Sensei
Cecil T. Patterson
6-22-30
10-27-02 |
Thanks to all those who took the time
to share their thoughts, prayers and memories of Shihan
Patterson.
Brent Lands
BrentnHolly@blomand.net
Monday, December 16, 2002
I am saddened to hear the news of Mr. Pattersons death, I originally started taking Wado under Wayne Tyler with David Deaton Studios in 1992 and was able to attened a couple of special classes with Mr. Patterson.
I then moved to McMinnville, TN. and started studying with Gary Steele.
I was lucky enough before and even more now hornered to have received my Black Belt from Mr. Patterson. It was one of the most enduring test I have ever had to do, but I would do it over and over again to see the gratification in his face that he could pass so much knowledge to others, and others pass that knowledge.
I am currently teaching my son Wado Ru, I am very proud of his interest in Wado and I will Pass on to him the black belt principles I have learned and hope he will affect others in a positive way that Mr. Patterson did with his Way of Peace.
Best Wishes and Merry Christmas to ALL,
Brent Lands
Bruce Hadley
bhadley@dejazzd.com
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
I was only able to meet and workout with Sensei Patterson once on his recent visit to our site in Ephrata Pa. What an impressive gentleman he was. He reminded me of my father-in-law, an equally dignified man. They could have passed for twin brothers side-by-side. Sensei was a little taller however.
I was also impressed with how Sensei John stepped in and co-trained the kids and us adults. I have complete confidence that the federation will be in good hands and I believe the rest of us in Eastern Pa. will agree.
It is very evident that this great man brought together many decent people to form a unique family in the Wado system. I am very proud to be a member and to have my son in as a member too.
Helen Bargas
bfbargas@charter.net
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
The Special Wado Memorial for Mr. Cecil Patterson - on November 17th.
For those who were unable to make it . . . it was a beautiful memorial. Approximately 20 people stood up and shared precious moments that they had with Shihan Patterson. Some were very funny and some were very emotional. All of us were able to learn more about Shihan Patterson and how he affected other lives.
The memorial started out with Mr. Ford lighting Shihan Patterson's eternal candle (which he received when he was saved and baptized). We said the pledge of Allegiance and then the National Anthem was played. Those who had moments or stories to share were done next. All of us that knew it, did Naifanchi, as this was Shihan Patterson's favorite kata. The memorial ended with Mr. Ford blowing out the eternal candle.
It was a beautiful memorial and one that I will always remember.
Helen Bargas,
Karate For Christ
Columbia, TN
Ernie Dunkelberger
edunk@ptd.net
Thursday, November 14, 2002
We here in the eastern part of Penna. were deeply saddened by the news. We have many fond memories of the times shared working out with Sensei as well as the times of fellowship. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Patterson family. We will miss him!
Deni Selvig
moisandan@direcway.com
Thursday, November 14, 2002
I was shocked and saddened by the loss of Sensei Patterson. My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the Patterson family. I have many fond memories of Mr. Patterson and will always cherish the times I was blessed to work under his guidance. He will, indeed, be greatly missed by all of the Wado family, but his example has left an indelible mark on all of our lives.
Christopher Schuller
daedalus@comcast.net
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
Sensei Patterson:
Please accept mine and my family’s profound sympathy both personally and as longtime students of the USEWF. We feel your loss deeply; rest assured our thoughts are with you and with your late father, our President. Among our parents’ four sons, three of them have been awarded black belts in the Federation and we are very much dedicated to its survival even in the face of this staggering hardship. We continue to support the USEWF in everything it has done for us and others. Thank you very much, and please keep up the good work.
With deepest respect,
Christopher P. Schuller, Nidan /
William R. Schuller, Shodan /
Michael C. Schuller, Shodan /
James A. Schuller, 1st Kyu
Taylor Hayden Karate Center
Steven O'Riley
orileykarate@msn.com
Monday, November 04, 2002
I first met Sensei at the Wado tourment in 1988. It was a very scary feeling standing in front of him. He looked into my eyes and I wanted to look away.
Instead, I looked down as I bowed to him. Other than seeing him from time to time with
brief conversation, I had my first true conversation with him in 1997 at his outdoor workout. I was in the process of opening my first dojo location. We talked for hours and I first began my relationship with him. In 1997 I pleaded with him to train me during the day, for I was unable to train with
Sensei Hayden who is my teacher. Sensei agreed and Mr. Vanatta and I began training on Wednesday afternoon's.
