William Charles Patterson, more affectionately known as Billy, Bill or Will, died on July 22nd at the age of 26 from an accidental drug overdose. The overdose involved recreationally taking an “M-30” oxycodone pill that was counterfeit and laced with fentanyl (for more information about counterfeit pills see: www.dea. gov/onepill). His family wants to warn the community of the potential for addiction or calamitous accident associated with illegal, counterfeit drugs that are killing hundreds of thousands of people.

Billy grew up on Mercer Island and flourished under the school system and music program. He played recreational soccer for the same team from kindergarten through high school and was a

scout for several years with his close friends. Bill attended the University of Washington where he played on the drum line for three years, was a section leader, and could often be viewed on national TV during Husky games. He majored in construction engineering and eagerly took the first job he was offered with Hoffman Construction. He quickly rose through the ranks at work and was given more and more responsibility. He was central to the renovation of the Snohomish County Courthouse in Everett. Most recently, he was helping oversee the building of the Overlook Walk from Pike Street Market to the Seattle waterfront. Bill had developed recent passions in both rock climbing, raising Labradors, comedy and cooking.

There are many stories about Billy’s quiet generosity and helpfulness to others. When he was in elementary school, his teacher encouraged his class to give their spare change to a charity. She discovered that Billy had taken every penny he had and snuck it into the box without telling anyone. As a teenager, he began donating blood and did this on a regular basis for the rest of his life, again without letting anyone know. He is survived by his mother Liz, father Dave, and brothers Jake (29) and Sam (21). Donations can be made in Bill’s memory to Evergreen Treatment Services-Seattle and Bloodworks Northwest. He will be missed dearly by his family, friends, teachers and coworkers.

Information about his Celebration of Life on August 22 can be obtained by emailing: billypattersoncelebration@gmail.com