Surrounded by family, Greenbank resident Edward R. Van Patten passed peacefully away Dec. 21, 2011.

Born on March 5, 1936 to Edward and Edna Van Patten in Schenectady, N.Y. Ed graduated from University of Rochester where he met and married his wife, Joanne.

Ed served 20 years with the U.S. Navy Supply Corp, followed by a second career as the president of Alaska Federal Savings and Loan.

However, his favorite career was retirement, when he was able to serve many of Whidbey Island’s nonprofit organizations with his accounting and tax expertise. Ed volunteered at many organizations, including the Lighthouse Environmental Program, Langley United Methodist Church, Rotary, Beach Watchers, Boy Scouts, United Way and many others. He also served one term as a Coupeville port commissioner.

Ed will be remembered for his strong commitment to his family, community and his Christian faith.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joanne; children Edward (Skip), Debbie, Matt and Patti; grandchildren Lauren, Blake, Jessie, Brett, Elly, Caroline, Thomas and Bree; sister Judy; brother Dave and many loving friends.

A memorial service will be planned in 2012. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Friends of Friends, PO Box 812, Langley, WA, 98260 or online at http://fofmedicalsupport

fund.org/donate.html.