Family Update

Many have asked me how my sis is doing. On her Facebook page last week, she wrote this: Visited the cemetery on Tuesday morning after taking Julia to school. Friends had put some carnations in a vase on the grave as there is not yet a marker. It was a hard time for me, but also good. My tears flowed.

What she didn’t say there was that she had just been to receive, on Gordon's behalf, The Excellence Award, granted by the Vancouver School District. She didn't know what had been painted on the hall in the 200 wing until she walked in. Here’s what the write-up on the district's portal said:

The Excellence Award is given posthumously to Hudson’s Bay Teacher Gordon Patterson

“I love you, in a positive sort of way.” This message greets all who approach the 200 wing at Hudson’s Bay High School. It was Gordon Patterson’s catch phrase. Gordon, a 25-year veteran with Vancouver Public Schools, was revered by students, parents and staff members. He was a “kid magnet,” able to make connections with every type of student who walked the halls of Hudson’s Bay. Gordon always had a smile on his face, and if you were within 200 feet of the 200 wing you could always hear his laugh. In addition to teaching math, design technology and science, Gordon taught compassion, acceptance, and inspiration. Gordon went out of his way to acknowledge students. He had a habit of calling home to parents—not to say their child was a problem in class, but to tell them their child was a pure delight. Gordon was all about kids. He would do anything he could to help students be successful. He led the extracurricular BEST—Bay Engineering, Science and Technology team. One student went on to college and a career as an electrical designer after having Gordon as a design tech teacher. Gordon touched thousands of lives. The echo of his laugh still rings through the hallways of Hudson’s Bay High School.

Gordon's wife, Carrie, accepted the award. She was joined by Gordon's parents, Elaine and Lyle, at the recognition.