YOUR AD HERE »

Bruce Patterson, 1956-2009, former Vail resident

Vail, CO Colorado
Special to the Vail DailyFormer Vail resident Bruce Patterson, a musician who lived in Longmont, passed away Tuesday
ALL |

VAIL, Colorado “-Bruce Arthur Patterson, 53, of Longmont and a former Vail resident, died Tuesday due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born April 20, 1956, in Pasadena, Calif., the son of Kenneth Webster and Frances (Clark) Patterson.

Bruce graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in piano performance and later from the University of Michigan with a masters degree in chamber music and accompaniment.



He married Arlene Leitch on June 9, 1990, in Chelsea, Mich. They moved to Vail in 1992 and to Longmont in 1998.

Bruce was the consummate musician. He believed his ministry in life was through his music, whether it was accompanying, arranging, writing, performing or recording. He was very comfortable on the piano bench and described himself as a “utilitarian piano player.”

Support Local Journalism



He took pride in delivering good music. He was currently the organist and pianist at Central Presbyterian Church and accompanying students at the University of Northern Colorado.

Bruce was a very quiet and modest person. If he could help someone feel good or be the best they could, while not drawing attention to him, he was the happiest. He was known for saying, “I do my part the best I can.” He never judged people and could get along with anyone.

Bruce was very accepting of people. He especially enjoyed helping Arlene with her classes in elementary school and helping with projects with the kids. He loved having children around because they allowed him to express his inner child.

He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church but had the capacity in his heart for all faiths. He enjoyed cooking for his family and was so proud of his daughter, Fiona, and all her accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene ,of Longmont; son Kevin Winder, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; daughter Fiona Patterson, of Longmont; father Ken Patterson, of Covina, Calif.; brothers Craig Patterson, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Wayne Patterson, of Alexandria, Va.; sisters Mary Gutierrez, of Riverside, Calif., and Marcia Patterson, of Covina; and a very large extended family.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel with family present to greet friends. Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, at Central Presbyterian Church with The Reverend Stuart Brooks Keith III officiating. Cremation to follow services at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fiona Patterson Education Fund and sent to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Share condolences and memories of Bruce with the family at http://www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.


Support Local Journalism