Former journalist had distinguished career in Democratic politics and Vermont State government
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Patterson, of Middlesex, on November 6, 2023. Steve died peacefully, with his wife, Sally, by his side. He was 76 years old. Steve’s life was a beacon of goodness, kindness and bravery to all who loved him. He possessed a keen intelligence, a wry sense of humor, and an understanding heart. If you were lucky enough to be in the light of Steve’s love, you were well cared for, indeed. Born on October 5, 1947, to Alice and Harold Patterson of Middlesex, Steve was a lifelong Vermonter, a product of deep, proud Irish roots on his father’s side in Middlesex, and the strong resiliency of his French-Canadian grandparents — who were early 20th-Century immigrants to Barre’s granite industry jobs — on his mother’s side. Steve’s love for his home state knew no bounds. Since his Middlesex boyhood, his passion for the traditions of fly-fishing, and, later, deer hunting brought him great joy throughout his life. Steve loved being quiet and observant in the outdoors. The natural environment was his religion. Of paramount importance in his life, though, was family. Steve was fiercely committed to and protective of his family all his life. Honoring his mother, Alice, and stepfather, Howard Walbridge, as they lived together into old age was his privilege and his life commitment as a loving and dependable son. Being a younger brother to his beloved sister Sally gave him a special sense of security throughout their upbringing together by a strong single mother, especially after their father Harold’s and baby sister Linda’s premature deaths when Steve was five years old. Steve discovered the joys of fatherhood after marrying his first wife and lifelong friend, Brenda Bean. Through their years of marriage and beyond their parting, they co-parented beloved daughter, Sarah Patterson, together. Steve’s pride in Sarah and her life accomplishments over the years never waned. Steve took great pride in his 33 years of sobriety, beginning in 1992. At that time, Steve began to live his life anew with confidence, a clear mind and a more open heart. Two years after this fresh start, he met coworker, Sally Cavanagh. Steve and Sally’s long friendship deepened into love, and they married in 2005, beginning the longest, most joyful and fulfilling partnership and family chapter in his life. Steve’s long career was primarily a mix of journalism,…
Former journalist had distinguished career in Democratic politics and Vermont State government
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Patterson, of Middlesex, on November 6, 2023. Steve died peacefully, with his wife, Sally, by his side. He was 76 years old. Steve’s life was a beacon of goodness, kindness and bravery to all who loved him. He possessed a keen intelligence, a wry sense of humor, and an understanding heart. If you were lucky enough to be in the light of Steve’s love, you were well cared for, indeed. Born on October 5, 1947, to Alice and Harold Patterson of Middlesex, Steve was a lifelong Vermonter, a product of deep, proud Irish roots on his father’s side in Middlesex, and the strong resiliency of his French-Canadian grandparents — who were early 20th-Century immigrants to Barre’s granite industry jobs — on his mother’s side. Steve’s love for his home state knew no bounds. Since his Middlesex boyhood, his passion for the traditions of fly-fishing, and, later, deer hunting brought him great joy throughout his life. Steve loved being quiet and observant in the outdoors. The natural environment was his religion. Of paramount importance in his life, though, was family. Steve was fiercely committed to and protective of his family all his life. Honoring his mother, Alice, and stepfather, Howard Walbridge, as they lived together into old age was his privilege and his life commitment as a loving and dependable son. Being a younger brother to his beloved sister Sally gave him a special sense of security throughout their upbringing together by a strong single mother, especially after their father Harold’s and baby sister Linda’s premature deaths when Steve was five years old. Steve discovered the joys of fatherhood after marrying his first wife and lifelong friend, Brenda Bean. Through their years of marriage and beyond their parting, they co-parented beloved daughter, Sarah Patterson, together. Steve’s pride in Sarah and her life accomplishments over the years never waned. Steve took great pride in his 33 years of sobriety, beginning in 1992. At that time, Steve began to live his life anew with confidence, a clear mind and a more open heart. Two years after this fresh start, he met coworker, Sally Cavanagh. Steve and Sally’s long friendship deepened into love, and they married in 2005, beginning the longest, most joyful and fulfilling partnership and family chapter in his life. Steve’s long career was primarily a mix of journalism,…
