- U.S. Navy veteran Robert "Bob" Patterson, a Rose Lane Nursing & Rehabilitation Center resident, got his final birthday wish on Tuesday.
- Patterson got to see nearly 190 motorcycles outside his residence as part of his 85th birthday celebration.
- He also received an approximately 20-minute motorcycle ride.
JACKSON TWP. – Robert "Bob" Patterson's final birthday wish came true on Tuesday.
He said he wanted it loud, festive and full of life. It appeared to be all that and more.
The U.S. Navy veteran has been a Harley-Davidson buff and avid motorcycle rider for 62 years. He's called Rose Lane Nursing & Rehabilitation Center home the past couple of months and is in hospice care.
Friday is Patterson's 85th birthday, but his last biker bash was celebrated Tuesday with hundreds of folks, which included family, friends, Rose Lane workers and fellow residents.
He was amped for the festivity.
"I'm excited — really pumped up!" Patterson said moments before about 190 motorcycles rolled into Rose Lane.
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A couple of weeks ago, Patterson, who calls Akron home, told one of his hospice caretakers — Rebecca Agnew, of WellSpring Health Services — he wanted to see "100 motorcycles out in the parking lot." She got the wheels rolling, and that dream came true after a social media post went viral.
Bikers paraded their way shortly before 9 a.m. Tuesday into the Rose Lane lot, 5425 High Mill Ave. NW, to honor Patterson, whose military service ran from 1956 to 1959 as an aircraft refueler.
"All this is to honor him. One last ride," said an emotional Nancy Webb, who's Patterson's daughter.
During the proceeding, Patterson toured the parking lot with family in his wheelchair, greeting many of the dozens of bikers who came out in his honor.
After the meet-and-greet, Patterson took a nearly 20-minute, six-mile spin in a cart attached to one of the motorcycles. The ride ran along parts of Mudbrook Street NW, Wales Avenue NW and Fulton Drive NW. Jackson Township police officers provided an escort.
Chris Swogger of the Warrior to Warrior Ministry motorcycle group was Patterson's driver for the jaunt.
"This (event) is phenomenal," Swogger of Canton said just minutes before the ride. "I had to get a Kleenex when I saw all these bikes come in."
Decade has gone by since Patterson last rode on motorcycle
About 10 years has passed since he was last on a motorcycle, Patterson said. He was appreciative for all the planning and work done by Rose Lane staff to allow his wish come to fruition.
"It's a chance for more people to have fun," he said.
Erica Myers, admissions and marketing director at Rose Lane, said the effort by police, local military veterans, bikers, staff and volunteers made Tuesday special.
"We're grateful that so many folks in the community (came) together to honor this veteran's wish," she said.
Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X: @sgrazierINDE
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