Adventist Health Board Chairman, Elder Jere D. Patzer, Passes Away

Jere D. Patzer, chairman of Adventist Health’s Board of Directors and president of the North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, passed away on October 26 after a long battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

“We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Jere’s passing,” said Robert G. Carmen, president and CEO of Adventist Health. “Jere served on our Board of Directors for more than two decades. As vice chair and board chairman, he brought tremendous leadership to Adventist Health and a commitment and dedication to our mission that will be missed. We extend our deepest sympathies and many prayers to Jere’s family during this difficult time.”

Patzer was a member of Adventist Health’s Board since1986. During that time he served as vice-chair for 11 years and assumed chairman responsibilities in January 2008. In addition, he served on the governing board at Walla Walla General Hospital for 13 years. As president of the North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Patzer was responsible for providing overall administrative vision, direction and leadership to the ministry activities and programs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout the Northwest. He also represented the North Pacific Union Conference to the North American Division and world organization of the church.

According to the Adventist Health bylaws, in the absence of a board chairman, the vice chairman will preside at the meetings of the Board of Directors. Currently, Ricardo Graham, president of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, serves as vice chairman of Adventist Health’s Board of Directors.

Patzer is survived by his wife, Sue, who serves as the NPUC director of women’s ministries; son, Darin, manager of KEEH radio in Spokane; son, Troy, principal of Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle, Washington; daughter, Carissa, of Boise, Idaho; and father, Arthur, of College Place, Washington.

For information regarding Patzer’s memorial service, please visit www.npuc.org.