Lyle Edward Patterson, of Cornish, NH, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Windsor, Vermont on December 21, 1946, the son of Clyde Clarence and Marion (Thomas) Patterson.

Lyle leaves his wife of 49 years, Kathryn Hall Patterson, as well as his two daughters and their families; Kellie Patterson and her fiancé Lyle Parry, Kimberly Patterson and her two sons; Blayne Patterson and Barrett Companion, all of Cornish, NH.  He also leaves two wonderful brothers and a sister-in-law; Clyde Patterson and Robert and Anne Patterson, all of Charlestown, NH.  His nieces Paula, Cheryl, Amber, Andrea, and Samantha and nephew Dave will carry many “Uncle Lyle” memories.  They will always look at a pair of false teeth and think of him.  Lyle was predeceased by his parents, as well as his nephew Brett Patterson.

He was a gearhead from the very beginning, and thoroughly enjoyed scaring his mother with his driving skills.  He wasn’t much for school, and enlisted in the Navy at age 17, working as an airplane mechanic.  He told the story many times about how he realized how smart his father really was as he was standing in formation at boot camp.  His passion for automobiles was evident as his career included machinist, mechanic, auto parts salesman, and co-owner of a junkyard.  He sponsored many race teams, was especially interested in asphalt modified racing, and had a special place in his heart for Andy Seuss and his family race team.

He was most proud of his long-term career with Sturm, Ruger & Co.  It didn’t take long for the word to get out what a bright mechanic he was, and William Ruger, Sr sought him out for advice.  A broken tractor started a lifelong friendship based on mutual interests of antique cars and Western history.  Lyle took care of Mr. Ruger in his last days, a feat he was honored to be able to provide.  He then became the chief mechanic for William Ruger, Jr and his personal antique car collection.  He used his expertise to oversee the restoring of the Newport Mills building, and was responsible for getting the Hydro Dams fully operational.  His official “retirement date” was June 2014, but anyone that knew him, knew better.  He spent much of his spare time in the computer recycling business where he earned the nickname “Sanford”.  He was a master “horse trader” who gave with his heart and seldom expected payment in return.

Lyle was the jack of all trades and mastered them all.  His philosophy was “If someone made it, I can fix it…or recycle it”.  In addition to his work ethic, he was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.  Providing for his family came first.  His legacy lives on in his two grandsons.  He dedicated endless amounts of his time to them to instill his special traits.  Blayne has his easygoing personality and mischievous grin.  Barrett will carry the mechanical mind and put anything back together.

Visiting hours will be held at Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont, NH on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 from 5-7PM.  Burial will be held privately in the Edminister Cemetery in Cornish, NH at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the donations may be made in his memory to Sullivan County Humane Society, 114 Tremont Street, Claremont NH 03743 or Cornish Rescue Squad, PO Box 235 , Cornish Flat NH 03746.