John Alan Patterson

On Sept. 19, 2020, at age 86, my beloved husband of 63 years went to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born in New Jersey on April 1, 1934. Alan’s mansion was ready for him as God promises for the Christian in death as we read in John 14:1-6. He died peacefully at home with family. A longtime Alaska resident, Alan first came to Alaska the summer of 1955 to help with building projects at a Christian mission. Alan got a degree in theology from King’s College. In 1957, he married his college sweet-heart, Eleanore Gotthard. They left for his ministry to Alaska in 1958. His first ministerial assignment was Tanacross-Tok. Continuing his education, he received a master’s degree in theology and proceeded to minister in various areas of the states including the Midwest, California, and Washington. Alan was always focused on doing God’s will and being available in his ministry to help others in their daily walk with the Lord. His spiritual journey took him to minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church, and later the Anglican Church in Fairbanks, Alaska, until retirement in 2001. He enjoyed bicycling, hunting, fishing, camping and spending the outdoors with his family. Father Alan Patterson is at rest in our Savior’s abode and no longer in the misery he experienced for awhile here on earth. He is survived by his wife, Eleanore; daughter Heather; and grandchildren, Garrett, Paige, Thomas and Eden. Mass of Christian burial at St. Benedicts Anchorage will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 62 guests can attend. Rosary will be live streamed at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11 a.m. Join at https://www.facebook.com/stbenedict-sak