William Charles Patten

Born September 15, 1951 in Oceanside, CA., Will passed away December 5, 2014 in Sonoma, CA, after a sudden cardiac event. Will is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Kathleen Griffin Patten; four daughters: Shanare Struck (Pat), Melissa Patten Barbieri (Scott), Colleen Patten (Michael), and Whitney Patten; five grandchildren: Janae Vigil; Zoe Album, Sebastian Barbieri; Caleb Hargrove, and Samantha Barbieri; siblings: Stephani Patten, Terry Patten (Merry), Cheryl Frye (Marty) and his parents Bob and Rosemary Patten. Will was a loving son in-law to Tom and Betty Griffin and his many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in-law. Will served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Enterprise in Viet Nam and later graduated from Sonoma State University. As a member of the Local Carpenter's Union, he worked in construction, IT and project management. Will was a genuine, kind friend and mentor to many. He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking and biking. He found peace in playing his guitar and enjoyed reading. Will successfully coached youth soccer, taking several teams to state championship. Santa Rosa was his home for the past 40 years. After leaving the corporate world, he enjoyed sharing the beauty of the Wine Country with visitors while driving the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley. His greatest joy in life was being with family and friends. A Celebration of Life will take place at LAFFERTY & SMITH COLONIAL CHAPEL (4321 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, CA, 95409) at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Reception following. Or, if you prefer, take a hike in Sonoma County, listen to some good music, read an enjoyable book or eat your favorite chocolate bar and remember this good man.