David Alfred Patterson

June 26, 1960 - March 7, 2025

David Alfred Patterson passed away in the early hours of Friday, March 7, 2025, in Wasilla, Alaska. Born on June 26, 1960, in Sussex Borough, New Jersey. David was the eldest of three siblings born to Roger Howell Patterson and Sally Vincent Littell. In 1975, the family relocated to Longmont, Colorado, where David began his first job at age 16, working in local restaurants. After high school David enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii where he performed maintenance on Black Hawk helicopters and fulfilled civil duties. During his time in Hawaii David's passion for cooking flourished. His natural culinary talent became the foundation for a lifelong career as a chef. After military service, David returned to Colorado to help run a family-owned restaurant in Longmont until the passing of his father in 1989. A turning point came when David responded to a job advertisement in the Denver Post, leading him to Cooper Landing, Alaska. There, he found his true home. Over the years David cooked and fished his way across Alaska, living in Copper Landing, Seward, Anchorage, Glennallen, Willow and eventually settling in Wasilla. His work also took him to remote areas such as Pogo Mine, Greens Creek, and Alaska's North Slope. In 2001, David welcomed Carmen into his life as a daughter of the heart. In 2007, he met Jackie, and they married on June 19, 2010, at their home in Wasilla. Together they shared a love of food - David as chef and Jackie as baker - and a growing family that included a daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters, who lovingly called David "Papa Bear."

David is survived by his wife Jackie Patterson; brother Andrew Patterson, wife Gina, and their children Roger, Bronco, and Davian; sister Arlene Patterson; and daughter Carmen Swihart, husband Jethro, and their daughters Joyce and Everly.

A celebration of David's life will be held on Sunday April 27, 2025.