Marty Ray Paterson

Marty Ray Paterson, 59, died on December 13, 2023, in Tumwater, Washington, his home of 27 years. He was born September 13, 1964, to Joyce Paterson in Myrtle Point, Oregon. From 1975 to 1980, his family traveled to six different states for his dad’s job with Bonneville Power. During Marty’s school years, he played football and basketball and was a freethrow champion. He spent many Friday and Saturday nights playing pinochle and cribbage with his high school friends. He graduated as Salutatorian from Tenino High School in 1983 and attended night classes at South Puget Sound Community College (2000-2004), earning an Associate Degree in Network and System Administration. Professionally, he was a financial advisor for Edward Jones (2007-2011) and U.S. Bank (2011-2023). Marty served in the U.S. Navy from 1983 to 1989. He also spent many years as a volunteer for the VFW and Rochester Swede Hall. In 1993, he married Kathy Ackerman in Puyallup, Washington, and later had his wonderful daughter, Ashley, in 1995. He coached his daughter’s basketball team when she was young and later attended all of her grade school and high school basketball and soccer games. Marty was an avid reader and would go to the local library every Saturday. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends, history, exploring new foods, and sports. He especially loved watching and attending car races. You could find Marty on weekends supporting his favorite driver at the South Sound Speedway. He also would travel to Eastern Washington and California, attending car races and the yearly NASCAR race in Arizona. Marty’s biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with his wife, Kathy; daughter, Ashley; and soon-to-be son-in-law, Lucas. Fishing with Ashly and Lucas brought much happiness to his life. Marty’s smile would light up a room. He was always in a good mood, smiling, whistling, and telling dad jokes. He enjoyed life to the fullest. His favorite saying was, “Every day is a holiday and every meal is a feast.” He will be forever loved and remembered and greatly missed by those who knew him. He is survived by wife, Kathy Paterson; daughter, Ashley Paterson; mother, Joyce Paterson; brothers, Randy Paterson and Perry Paterson; and sister, Andrea Johnson. He was predeceased by Paul Paterson, Velma Angwood, Ray Yost, and Alice O’Conner. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Swede Hall, 18543 Albany St. SW, Rochester, WA 98579. Potluck to follow. Memorial donations may be made to Olympia/Lacey/Thurston County Joint Animal Services by mailing a check made out to Animal Services, 3120 Martin Way, Olympia, WA 98506, OR by calling 360-352-2510 with Visa or Mastercard information. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.