I have many memories of Sensei Patterson. Several very painful. Some of the more private times were when I was building my present dojo. Sensei was not in the best spirits for his 1st wife had passed away. I needed help and he needed therapy. We spent many hour and even weeks working together building walls and shaping doorways. He would call me and want to know where I was and why I was not at the new dojo. At his time I was building one and
running another. What a nightmare! Sensei would say he would be here the next day to work at 8:00 am and I had better be on time. Hard days since I never got out of bed until 9:30 on most days. We would argue about everything. Respectfully of course on. We became so close during this period it never changed. I know he felt I was one of his sons, as I felt he was my second father. He as you are aware can never be replaced in our hearts. I realize that there are many who have known him longer and who have memories also. But for ast five years he was my friend, father and teacher. I do not feel that I could have been closer. I loved this man very much and I will never forget his teachings or his
friendship.
Steven W. O'Riley
Adam Smith
aks8@Pitt.edu
Saturday, November 02, 2002
In his life, we learned from his noble and humble ways. In his death, we realize the legacy he has left.
Adam Smith-Bushido School of Pittsburgh
KEVIN TERRY
KARATEKEVIN10007@CS.COM
Friday, November 01, 2002
THE FRONT PAGE IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!!!
SENSEI PATTERSON WAS A TRUE WARRIOR.
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE PATTERSON FAMILY.
HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE IN THE MARTIAL ARTS AND ESPECIALLY WADO-RYU. I HAVE NEVER PERSONALLY MET HIM, BUT MR. HERZER, MY INSTRUCTOR HAS SPOKE HIGHLY OF HIM AND HIS WORKS WITH THE WADO STYLE. MANY STORIES HAVE BEEN TOLD TO ME ABOUT HIM AND THE EARLY DAYS OF WADO-RYU IN AMERICA. 1 WILL CHERISH EVERY STORY.
I BELIEVE IN PRESERVING THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF THIS STYLE, SO I WILL CONTINUE TO PASS ON THE STORIES AND TEACHINGS AS IF HE WAS STILL HERE, BECAUSE HE WILL ALWAYS BE HERE IN SPIRIT.
KEVIN TERRY, BUSHIDO SCHOOL OF PITTSBURGH
Gary Suley
Wadoryu02@aol.com
Friday, November 01, 2002
My deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and students of Sensei Patterson. I am a student of Mr. Bill Herzer in Pittsburgh and both of my instructors, Mr. Herzer and Mr. Kevin Terry spoke very highly of him. I am thankful for what Sensei Patterson has done for the style of Wado Ryu here in The U.S. and the knowledge given to my instructors through him which helps me appreciate the art to it's fullest knowing that it came from a true pioneer of karate.
Gary Suley--Bushido School of Pittsburgh
Lee Clark
clarkdojo@djis.net
Friday, November 01, 2002
I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,which the Lord,the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -and not only to me,but also to all who have longed for his appearing.(2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV) I believe these two verses from the Bible apply to Sensei Patterson, and his Legacy he has left behind. My thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family. I was glad I got to see and talk to Sensei one more time at the meeting on
Sunday. I will forever be grateful for the time I got to spend with him each year. At the meeting I overheard several fellow yudansha say they would follow Sensei Patterson anywhere. Well he has gone home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is my prayer that all will follow his example and come back to the Lord!
In His service, and in Wa no michi,
Lee Clark
Leonard Bennett
lgbx@rcn.com
Thursday, October 31, 2002
My prayers are with the Patterson Family. I am sorry that I never met the man, but we were related in Wado thru Sensei Sakura. My instructors trained on the same dojo floor as Sensei Patterson in Iwakuni,so we are related. I honor Sensei Patterson for his life's work of spreading Wado thru out America. With the recent passing of Sensei Sakura, I hope you organization continues to keep the history alive of the American Pioneers from Iwakuni. Again my prayers are with the Patterson family and his organization.
Leonard Bennett,
USA Bushinkai
Melvin S. Brown Jr - Bushido Dojo
msbrown@police.nashville.org
Thursday, October 31, 2002
Sensei Patterson will be sadly missed. He was our teacher and friend. Our deepest sympathy to his family. If not for his dedication to karate-do and willingness to continue training and teaching for fifty years, the thousands of relationships between us would not exist. This is not limited to the Federation. No one is teaching or practicing Wado Ryu within 500 miles that does not trace their roots to Sensei Patterson. He is responsible for the training of countless police officers and thousands of other good men and women. He showed and led the way.
