzer will officiate. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Association – Michigan Chapter, the Women’s Resource Center for the Grand Traverse Area or the Hurley Children’s Miracle Network. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com