Barry Jay Patterson

Barry J. Patterson, longtime Garden City High School coach, peacefully passed away on September 26, 2022 at the age of 62. He was born on July 6, 1960 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to the late Sam and the late Wanda Joyce Patterson. When Karen married Sam in 1966 and entered Barry's young life, she lovingly raised him as her own and they shared a very special bond. Barry was the soulmate and husband to Diana Patterson. Loving step-father to Carson and Caitlin Hoffman and son-in-law to Pat Knickerbocker. Dear brother of Samantha (Alex) Trout and caring uncle to Aaron, Amanda and Bradley. Brother-in-law to Todd and Chris Knickerbocker as well as Zach and Laura (Dumont) Knickerbocker. Uncle to Spencer and Kelsey Knickerbocker. Barry is also survived by his uncle Ted (Barb) Peterson and his late aunt Emilie Porcelli, as well as numerous cousins.
At the age of eighteen Barry began working at United Parcel Service - a job that allowed him to simultaneously pursue his true passion of coaching. A last minute decision to coach his sister's basketball team led to a career in coaching that ultimately spanned over forty years. In the 1980s Barry began coaching softball and basketball for Garden City High School as an assistant coach and eventually became the head coach in both sports. Fundamentals of both games were taught and emphasized, but teaching valuable life lessons was even more important to Barry. Being a great teammate and being a great human were his mantras. Under his leadership the varsity softball team enjoyed numerous league, district, and regional wins. In 2008 the Cougars won the Division I state championship. In 2014 he was inducted into the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His career ended with over 800 wins. His impact on countless young women athletes is immeasurable.
Barry was also instrumental in developing and coaching several recreational and travel softball teams. He coached the Red Hots, Bogos & Bogos, Spearhead, A-1 Transmission and Mid-America teams before he transitioned to Finesse and became an integral part of developing the Finesse program. Two of the teams he coached won national titles (1995/NSA and 1996/USSSA). Barry was inducted into the Michigan USSSA Hall of Fame in 1996 (Youth category) and 2001 (Manager category).
In 2010 Barry married the love of his life, Diana, and they were blessed to enjoy twelve years of laughter, travel, friends, family and - most importantly - unconditional love. He was beyond proud of the accomplishments of Carson and Caitlin and the young adults they've become.
Early morning was a favorite time of the day in which Barry enjoyed the quiet and peacefulness of dawn. A lover of nature and animals, Barry would sit for hours and enjoy their antics and beauty. Long before it was popular Barry was an avid fan of country music; Johnny Cash, George Jones and Dolly Parton were among his favorites. Some may be surprised to learn that he also loved KISS, Guns-N-Roses and other heavy metal rock bands.
A selfless individual with a perpetual positive attitude, Barry was always looking out for the needs of others before his own. Barry was loved by many and will be missed by even more.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating online to the Barry Patterson Memorial Scholarship fund that will support female athletes at Garden City High School.
-or a check can be sent to -
Garden City High School
6500 Middlebelt Road
Garden City, MI 48135
*Please indicate Barry Patterson Memorial Scholarship in the memo line.