There is an applicable quotation that I believe is from Rudyard Kipling's "The Pond." It states: "BODY AND SPIRIT I SURRENDERED WHOLE TO HARSH INSTRUCTORS AND RECEIVED A SOUL." Sensei's memorial service was a roll call of such instructors that have helped in giving us souls. Most of you know the Board of Directors. But, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Day, Mr. Harris, Mr. Townes, Ms. Baker, and other Old Warriors there were also a reminder of what Sensei has given us. These men and women, like the Board, were my heroes when I was young. They still are, even more so now. Wherever your path leads you, do not ever forget where you came from.
Rest in Peace Our Beloved Teacher. You, as all things, are in God's hands.
Bill Turner
bill_turner@hempfield.k12.pa.us
Thursday, October 31, 2002
To the Patterson family, I would like to express my deepest sympathy. Although I have only been in the Wado System for a short time, I have heard many great things about Mr. Patterson. His character and devotion to the Wado System was a way of life. I would also like to express my sympathy to my instructor and his family. Mr. Patterson will be missed, but never forgotten.
Nonie Machunze
Nonie.Machunze@ey.com
Thursday, October 31, 2002
I wish to express my sympathy to the Patterson family at this time. Sensei Patterson has been very supportive of my family since my father was diagnosed with cancer. Praise God for Mr. Patterson's witness. He will be missed.
Matthew R. Madara
mrm_9403@hotmail.com
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family of Sensei Patterson. I extend this to all Wado practitioners as well because we have all lost someone very dear to us. I know personally that without Sensei Pattersons efforts, my life would be very different. The impact he has had on all of our lives is immeasurable. From my brief encounters with Sensei Patterson I have taken a lifetime of memories and his words will remain with me and strengthen me. We have all lost a teacher and a father, however I am certain that his spirit will continue. I also wish to express my sympathy to my Sensei because I know his loss. May all of you find peace in this time of sadness. Always remember what Sensei Patterson has taught you.
clayton mcgrath
Trickster984@aol.com
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Although, I have only met Sensei Patterson once at a recent seminar in Ephrata, I could tell that he was devoted to his family, his religion, and the Wado system. I only had the privilage of speaking with him after the class, and I will forever cherish that moment. Mr. Patterson will be missed, but never forgotten. I also support John Patterson as President of the US Eastern Wado ryu Federation.
Vicki Long
vicki_long@gap.com
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
I am deeply saddened by the death of Sensei Patterson. I felt as if I lost a member of my family, because of my love and passion for the Wado System. I am glad to say that I did have the opportunity to attend several of Sensei Patterson's seminars and learned a great deal from him. I am also pleased that I had an opportunity to see and speak with him one last time at my recent black belt exam (Sunday, 10/27). He will be greatly missed. My only hope is that his spirit will continue to be a part of our federation.
Kimberly Day
PunkChick1969@aol.com
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Even though I didn't know Mr. Patterson personally, I still loved him. I had only talked to him once and that was at the 15th Annual Wado Ryu Karate Tournament. He told me that he believed in me even though he didn't know me. He told me that he knew I was going to make my school proud. Thanks for believing in me Mr. Patterson! Then 10 minutes later I got first place in Kata! I ran it just like Mr. Patterson and Mr. Stevenson said to. I then brought home 2 trophies. We will all miss him dearly.
Kimberly Michele Day
nick stran
Spyder1184@hotmail.com
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
I only trained with Mr. Patterson for a day, but in that short day, he exemplified all that my Sensei has thought me about the aditude of a true martial artist. He will be missed by many, but forgotten by none.
I support John Patterson as President of the US Eastern Wado ryu Federation.
Michael Grenley
mdgrenley@aol.com
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
I am richly blessed to have met Sensei Patterson and attended two of his annual seminars since I began my martial arts "trek" in 2001. In fact, I have often said that, in addition to the efforts of my instructors, Mr. Tyler and Mr. Everett, that my attendance at Mr. Patterson's seminar "launched" me toward my black belt. I was the only white belt in attendance that year.I will always be thankful.
Randall Barnes
randallbarnes@comcast.net
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
To the Patterson family I want to offer my deepest sympathy and condolences. I would also offer joy, because Sensei knew the Lord Jesus, and will be with Him for Eternity. I hope to see him again someday.
To me, Sensei was a living legend. Even before I knew him well, I knew of some of his deeds. My admiration for this man cannot be expressed with words, but only with the heart.
He never failed to speak to me, give me a smile, or words of encouragement whenever I saw him. He had a saying, which I have adapted to this humble try at a haiku, and offer it to his family:
“You fell seven times,
You have now risen eight times,
Rest well Old Warrior.”
