William “Bill” Lorin Patterson

William “Bill” Lorin Patterson, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Rexburg, Idaho, on March 10, 2026, after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Born on March 2, 1950, in Hailey, Idaho, to Lorin David Patterson and Jahaza Grace (Blankenship) Patterson, Bill grew up in Carey and Boise. From an early age he cultivated a deep fascination with aviation, mechanics, and understanding how things worked, passions that guided him throughout his life.

Bill served his country for 24 years as an Army aviator, flying helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in the United States Army and the Idaho Army National Guard. He piloted numerous aircraft, including the AH-64 Apache and UH-1 Huey, and retired as a commissioned officer with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. Widely respected as a skilled maintenance test pilot and instructor pilot, he earned the admiration of fellow aviators and those who worked with him. After his military retirement, his love of flying continued through roles fighting wildfires, crop dusting, serving as a helicopter pilot for KTVB Channel 7 News, flying for Life Flight, and completing two tours in Afghanistan as a civilian defense contractor pilot.

Beyond aviation, Bill was a talented and resourceful man who restored classic cars, most notably his award-winning 1957 Ford Fairlane. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, and taking on any project that needed fixing. A master of many trades and a quick learner, he could build, repair, or figure out nearly anything. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was known for his quick wit, his ability to make others laugh, and his beloved Forrest Gump impression that became a cherished trademark among family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife of nearly ten years, Pennie (Ellsworth) Patterson, and his children: Jennifer Halstead (Rick), Christina Kirkland (Lane), David Patterson (Emilie), Lynette Roberts (Brent), Rebecca Lockhart, Emily Johnson (Chad), Brian Patterson (Lacy), and Matthew Patterson (Aubrea). He is also survived by his stepchildren: Trever Ellsworth (Marcy), Christine Salmon (Jason), Ryan Ellsworth (Carla), Paul Ellsworth (Kirsten), Lynn Ellsworth (Erin), Bryce Ellsworth (Lindy), Sam Ellsworth (Jen), and Seth Ellsworth (Kimmy). He leaves behind a large and loving legacy of 31 biological grandchildren, 10 biological great-grandchildren with one more on the way, 34 step-grandchildren, and 5 step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorin and Jahaza Patterson, and by his second wife, Doris Elaine Patterson. Bill will be remembered for his devoted service to his country, his lifelong passion for flying, his mechanical ingenuity, his humor, and his deep love for his large and growing family.