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BORN
1932
DIED
2014
Phyllis Patterson Obituary
January 25, 1932 - May 18, 2014
Renaissance Pleasure Faire creator Phyllis (Stimbert) Patterson, of Novato, California, died on May 18th, 2014, at the age of 82. Over the past 53 years, Phyllis Patterson touched the lives of millions of guests at her events and became mentor and symbolic mother to generations of participants.She was born on January 25th, 1932, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Mildred Irene and Elden Carl Stimbert; her father became Superintendent of City Schools in Memphis, Tennessee.
In 1960, Phyllis and her artist husband Ron created a backyard drama-and-arts program at the Patterson's Laurel Canyon home in the Hollywood Hills. In response to students' enthusiasm for Commedia dell'arte, Phyllis enlisted Pacifica radio station KPFK to sponsor the very first Renaissance Faire in America on May 11th-12th, 1963 in N. Hollywood. The world was never the same.
Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Nancy Sinatra, after their visit to the Faire in the late '60s, informed David Frost and his nation-wide audience that they'd just come across "the master plan for the alternate lifestyle".
The Pattersons expanded their event to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1966. China Camp (later becoming a State Park) in Marin County was the Faire's first Northern California location and was highlighted by psychedelic ethnic music groups and bohemian artists. It outgrew that setting and moved to Black Point, Novato in 1971.
The "Blackpoint Forest" (Novato) and "Paramount Ranch" (Los Angeles) Renaissance Pleasure Faires not only inspired - and supported - a way of life for many counterculture trail blazers, they became world famous as hundreds of thousands of guests, many in costume, engaged in the rediscovered seasonal rituals of mummers plays, parades, pageants and traditional revelry. "The Faire reminds us of simpler times more in touch with nature and the world," said Phyllis.
Phyllis will be missed and remembered by all those she loved, influenced, inspired, and transformed, with immense gratitude and great affection.
She is survived by sons Kevin and Brian Patterson; daughter-in-law Leslie; grandsons Andrew and Michael Patterson all in the Bay Area; brother Vaughn Stimbert, nieces Cindy Sands and Susan Bullock of Memphis & Virginia.
For full obit and news of pending memorial plans, visit fairehistory.org. Photo by Kellogg Photography.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Patterson
Sponsored by A devoted FaireGoer.
J. Paul Moore
May 29, 2019
Phyllis was more than the creative guide to Faire. She was an inspiration to be better, not only to me but to her Faire Family of thousands. She championed quality over quantity and raised our expectations of ourselves to an ever increasing level. I would like to think that I am a damn fine actor and it is because of my ongoing 52 year run in the creative atmosphere of Faire. Thank-you yet again and myriad times over!
Dwain Delgado
July 28, 2015
I would like to share a DVD with your family of the Faire taken in the early 70s The film was taken on 8mm and I added sound 400 feet of fun at the Faire call me for your copy 951 9262527
Rowan Cota
June 17, 2014
Thank you, Phyllis, for everything.
Geert Jacobs
June 13, 2014
Thank you Phillis you was part of my live
Lynn C
June 12, 2014
Thank you for the fun, the fantasy, the costumes, the painless learning experience and the history. I have been apart of your dream world since 1971.
The scope of embrace required
Therese Porter
June 11, 2014
There are few people who have more of a difference in my life than Phyllis and her amazing, crazy vision. While I cannot even imagine what I - or my life - would have been like, it most certainly would not have been so rich and densely populated.
However, what she envisioned/created/facilitated has sent ripples far beyond the confines of the Faire. Theatre, costuming, handicrafts, and so much more have been wonderfully transformed and energised by the work she started and the people she inspired.
She's probably doing something magnificent on the Other Side even as we read this!
June 11, 2014
I was there in the early 60's. Everyone from John Marshall High School went we had a blast. RIP and "Thank You"
Cherie Moore
June 10, 2014
Thank you, my Dear Phyllis.
Thank you for your Love and Friendship. And that wonderful Sand Box you created for all of us to play in. Eternal Gratitude and Love.
Phyllis we miss you
Julie Porter
June 9, 2014
Like many of the thousands who's life Phyllis touched I offer the deepest of sympathy.
Lynn Houts
June 9, 2014
Rest in peace, you creator of wonder and magic.
Joane Luesse
June 9, 2014
Skyfaire has the queen now. Thank you profoundly for creating that which taught me so much academically, spiritually, and about myself. Love & Blessings to the family.
Rebecca Love
June 9, 2014
Thank you Phyllis for your vision and dedication in keeping us focused on living our dreams. Without your vision I never would have fulfilled my dream to be a passion artist filled with so much creativity and love for the arts. My clay covered hands come together in many thanks and appreciation. Bless you. Rebecca
Your own Roaring Girl
Kelly Lincoln
June 9, 2014
Phyllis, you were a mentor to me in ways I can't articulate. The gift you gave to me of RPFN/S, Dickens, Gold Rush Revue, Old California have continued to infuse my Spirit with a joy that carries me forth to create my Dream. Thank you for all the friends you introduced me too, and thank you for letting me work with you.
Kevin, Brian, Leslie, and all, Celebrate what she gave to you - her Love.
christina thornbrugh
June 9, 2014
In 1988 I visited Black Point faire for the first time and feel in love with a place and time that felt like home to me and always will. I found myself there, my own identity. I was given an amazing tribe that to this day is my family and my support group, my rock. I joined the beverage crew in 1997 and I was home. We are a family. The Patterson ' s forever changed my life. Helped me blossom and grow. I can never express in words just how grateful that I am for the gift Ron and Phyllis gave to me and thousands of others like me. She was the mother to us all. I'm so thankful for her.
