Larry Patterson

I know it has been a beat. I was so happy to find all of these messages. I have been a teacher for 23 years because of Larry. He was my supervising teacher in 1998 and my beloved colleague until his death. There is not a day I do not recall his advice, his candor, and the excellence he pushed me to. Rest in peace, my dear friend. Christina Whitney (Langlinais)

It's been 12 years, and his legacy continues. I happened upon this memorial site and was pleased to see so many of my old friends' contributions. You could say I'm fulminating with feelings.

I have just learned of Larry's tragic and shocking passing. Mrs Patterson, you and the rest of your family have my deepest sympathy for this wonderful person being taken before his time. I count having Larry among my best friends in junior high and high school as one of the blessings of my life. Even though we drifted apart as adults, I can still vividly recall the warmth and love I experienced while visting the Patterson home on Kimbo Rd those many years ago. Larry will always have a special...

I was deeply shocked to hear of Larry's passing. I wish to send my deepest regrets to his family. He was a genuine sweetheart. In him were combined all of the qualities of the ideal teacher and friend. Even now, 22 years later, when watching any movie depicting the ideal archetypical teacher. My thoughts would always drift to Larry. He was witty, charming, and above all caring. Such a lovely man. I only hope as he observes us from on high that I haven't made any grammatical errors for him to...

Teachers are in a unique position to give the gift of education to their students, for knowledge is of tremendous value to our development into adulthood. However, when one goes beyond simply imparting knowledge to affecting the way students enjoy their education and even live their lives outside the classroom, a teacher like Mr. Patterson truly makes the world a better place. What an incredible impact he has had, influencing an entire generation of area students that will surely grow to do...

Larry Patterson was a friend and colleague as well as an outstanding teacher. He and I served on several boards and committees over the years, and his contributions were legendary. I am pleased that both my children were able to experience his "aura." He was (and will forever be) unique in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

I feel truly blessed to have been taught by Mr. Patterson. He was such a remarkable teacher and I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed an English class so much as when I had him in 9th grade. He had a way of getting his students excited about learning. He was loved and admired by many and will truly be missed. My prayers are with his family, friends, and students.

As I drove by Parkhill today, I saw the marquee sign displaying "In Loving Memory, Larry Patterson". My heart sank because I knew that was the Mr. Patterson I once met at Liberty Jr. High when I was an 8th grader there in 1981. I met with Mr. Patterson as I had been recommended for honors English, and he told me that if I did not accept this opportunity that I would regret it. Yes, after 25 years I do regret declining that opportunity. I remember Mr. Patterson as a man with a smile on face...

Mr. Patterson was a huge part of our lives, making us laugh with every SAT word we had to learn. His methods and tactics of teaching were incredible but more importantly was the way he cared for each student. I am still close with many friends from my 9th grade English class with Mr. Patterson. My prayers go out to the family.