Bruce Paterson
January 29, 1976 ~ September 27, 2012
Bruce Robert Paterson, age 36, of West Winfield, NY, passed away on September 27, 2012, in Fargo, ND, due to an unknown illness.
Bruce was born on January 29, 1976, in New Hartford, NY, to Matt and Edith Paterson. He grew up in Frankfort, NY, and attended high school and played football at Mount Markham High School in West Winfield, NY, where his mother was a teacher. Among his fondest memories was playing football for Mount Markham HS in the state playoffs at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY. At age 18, Bruce moved to Memphis, TN, where he started his life full of adventures, living all over the U.S., including in North Dakota, Washington, Alaska, Wisconsin, Louisiana and many other places. But, no matter how far he traveled in his life, he always managed to find his way home to his mom, Edith, and his family and friends in upstate New York. Bruce had many occupations but he was most proud of his certification after long training and hard work as a Fire Fighter for the U.S. Forest Service. He enjoyed and lived his live to its fullest. Bruce had hundreds of friends all across the United States who will miss his laugh, his capacity for friendship and his great personal generosity. He grew up in and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Utica, NY.
Those who were lucky enough to be touched by Bruce in life will miss him forever. In memory of Bruce, the family would like to offer this excerpt: “Listen to your heart, follow your dreams, and let no one tell you what you are capable of. Push the limits, bend the rules, and enjoy every minute of it. Laugh at everything, live for as long as you can.”
Bruce is survived by his mother, Edith Paterson, of West Winfield, NY, his brothers Mark (Lianne) Paterson of Arlington Heights, IL, and Eric Paterson of Colorado Springs, CO, his sisters Inga (Luis) Zuniga of West Orange, NJ, and Jill (Heath) King of Fayetteville, NC. He is also survived by seven nephews and one niece, his aunt Helga Ecks, and six first cousins. He is also survived by a very special fatherly friend, Dan Perilli.
He was predeceased by his father, Matt Paterson, his brother, Brian Paterson, and his aunts Alice Gleason and Eileen Burns.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 714 Washington St., Utica, NY, at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 4th, 2012. Reverend Umidi will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Bruce’s name to the Westminster Presbyterian Church Music Department.
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Port Townsend WATo Bruce’s family I’m so sorry for your loss. Your son has touched so many lives, including all of us settled down travelers here in PT.
To Bruce I wish you were able to see me now! On my farm with all my goats…I’m not far behind you my love. From all of us out here in PT, we’ll miss you and our hearts are broken. We had a bonfire in you honor the day we found out. It wasn’t the same without you…..
Frankfort NYEdith and family, Sorry I missed the service in Utica but I was in Long Island. I hope all your happy memories can help to heal the loss you feel now.
Edith, Mark, Eric, Inga, Jill, and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Bruce had touched many lives and left his imprint, not only in your hearts, but also in the many people that he met. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Hope INR.I.P Bruce. You will be missed by all.
West Orange NJDear Brucie Boy, a.k.a. Brush Red/Burshiern/Bruiser,
My heart is broken in so many little pieces. I know it isn’t what you want to hear, but I can’t lie to you. You will always be my little brother. I know as adults we may have taken very different paths, but your spirit has resonated in my life. There were those occasional moments (and still will be) where I would ask myself, “What would Brucie do?” I’ve learned to “live” a little over the years and let some things fly in the face of conventional wisdom, and I attribute some of that “letting go” to your influence on my life. My little Mateo was fortunate enough to be graced with your gentle, wise presence, and for this I will be forever grateful. I will do everything in my power to keep Mateo’s fond memories of “Uncle Buce” alive.
These quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson so eloquently describe the legacy you leave behind. Let all of us who ever loved you be enriched by them.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
With all my love,
Your big “sis” Inga
91522 Ansbach GermanyDear Edith and family,
we are so sad to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow!
Berlin Germanya life, well-lived is a lasting inspiration. With deepest sympathy
Gerda Kellermann
Thomas und Ingrid Kellermann
Julian, Jan, Nils, Daniel und Juliane
Dear Edith and family,
my heart is with you in this time of sadness.
Thank you for a being a friend…Traveled down the road and back again. You heart is true, your a pal and a confidant. Thanks for being you. I’m gonna love you forever.
utica new yorkRest in piece Bruce
Portland OregonMy heart is broken over this loss, and my thoughts are with Bruce’s family and many friends during this time. Bruce was a fiercely loyal friend, and his presence and non-stop story telling will be missed for eternity.
Love you forever Loose Bruce,
Jessy
Portland OregonBruce was a Legend, with his free spirit he lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. He was always there to helped a friend in need and in many cases found away to get get to them no matter how far away. He was creative, loyal and always a comedian. I feel so fortunate to have been able to call him my friend. I will miss him greatly and life without him will never again be the same. My heart goes out to all of his family and his vast number of friends. To Bruce: I thank you for all the midnight calls the cross country updates the long talks, all the smiles you brought to my face so many, many times but mostly thank you for just being you. All my Love – Barbi
Utica NYOur deep sympathy to Bruce’s family and friends. He was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed.
Your family has my condolences in this sad time. May you find comfort in our promise for Bruce at Isaiah 25:8.