He was born to J. Melvin and Mary Patton in The Dalles, OR. John received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Romance Languages from the University of Oregon. While in college, he joined a group of 14 students on a mission trip to Colombia to work in an underserved orphanage. It was during this trip, at the age of 19, that a flight delay led to his meeting Esneda Correa who would become his sweetheart and wife for 52 years.

After graduating from college, the newlywed couple moved to Barcelona where he obtained a degree in Hispanic Studies, followed by an MBA from Portland State University following their return to the United States. In 1983 he founded Cadence Management Corporation, a project management training and consulting firm for thousands of organizations across 47 countries over 30+ years. John served as President and CEO from its inception until 2016 and as Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2018. He also served on multiple boards including the educational foundation of the Project Management Institute (PMIEF). The overwhelming outpouring of love the family has received since his passing underscores just how many lives John touched throughout his long career and many travels. John’s knowledge, wisdom, generosity, and kindness were shared with and appreciated by the many people who knew him. Given his vast array of interests and experiences, he was a true renaissance man.

As he moved into retirement, he picked up new projects and causes where he could now focus his time. These included service in his church, St. Mary’s Cathedral, as well as the design and construction of a new home on his farm in The Dalles. His social media followers were allowed an inside look as the project unfolded. Frequent pictorial posts outlined major milestones and roadblocks alike, revealing the consummate project manager in action, fulfilling the lifelong dream of the farmer within.

It is perhaps not a coincidence that his life came full-circle as he breathed his last while working on the farm in The Dalles doing what he loved. John is survived by his wife Esneda, the love of his life. His son John D. Patton and his daughter-in-law Jina. Four grandchild: John M., Isaiah, Natalie, and Amanda. His siblings Marline Lutz, Duane Patton, Dena Lively, and David Patton. His sister-in-law Maria Elena Nazari, extended family in Colombia, and many nieces and nephews. All will miss him tremendously. Please join us in celebrating his good and full life, one of service to his community and to the world at large. John was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a businessman, and a friend.

A viewing will be held at Riverview Abbey Funeral Home in Portland, on Saturday October 13th 9.30-11:30am. The funeral service will follow immediately at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 1pm.

Memorial contributions in John’s name can be made to the PMI educational foundation, which brings project management knowledge to classrooms worldwide. https://pmief.org/giving/donate

Viewing

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM ,Saturday, October 13, 2018
Riverview Abbey Funeral Home
0319 SW Taylors Ferry Road Portland, OR 97219
Notes: The funeral service will follow immediately at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 1pm.