RUMFORD – Edward John “Pinky” Paterson, 87, died Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Rumford Community Home after a lengthy illness.

He was born on Oct. 16, 1919 in Rumford. He was the second child of Edward H. and Wilhemina (Mowat) Paterson.

He lived for 84 years at 21 Erchles Street in Rumford. His family was one of the original residents of Strathglass Park.

During high school, he was a member of both State of Maine champion baseball and basketball teams. He graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford in 1937, and continued to live and model the values he developed as a student and an athlete.

He was a devoted son, husband, father, uncle, and consummate “good guy” who had a passion for sports, especially skiing, baseball, softball, bowling, golf, the Red Sox, and Ted Williams. He retired from competitive sports at the age of 58, and leisure sports in his mid 70s because of the advancement of early onset (64) Alzheimer’s. He was best known for his calm manner and patience both on and off the sports arenas.

He was a civic leader, who volunteered as a coach, officer, and member of many organizations. For many years, he served as treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Blazing Star Lodge # 30, AF and AM Masonic lodge.

On Sept. 25, 1948, he married Natalie “Tina” Saisi of Rumford. They shared the home on Erchles Street in Strathglass Park for 59 years. He loved their family home and cottage at Worthley Pond, and he enjoyed maintaining them.

He was a proud and faithful employee of the companies he worked for, including First National Stores as a meat manager, payroll for the Oxford Paper Company and Ethyl Corporation. He retired after 37 years of service from the Electric Shop of Boise Cascade.

In later years, he was able to travel, enjoy his children, especially his grandchildren, animals, and spend time with the love of his life, Natalie.

He is survived by his wife, Natalie “Tina” Saisi Paterson, of Rumford; daughters, Kristina McBean and husband, Thomas, of Hampden, Kim Manoush and husband, John, of Raymond, and Nikki Lyden and husband, James, of Westbrook; sons, Edward Paterson of Rumford, Kip Paterson and wife, Lisa, of Putnam, Conn.; granddaughters, Natalie Fournier and husband, Adam, of Bangor, Chelsea, McKenzie and Delaney Paterson of Rumford, and Quincey Lyden of Westbrook; a grandson, Craig McBean of Mesa, Ariz.; a great-grandson, Derek Fournier of Bangor; a sister, Jane “Jean” Bogins of Hartland and Hutchinson Island, Fla.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, James and William; and a sister, Mary Elrick.