Ethan Hay
June 9, 2014
"Fare well, wherever ye shall fare."
Robert Payes
June 9, 2014
While I never had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Patterson, for the last three years running I've made annual pilgrimages from my home in NJ to photograph the Dickens Christmas Fair - and will continue to do so as long as I am able. Thank you, Ms. P., for this wonderful Victorian universe you helped create.
June 9, 2014
My condolences to Brian and Kevin. I was employed by Phyllis as your babysitter(!) in the late 60's. I remember your mom (and you two) fondly. What a wonderful and creative household your mom managed. I will never forget it. Sincerely, Patsy Volpe (aka: Patty Cake.)
Rik Taylor
June 9, 2014
I was honored to have had my buttons criticized by her. Faire made my life better, thank you. - Rik
Colleen Shelley "Columbina" Salami del Amore Agoura Faire with daughter Molly O"Neil early 80's.
Colleen Shelley
June 9, 2014
With out question one of the most influential women of my life. Phyllis gave a place to belong to in the truest sense of the phrase. A place to learn how to be an actress, a mother, a friend, a family. Because I knew her I was changed for the good. My eternal love to the Patterson Family at this time of all our loss.
Caryn Simon
June 9, 2014
I was an Vendor at the Renaissance Faire and Dicken's Faire one year in the early 70's as "The San Francisco Hat Co" with my former partner. I enjoyed being part of Phyllis' grande creations. I will always cherish my memories of being part of her special magic and vision. The sweet aroma of Black's Forest is a dear memory. May she be enjoying her spirit realm.
John Barber
June 9, 2014
Thank you Phyllis.
June 9, 2014
Thank You Phyllis for the wonderful life style that you have given to Us. Hugs Benita & Steve Benitez
June 9, 2014
Remembering Faires at Paramont Ranch...thank you. I've pinned rosemary to my sleeve. - Holly
Nina Savino
June 8, 2014
Thank you for changing my life, Phyllis. ..
bronwyn alexander
June 8, 2014
Thank you Phyllis. My life would not be the same without you!
The Big mOuf
Michael Devor
June 8, 2014
I thank you for the joyful opportunity to bring joy to the lives of so many others.
John Moufet, "The Big mOuf"
Town Crier
Ringer of the Blessing Bell
linda bennett
June 8, 2014
Well met my lady.
Jack Drinkem
June 8, 2014
She was a great and gracious lady,who was creative, compassionate, and conniving. She loved English, history, and teaching through the faires she built in a way that most did not notice. I played for many years in her sandbox and found my love of history. She is greatly missed.
Your Lord Mayor, Captain Sir Tristan Hawkins
J. Paul Moore
June 8, 2014
Phyllis and her husband Ron created the event that became my regional theatre for over forty years. Her son Kevin and his wife Leslie carry on the tradition with The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco. Faire well to our "Chief Instigator, my mentor, teacher and friend. -
Caolifhionne Mears
June 8, 2014
Thank you Phyllis, we'll see you in Skyfaire!
MaryJane Etchegaray-Szalan
June 8, 2014
Heart felt sympathies to all of the Patterson's but especially Brian.
Terri Casey
June 8, 2014
Thank you, Phyllis,for creating something which enriched so many lives, mine included.
tom
June 8, 2014
godspeed phyllis, not only was the faire a trip in time,it also was a great employer,my present employer's were original faire folk selling food at faire,they gave me letter of recommendation and i worked at faire a couple of summers @ black point (riding my bike to work there from fairfax) as a result of faire i also worked 3-4 dickens festivals,kinda funny going from m'lord to cockney lingo,it was fun&funny 2 b in character at those events.and i know of 1 marriage as a result of dickens,im guessing many others from both events.
Aileen Bobier
June 8, 2014
Phyllis had a Magical Vision that she shared with all of us! She brought history to life and transported us all back time! and in doing so gave many a fellow dreamer, artisan, actor, Musician, place to call home and a loving family to belong to!
I am grateful for having known Phyllis! I will always remember her and will forever keep her spirit alive in my heart! Although they leave us in body, they are with us in forever in spirit and we can hear them in our hearts! I know they never leave us... She so was full of art, life, Creation, and love! her spirit will span time and ages! She is in Skye Faire now! with Ron and all her Faire children! Forever in our hearts!
Her spirit has survived in all that were lucky enough to hear her call to be apart of Faire! and the new generations of Renaissance Faire goers the world over who go and enjoy what she envisioned and brought to life! Thank you! Phyllis for all the gifts you gave us! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!!! you will be missed! My love to you and your Family! God bless you all! Aileen xoxxo
June 8, 2014
much gratitude for some of the best years of my life
June 8, 2014
thank you for letting us live the life we dreamed of. huzzah.
Heidi Barthelemy
June 8, 2014
You will always be in our hearts as inspiration for creative instigation. Thank you, Phyllis, for all. Love Heidi B
Patty McKnight
June 7, 2014
Attented many a faire in Marin county and enjoyed all the pleasures. God rest in peace as no one can replease you.
Kelly Holt
June 6, 2014
May God bless your wonderful mother and all of her family and friends, forever. Thank you Phyllis, for all those beautiful memories of wild imagination at the Renaissance Faire. The flower garlands, the Unicorn goat, the costumes, the language, the history, the theatre, the parades, the crafts and creativity. Most of all, the kindly feeling of all of the people in the community. May we all learn from her extraordinary example. My Deepest Sympathy.
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