Matt Patterson, who died in July 2005, was a Logan High School graduate and a lifeguard of several years at Chief Logan Park until high school graduation. After graduation he worked for Lack’s Beach Service in Myrtle Beach, S.C., as a lifeguard, in manager positions and served on the National Search and Rescue Team in Myrtle Beach. During his years as lifeguard Matt rescued seven people.
He attended Marshall University where he was a member of the “Pike” fraternity. At the time of his death he was a student at the University of Tennessee and was employed by Court South in Knoxville as assistant manager of the water recreation facility.
Patterson loved hunting and fishing with his dad, grandaddy, Uncle Billy, and his sister, Emily, at the family retreat, “Goose Island” Lake in Blue Ridge, Ga. But his real love was surfing. Patterson traveled to surf many places with one of his best friends, Greg Bancroft of Pawley’s Island, S.C.
“The two were such good friends that Greg named his daughter, Mattie, in honor of Matt, Candy Brewer, Patterson’s mother, said. “Coincidentaly, Mattie and Matt share close birthdays, her’s is April 15, and his is April 25th.”
Patterson had a great love for children. Coming from a large family with many cousins, nieces and nephews, he shared many wonderful times with them. During the Christmas break from college, Patterson would assist his mom with distributing toys, clothes, and food to the less fortunate and abused children. Patterson and his sister, Emily, also became involved in helping their mother with the Make-A-Wish Foundation which grants wishes to children who have life threatening illnesses.
“Matt loved this part of Christmas and he loved to see the excitement of the children. He always talked about the distributions as
Post a Comment
