In Memory: Duane Patterson ’54, OD ’55

Duane Patterson ’54, OD ’55 died Oct. 10, 2018, at age 85. He grew up on the family farm near Newberg, Ore., and contracted polio at age 8. He became bedridden and unable to attend school for a year, which prompted his love for books and reading. After he recovered, he tested ahead of his class and continued to excel academically throughout high school and college.

While attending Pacific’s College of Optometry, he obtained his pilot’s license, leading to his lifetime passion for flying. After graduating Pacific, he opened his own practice in Lincoln City, Ore., and was the longest practicing optometrist in the state at the time of his passing. He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret McHarness. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy and Suzanne (and Kevin) Meckel; three grandchildren; and nephew, Don (and Lynn) McHarness.