03/14/2025
Robert Patton 12/27/42 to 11/25/24
Robert died suddenly, leaving many parts of the Lucerne community bereft. He was a wonderful example of how a retired person can care for a community. He created the Lucerne Community Garden, with the help of FLOW (Friends of Locally Owned Water), building long high garden boxes, hauling dirt and chicken manure, pumping water from the lake into the holding tank, so that gardeners could water their flowers and vegetables.
Robert loved nature and took beautiful enlarged photos of Lake County's wild birds. In partnership with the Audubon Society, to prevent injury to birds and fishes, he created tubes for collecting used fishing line and hung them at boat launches around the lake,emptied them regularly and sent them to be recycled.
At the monthly Fiddler's Jam at the Ely Stage Stop, Robert would dress up in overalls and a straw hat to drive the hay ride for the kids.
For several years, Rob pumped water from the lake and hauled it to the Lucerne Senior Center to water the memorial rose garden. Always one to offer help, he picked up food in Lucerne and delivered it to several needy people. He finished a neighbor's poorly-constructed ramp and added non-skid strips.
Robert was also a musician with a beautiful singing voice. He playing guitars with friends every week for years.
He was a very special person and has left large holes in many hearts and lives. His beloved dog Teva is now living with his good friends Willie dog and Karen.
Robert flew free. He left behind his daughters Cheryl Closser and Kathy Patton-Black; grandchildren Kristina Closser, Adam Black, Zachery Closser, Ian Closser; and great granddaughter Clementine Quincy Closser. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Evelyn Patton and his granddaughter Bethany Closser.
All are welcome to attend a celebration of his life on Saturday March 29 at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive at noon. There will be food, and people may bring a dish to share.
