DeWitt, NY - Don Patten, age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 following a long illness. Don was born on February 10, 1929 in Rochester, NY, the son of the late Ruth and William H. "Tom" Potts; and brother to the late Robert G. Patten. His family moved to Syracuse and later to Dewitt in 1939. It was in DeWitt that he grew up, met and married his wife, Susan Hamilton Patten, and raised his family. After graduating from Fayetteville High School in 1947, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 1951. A few months later he began active duty in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged with a Letter of Commendation. Don began his career with Republic Steel Corporation in 1957. He remained in the metals and fabrication industry with Sullivan Sales Corporation and later Allen Metal Products, which he subsequently purchased. In 1986 he formed D. R. Patten, Incorporated from which he retired in 2001. The cornerstone of his life was love for his wife, Sue, and the family they built together. Theirs was the first wedding performed in the newly completed DeWitt Community Church in 1956. It was a double wedding ceremony in which Don's good friend William L. DuPree married Sue's sister Ann Hamilton. Shortly after marrying, Sue and Don purchased island property from the Province of Ontario on a pristine Canadian lake. They cleared the land, built a cottage, and populated it over the years with infinite good times in a magnificent setting. Don loved this place. The enjoyment Don got from hunting, fishing, golf, bridge, and poker was secondary to the pleasure he got from spending time with the friends and family who joined him in these ventures. Don enjoyed being outdoors. Over the years he invested much of his free time restoring and expanding their 1870 farmhouse. He enjoyed the challenge and creativity of this work. For over 20 years Don served on the Town of DeWitt Planning Board. He was a member of the DeWitt Fire Department and devoted member of the DeWitt Community Church where he served in many capacities over the years. Don dedicated many service hours to his community and his profession on numerous boards and projects. He served on the board of the Syracuse Builders Exchange and was active in the Construction Specifications Institute for 14 years. He was a member of Masonic Memorial Lodge #0648 F.& A.M. for 58 years. Don embarked on each day with the premise that people are fundamentally decent and life is good. He was a good and true friend to many, could tell a great story, and loved a good laugh. He saw the best in people and valued loyalty, humor, and having everyone around the table for dinner. His legacy will live on in all those whose lives he touched. Don is survived by his wife, Sue; his four children David H. Patten (Valerie) of Alexander, NY; Susan P. Garrett of Fayetteville, NY; Joanne P. Bugher (Bradford) of Newark, DE; and Julie M. Sipperly (Robert) of Greenwich, NY; ten beloved grandchildren; Calvin D. and Kelsey R. Patten; Drew T. Garrett; Christy L., Benjamin A., and Nicolette A. Bugher; Trever H., Derek C, Daniel D., and Isabelle M. Sipperly; and several nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at The Limestone Room at the Highland Forest Lodge, 1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius, NY 13063 on Wednesday July 23 from 4-7 PM. Don's family wishes to express gratitude to friends, family, and care providers for unwavering support over the course of his illness. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway - Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burkes & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com