Rick Patterson, founding partner of Owen, Patterson & Owen Injury Lawyers, has died, according to an announcement posted on the firm’s social media.
Patterson was well-known in the community for his support of local nonprofits, in particular the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. He was a longtime major supporter of the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging and advocated for the SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida to be built. He was also a past president of the governing body that runs the center.
He also supported his community through his fundraising efforts for schools.
Patterson was a panel attorney for the California Association of Realtors and SCV Bar Association honoree, who helped lobby on behalf of SCV residents in Sacramento. One of Patterson’s lasting feats was his work on the passage of Assembly Bill 534, which made “surrogate stalking,” or publishing photos, descriptions and locations of children with malintent, a misdemeanor.
Patterson’s legal work included representing clients throughout the country in very high-profile cases, such as the shooting victims from the 2017 Route 91 tragedy in Las Vegas, which included numerous SCV residents.
As an attorney, he was a champion for people who’ve been hurt by accidents or otherwise unfortunate incidents, with a specialty in serious motor vehicle accidents including automobile, truck, motorcycle, motorhome and bicycle accidents. His work resulted in millions of dollars of settlements throughout the country.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rick Patterson, whose commitment to this community left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him,” Susan Owen, managing partner at the firm, wrote in a statement that was posted to the firm’s social media page. “When I began practicing law in Santa Clarita, he was one of the first to welcome me. His tireless dedication to our residents for the last several decades reflected a generosity of spirit that inspired those around him. He will be sorely missed, and may he rest in peace.”
