Richard H. Patton Jr.

Rich--Are you counting the times we've raised a glass to you this year? Too many to count. We remember your vision, your crazy stories, and your eternal faith in all of us digging deep to find our better angels and do right by kids.

When I came to St. Louis in 2000 to begin the St. Louis for Kids effort, I was told to speak with Rich Patton because he knew about everything that was happening in childrens services and everyone working in them. It was good advice and stood me in good stead through the years. Always willing to listen and help, no matter who asked, I greatly appreciated his respect for others with equal regard. Thanks to Rich for what he gave so generously to us all.

Rich was one of the most caring and most hilarious people I have ever known. His presence was a gift to so many of us.

Rich provided a great example to me as a young advocate in Missouri on how to be serious and fierce in devotion to children's issues, while still having fun and finding humor in everything. I truly have carried some of those values into the leadership role I now play. I know how committed he was to collaboration for the sake of kids in the STL region, and even more so to his wife Corinne. This is a big loss for the St. Louis region.

Forever my mentor, my partner in crime, and my "other brother". You shared your wisdom and vision generously with us all. We will keep these precious things, along with your laughter and stories, in our hearts, and carry on.

We offer our heartfelt prayers in the loss of this great man. As the oldest of the Patton clan, he wore the crown of leadership well on all fronts. May we learn from his example and do him homage in following in his footsteps. Love to all of the Pattons.