Don Patterson

Dr. Don Howard Patterson born June 29, 1930 and died July 4, 2008. He passed away from multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. His last days were filled with joy, peace, warmth and family love. He wishes to inform the readers of El Paso Times that he was very grateful for the 31 years he spent in this wonderful city. Dr. Patterson was born in Chicago, Illinois, got his BA from Northern Illinois University, his Masters degree from Western New Mexico University at Silver City, New Mexico, and his Doctorate from California Coast University in Santa Ana California. His dissertation was entitled "Dysfunctional Behavior in the American Public Schools: A Search for Understanding." Dr. Patterson spent most of his career teaching Spanish Language and Literature, History/Social Studies, Industrial Technology (Drafting, Project Planning, Electrical Constructions and Uses, Cabinetry and Finish Woodworking, Sheetmetal Layout and Construction, Building Contruction and Manufacturing). Because of the problems in behavior which have invaded the Public School Systems in recent years, Dr. Patterson left the subjects which he loved most and began an intensive study of Special Education. After teaching children with special learning problems in both Gallup, NM, and El Paso, he retired from public school and taught briefly at UTEP, taking over a Theories of Learning class for an Education professor who needed time to write a book. After retirement at age 65, Dr. Patterson took up piano tuning and repair just to stay busy.