Robert (Bob) Leonard Paterson, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010 in Bellingham, Wash.

An avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed fishing, golfing, skiing, sailing, and traveling. He was 83.

Bob was born and raised in Spokane, spent many years in Seattle, and lived in retirement on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands and Sun Valley, Idaho. He was a graduate of the Lakeside School in Seattle before graduating from Stanford University. Bob served in the Navy in both WWII and Korea. He was the last president of the Crescent Store in Spokane before it was sold to Marshall Field and Co. He was then CEO of Frederick and Nelson in Seattle from 1971 to 1978.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marie J. Paterson; his son, Robert J. Paterson and his wife, Kirsten Molbak Paterson; his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Beckman; his granddaughter, Laina E. Molbak Paterson; grandsons, Tristin and Travis Beckman; and stepchildren, Arthur Kinney and Barbara Jelks.

Services and burial will take place in Spokane, Wash. In lieu of flowers, please send any donation to the charity of your choice in Bob’s name.

Submitted by Bob Paterson’s family.