Eugene Patterson

I was one of the lucky people to have the privilege of working under Mr. Patterson's leadership at the then St. Petersburg Times. Even after his retirement when I would see him, Mr. Patterson always took the time to stop and say hello and ask how I was doing. After reading the story published about his life in the Times, it was easy to see why he walked with such presence. I will always remember his smile.

Mr. Patterson was a person a great personal and moral courage. He has given all of us an example of how to be an exceptional human being, and American.

He was a truly great man, American Hero in both war abroad and war at home. His stories of wartime experience, and what it meant to him to have served overseas inspired my own military career. What he did for the Civil Rights movement was gallant, and I can see from other posts in the guest book that it had a far reaching effect. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Uncle Gene.

to the Patterson family,may you be comforted by these words."I-I myself am the One that is comforting you people."pslm.145:16
....................nc

Somewhere beyond the rainbows end
The skies are bright and fair,
No shadows dim, no darkness falls
The land is peaceful there.

And someone with the power to heal
To guide and understand
Is waiting there to calm our fears
And take us by the hand

So when a dear one heeds his call.
Our hearts should be at rest
For there beyond the rainbow's end
A loving God knows best.

*********************************
Be thou faithful unto death
and I will give you a crown of life.

~ Myrtice McDaniel, Stone Mountain. Georgia

Eugene Patterson defined the highest civic ideals and determination. He was a consummate lifelong practitioner of excellence.

A stellar and bold newspaper editor, Mr. Patterson was also a profound leader of young people. He created high-level opportunity for capable youth and that proudly included me.

As an exploring University of Florida college student, I walked in the door he helped the legendary Nelson Poynter create. It later was called The Poynter Institute. I participated in its first year, learning from the great members of Mr. Patterson's team. It changed my life and many others forever. It was Mr. Patterson who, no doubt, ultimately approved the hire of an additional Times/Independent photography staffer. That staffer was I.

What many of us remember as most important about Mr. Patterson, though, was that he simply took time for us. Many young interns regularly saw and talked with him. He was present at some of our meetings. He hosted us in his Snell Isle home.

I am among many filled with great memories and think it personally important to note his passing.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

We were sadden to hear of Gene's death. He was a great contributor to advocacy journalism, and the industry in general. I owed him a lot since he helped me get my job with UPI in London, that lasted for 42 years through several countries.
My wife and I remember Gene and Sue's hospitality in Washington where they took care of our infant son and loaned us their car to tour Washington.
Our sympathies go out to his family.

May God be with the Patterson family in their time of sorrow.

There are some who bring a light so bright to the world that even after they have gone the light remains. May his light be with us forever.

Audrey Lincourt Schiebler
Amelia Island, FL