Lowell Hart Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 It is with sadness I bring to you news of the passing of Jeff Patterson, who succumbed to a stroke at the age of 43. Jeff enjoyed a long and successful career in snowboard and ski instruction, and his tremendous passion and enthusiasm for snowboarding and skiing positively influenced the lives of all he touched. Jeff was a ripping rider—in soft boots or hard. He knew where the goods were and enthusiastically hiked to secret powder stashes, often long before the lifts opened for the season and well after they closed. Many images of Jeff have been used on BOL to illustrate forum posts. He lurked here more often than he posted (as Vailrider), but often commented to me about the discussions on the forum. <a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i4.tinypic.com/72i8hh4.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Patterson, Vail, CO."></a> Throughout his career, Jeff brought an unbridled passion and enthusiasm for all snowsports to his work—directly touching the lives of countless thousands of people. His contributions to the American Snowsports Education Association are many and significant. He was a husband, father, a teacher’s teacher, role model, mentor, beloved friend and riding companion to many, many people. He will be greatly missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-Sub Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 a stroke at 43? harsh! RIP, man. Didn't know ya but you sound cool as hell! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pebu Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 Great write up. Sounds like somebody I would have liked to know. RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 Always liked that pic. Great form. Sounds like he had a good run while it lasted. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 Thank you letting all of us know about this Lowell and sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and what sounds like a genuinely good guy. I agree with Jack, always liked the shots you had of him. Solid form. One more Arc Angel to keep the turn going....... From all at Bomber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapor Posted November 15, 2007 Report Share Posted November 15, 2007 Sad to hear of someone taken so early in life. RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Prokopiw Posted November 15, 2007 Report Share Posted November 15, 2007 When I first rode with Jeff he was wearing Burton Reactors on a basic freeride board carving with a smooth intensity that blew my mind.There are others who have had a profound influence on me but from that point on I knew how I wanted to look when I rode.He was always so casual and seemingly unstressed about life that I envied that too.It is amazing what he did for snowboarding without needing or caring about getting the credit for it.He was never afraid to speak his mind and stand up for what he thought mattered and did it in a way that got respect.Though we were almost always busy and on our way out of that little locker room in the Village it felt like family and it is with great sadness that I know he won't be there when I visit.As a father of two young children myself I feel very deeply for his family's loss and will pray for their well being during this incredibly sad period of their lives. I hope you're getting nothing but freshies where you are now Jeff.You will be greatly missed.Rest and ride in Peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carvedog Posted November 19, 2007 Report Share Posted November 19, 2007 Awww **** is all I can say. Havn't seen him in several years but we sure had a good time at the Snowboard congresses, bsing, talking teaching, swapping lies about ski school management, hot tubbing, Really sorry to hear this. I would have loved to gone riding with him as I could tell that he could talk the talk, and carve the carve. Not that it would make a huge difference but if you could contact me offline I would like to send a note or card to his wife although I never met her. We have lost a great ambassador for our sport and a great person. RIP Jeff you will be missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nworswick Posted November 21, 2007 Report Share Posted November 21, 2007 I taught alongside Jeff in the mid-90's at Beaver Creek. He ripped in soft boots and hard. A soft spoken guy who genuinely cared about the "health" of the snowboarding community, he truly believed in bringing new people to the mountain to teach them the sport he loved. After I moved away from Vail Valley, I would always look for him and catch up over a few runs when I made my annual pilgramages back to Vail/Beaver Creek. He was a real ambassador for this sport and will be missed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowell Hart Posted December 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 For those who might be interested in attending Jeff's memorial service in Vail, here are some details. Sunday, December 16, 5-7pm at Eagle's Nest in Vail: Upload the Eagle Bahn Gondola until 4:30pm. Vail will provide complimentary foot passenger tickets to those without passes via a greeter with a sign at the Gondola entrance. Guests with passes should please bring them. Service starts at 5pm on the plaza, near the fireplace. Guests are encouraged to wear winter gear and, if you'd like, bring a blanket. Service to run 30 min - 45 min. It will be absolutely beautiful outside and the atmosphere will be memorable. Reception in Marketplace (2nd level) to take place 5:45 - 7pm. Appetizers, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, coffee/tea. A donation account has been set up at 1st Bank for Jeff Patterson’s 11-year-old daughter Hannah's education and care. Checks should be made out to “Donation Account for Hannah Patterson” and mailed to 1st Bank, Attn: Jessica Hermosillo, P.O. Drawer 5270, Avon, CO 81620. Click on image for a few clips and images of Jeff: <a href="http://blip.tv/file/536388" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.tinypic.com/72ifiav.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> Cheers and best wishes, LH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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