Mark Edward Cody
bushido@tampabay.rr.com
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
My deepest sympathies to the family of Sensei Patterson. Through his martial arts, he touched the lives of many people.
I would like to share a excerpt from a letter I sent to Sensei in 1995. I think it summarizes how many of us shall remember him.
“Sensei Patterson,
I do not know if you realize it or not, but you have made a positive impact on the lives of many people. I guess it is easy for us to see here in Florida because of our distance from the rest of the schools we get something of an outside view when we come to visit. When we come to Tennessee we don’t see a Federation of schools, we don’t see a group of business associates, we see a family, a family we are always made to feel a part of.
I see all the young people in this world that do not believe in themselves or anything else, then I see the kids that train in Wado. I see the self esteem, the sense of honor in their eyes. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only answer for this world, but I have seen Him time and again use Wado to give someone a sense of direction. As you know, Samurai means to serve . I think Christ was the essence of what Bushido strove to achieve in the heart of Man. I want you to know that what you have done with your life has made a difference. When people ask me if I have ever actually had to use my Karate in the defense of my life, I have to smile and say “Yes, every day!” They usually don’t understand. God has used the Way of Peace that you brought to the States to see me through some pretty tough times. I have never thrown a punch in anger since the first Wado class I ever took, but the Bushido that I found on that Dojo floor has served me well. It has tempered my spirit, enabling me to endure trials and tribulations that I fear would have destroyed me had I never trained in Wado.
When I look into the eyes of many other Wado practitioners, I see the same story. I know that many other Wado students have likewise been strengthened by their exposure to this art. Sensei, you probably don’t hear this often enough; Thank you. Thank you for all you have done for so many people. I have got some students who I know in my heart are going to change the world, make it a better place. I have got some kids that have the Spirit of Bushido blooming like a delicate cherry blossom. I have a small part in that. You have a part in that. You have dropped a pebble into a still pond. The ripples extend far beyond your sight.
You have taught so many people so much, for so long, that perhaps you and we sometimes forget the precious gift that knowledge is. I just want you to know that you have done something that I have prayed to God in heaven to to be able to do since I was a child. You have made a difference.”
Life is short... I thank God that I had the opportunity to Tell Sensei that he had made a difference in my life.
Sincere Condolences To all those lives his touched,
Mark Edward Cody, Winter Haven Florida
bushido@tampabay.rr.com
David Everett
davide@ch13nsh.com
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
I would like to offer my sympathy to the Patterson family. We have lost a very special indiviual with the passing of Patterson Sensei. I felt like I knew him long before I actually met him due to the stories and the obvious high level of respect that my instructor held for him. I was not disappointed upon getting the opportunity to meet and get to know him. He always seemed so down to earth that I wondered if he ever really knew the impact that he had on thousands of people such as myself. He will be missed greatly, but he left his mark in the quality students that he produced and that will continue to spread for years to come.
Bradley Thompson
bdthompson_2000@yahoo.com
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
My heart goes out the Patterson family as well as, all of the United States Eastern Wado-Ryu Federation Family on the loss of our President and Founder, Sensei Patterson. Words cannot express how saddened I was to have heard the unfortunate news. I was fortunate enough to train directly under Sensei Patterson on several occasions. These are memories I will cherish for my lifetime. My prayers are with each member of the Patterson family, as well as the Wado family, during this difficult time.
John 14:1(NIV)-"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."
Respectfully,
Bradley Thompson
David Button
huntsvillewadoryu@comcast.net
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Where does one begin to express the sadness in my heart? We will all deeply miss Sensei Patterson's guidance and instruction. Whenever I saw him, he never failed to ask how my brother and I were doing. That always meant a lot to me. I will always cherish the memories and he will live forever in my heart. I truly feel that I am a better person and better karateka for having known him. I thank the Lord that Sensei came to be saved; may his family know that he is with the Lord now. To the Patterson family, may they know that this is God's will. For all of us, life will go on. We must strive to live by the example that Sensei Patterson set. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Patterson family and to the Federation.
David Button
Kathy Kruisenga
kruisengak@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
I feel very inadequate trying to express how much Sensei Patterson meant to all of us. Praise the Lord! Sensei Patterson was saved so he is now rejoicing with our Lord. However, that does not make us miss him any less. Sensei was dedicated, beyond words, to Wado-Ryu Karate and his students. The best way we can remember him, and show the utmost respect for his memory, is to continue to support the U.S.E.W.F. 100%.
