Patterson N. “Pat” Rider

Age 82, of Lansing, MI, passed away May 18, 2014. He was born July 19, 1931, in Lansing, son of Orla and Mary Rider.

Pat graduated in June 1949 from Sexton High School and served as senior class president. He received his bachelor’s degree from MSC. He was a civil engineer first with MDOT and later with Eisenhour Construction Co. and Spartan Sign. He also served as vice president for both organizations. He was very involved with the restoration of the Barton Theatre Organ that was moved from the Michigan Theatre to its current home at the Grand Ledge Opera House. Pat was also involved with the Scenic Lake subdivision development in Laingsburg. He was an active square dancer and he loved his grandchildren and family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marilyn J. (Jacobson) Rider; children, James K. Rider of Flint, Steven L. Rider of Minnesota and David R. (Liz) Rider of DeWitt; grandchildren, Matt Rider, Hannah (Jim) Holderread, Andrew Rider and Abby Rider; and sister, Marylyn (Dick) Shadduck of Lansing. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Malcolm Rider.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Interment will follow in Deepdale Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Lansing Theatre Organ, Inc. for the Grand Ledge Opera House organ.

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8 Messages to “Patterson N. “Pat” Rider

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Roger & Pam Swap
May 20, 2014 at 9:51 am

Sorry for your loss Jim. I told Jeff at MHS that he probably did not
realize Roger and I worked with your dad when he was at Spartan
Sign – Seems like yesterday. It looks like your dad really enjoyed life and that he will be missed by many.

Pam Swap

Reply
Donna Eisenhour Copeland and Jeff Copeland
May 20, 2014 at 11:05 am

Dearest Marilyn, Steve, Jim and David,

It is with sadness that we receive the news of the loss of Pat. He was just a wonderful man through and through. My dad spent his last and many Christmases with Pat and Marilyn. I remember all five of you coming to our house on holidays. He will be missed.

Much love to all of you and your families,

Donna Eisenhour Copeland and Jeff Copeland

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Dave Rider
May 21, 2014 at 10:34 am

A tribute to my Dad.
Today’s my Dad’s funeral – it’s hard to believe.
I’m proud to tell you of the legacy he leaves.
My earliest memories of Dad aren’t the best.
He worked so hard & long; for his family, not much of him was left.
I wanted to know him, to know that he loved me,
but the words “I love you” weren’t in his vocabulary.
I remember fishing at Scenic Lakes many times.
Few words were spoken, but I began to see
Dad showed his love not with words, but with time.
Years went by, I grew up, I moved out.
Countless hours we worked on my first little house.
From the bath to the porch, from plumbing to wiring.
from basement to roof, insulation & paint –
Dad showed me he spelled love T I M E.
I moved once again and just like before,
he selflessly worked hours beside me turning “house” into “home”.
When I married Liz it was so fun to see my dad
embrace the daughter, that ‘till then, he hadn’t had.
I’ll never forget when he held my first child,
The tear of joy in his eye – he was now a Granddad.
“T’was the Night Before Christmas” on Grandpa’s lap was tradition,
continued with each Grandchild addition.
How faithful he was, attending soccer, ballet,
Eagle Scout Projects and countless Scout Family Nights.
My childhood wishes of knowing him and knowing he loved me
were answered completely,
once I learned that he spelled love T I M E.
I hope that my kids will know that I love them
as much as you showed you loved me.
I love you too Dad.

Reply
Pastor Kevin Shoemaker
May 21, 2014 at 3:29 pm

Praying for the whole Rider family as you grieve this loss. Grace and peace to all of you!

Reply
June Hinckley Billar
May 21, 2014 at 3:44 pm

Many years have passed since graduation. Your father & I went to Walter French Jr. hi and I graduated in January 1949, this year will be 65 years not many left we celebrate with the June class.
Sorry for your loss. I have been residing in Florida since 1979 I always check to see who has passed since their are not many left.

Affectionately
old class mate
June Hinckley, Anderson, Marvin, & Billar

Reply
Tom Peake
May 22, 2014 at 8:35 am

I had only worked with Pat for a short while around 10 years ago when I first started at the Sign Shop. We spent time together so he could teach me the ropes of estimating. I enjoyed working with him. His son Jim Rider has been here at the sign shop for many more years than I, and he has the same work ethic as Pat, never quit! Our condolences and prayers to the Rider Family.

The Peake Family

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Roger A. Zona
May 22, 2014 at 10:11 am

To Marilyn and her family: I regret I can not attend the services for Pat but my sincere sympathies, prayers and condolences are with Marilyn.

Reply
Roger A. Zona
May 22, 2014 at 10:13 am

Pat was a friend to all our classmates and it is comforting to know so many will attend Pat’s services.

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