PATTERSON, Robert Murray

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 02/03/2015 Robert Murray Patterson, 62, of St. Johns died unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, at his home. He was the first son born to Don Robert and Charlotte Louise Anderson Patterson on March 31, 1952, in St. Johns. Murray attended high school in St. Johns, graduating in 1970 and briefly attended BYU in Provo, Utah. During high school he played football for the St. Johns Redskins and went on to become one of the football team’s biggest fans, always supporting his local team and personally encouraging them one on one. He was also a state champion wrestler for the Redskins. On Nov. 26, 1970, he married Lindi Graham and together they had three children, Tracy Weldon, Candace Jean and Monica Amy. They were the light of Murray’s life. They resided in Salt Lake City, Utah. After the marriage ended in divorce, Murray returned to his hometown and was a heavy equipment operator his entire life and became very skilled in the machinery he handled. Over 20 years of that career was spent in the employment of the local sand and rock company, Francis Day & Sons. At the time of his death he was employed by the Apache County Road Yard in St. Johns. In 1985 he met a hometown girl, Dennielle (Dolly) Nielsen, and they were married May 24, 1986, in St. Johns. Together they had two children, Ethan Patterson and Jade Patterson. They spent many hours at the family cabin in Greer and enjoyed exploring the outdoors together. Murray loved taking the kids on “great adventures” and made sure everyone had a good time. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Murray and Dolly remained close friends and still spent time together with kids and grandkids. Murray will be remembered for his winning smile, great sense of humor, love of fun and adventure and his giving heart. He loved to help others, doing it quietly and not be recognized. He will be sorely missed. Murray is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, mother, three siblings and countless cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, Franklin Tracy and Franklin Todd. A memorial service was held Jan. 31, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Downtown Chapel. If you would like to leave an online condolence for Murray’s family, visit website www.burnhammortuary.com Burnham Mortuary of St. Johns handled arrangements.