Benny Baggott
wadobb@aol.com
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
There are simply no words for times like this. I offer my family's most sincere condolences. We all mourn the loss of a great man who did not waste his life, but made the most of so many opportunities and impacted us all. He left a mark on history and a mark on each of us. We thank the Patterson family for generously sharing him with us for so many years. He provided true leadership to us all.
Jimmy Edwards
edwardjames2@aol.com
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
October 27th will be the saddest day of my life. I was 15 years old when I met Mr. Patterson, and for the past 34 years of my life, I have grown to love him as I would a father. Mr. Patterson represented everything that I always wanted to be. He projected a sense of pride that would spread throughout the entire room. Mr. Patterson was greatly respected not only by the Wado family, but by everyone who had the fortunate opportunity to know him. For those of us who had the privilege of having this man in our life, we are thankful to God. I hope the words from Alfred, Lord Tennyson may be of comfort to Mr. Patterson's family and to us all in Wado- "God's finger touched him, and he slept".
As I continue my training that Mr. Patterson has instilled in me, I will carry his spirit in my heart for all of my life, for that is the way he taught me. My deepest heartfelt feelings are with Mr. Patterson's family and with all who love him.
Jimmy Edwards
Rocky Bowker & Family
rocky@rbkarate.com
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
I am truly shocked and saddened by the news of Sensei Patterson passing away. To the Patterson family - please accept our heart-felt sympathy and condolences. I am both envious of those who were fortunate to train directly under him for many, many years, and so thankful for every minute of each training session, or just the simple exchange of conversation that I shared with him. I am thankful - in a selfish manner - that I got to shake his hand and spend a few minutes catching up on that last day, but at the same time, it is fortunate - if not destiny - that that day for him was spent with a large number of the Wado-Ryu family. He seemed in great spirits that day, smiling as wide as ever, encouraging Shodan candidates, greeting and overseeing this gathering of family – “walking the walk”, and “talking the talk” of the grand patriarch that he was! We should all be appreciative, that because his life's path carried him down the road to such a great martial art - that we too now reap the benefits of Wado-Ryu karate. We should all mimic his actions by dedicating our life to reaching out and touching people in a positive way. It is actions of this nature - and not the acquisition of material things - that create legacys that are destined to live on. We should also learn from his passing - just how important it is to take advantage of the time we have with the people who are special in our lives.
With utmost respect, and in the spirit of peace and harmony, Rocky, Michelle, Wes, Shaina, and Colt Bowker.
Helen Bargas
bfbargas@charter.net
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
To the family of Patterson Sensei, I send my deepest condolences. As a believer in Jesus Christ, we know that he is with the Lord today. He was a good man, and good leader and what he has taught will be carried on through the next generations. He will be truly missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Gene Foster
wadodojo@bellsouth.net
Monday, October 28, 2002 11:43 PM
Today we mourn the loss of a great man, Mr. Cecil T. Patterson, Sensei. Our deepest condolances go out the the Patterson family as well as to our Wado family. Mr. Patterson was a big part of our lives and he touched and influenced all Wado
practitioners in the Eastern United States and many
others around the world. His family will miss him, the
Federation will miss him and I will miss him.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Gene & Sandy Foster
Starr Griffy
Twinklemom@aol.com
Monday, October 28, 2002 10:50 PM
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Sensei Cecil Patterson. Sensei's passing is a great loss for everyone that knew him, and trained under him. He was a good man that believed in our Lord Jesus Christ and was not afraid to share that with others. He will be missed.
Matthew Lyons
rt_1967@yahoo.com
Monday, October 28, 2002 09:59 PM
We are truly sorry for your loss. Patterson Sensei will be missed, but his memory will be kept in our hearts.To all the Patterson family we will remember you in our prayers as you go through the long healing process.
Yours in Wa-no-Michi,
Matthew, Carol, Jonathon, Kristin
Lyons
Matthew Witherspoon
roguecorvette@yahoo.com
Monday, October 28, 2002
I have no words to use that are enough for what must be said.
I mourn with your family, Sensei John, and with the entire family of the Federation.
Was, Is, and Shall Be.
Scott Rooker
gsrooker@earthlink.net
Monday, October 28, 2002
To the Patterson Family,
My family is truely saddened by your loss as well as the loss to the Wado community. Sensei Patterson was a great man and an inspiration to thousands. He will be deeply missed but his spirit will continue on through those whose lives he changed. Please take comfort in the fact that our prayers as well as those of countless others are with you all during this time of mourning.
Respectfully, Scott, Jenny, Ryan and Emily Rooker
