Tributes to Frederick ‘Pat’ Patterson 1926 - 2010

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Pat Patterson on 25 March 2010.

Pat was instrumental in founding the BMS and ran it from its inception until 3 years ago when he finally retired. During this time he 'was' the Society and gave tremendous support to the Officers and Council Members who worked with him.

In spite of repeated episodes of poor health, he always rallied, but not this time when his illness was obviously too much for him to cope with. We have missed him very much since he left us and will always continue to do so.

Mary Ann Lumsden, Chairman, British Menopause Society

My first memories of Pat were back in 1989 at the first ever BMS annual meeting in London. To a young registrar he was quite an imposing figure with his three piece suit, top pocket handkerchief, tinted glasses, walking cane and military style of organisation! However it soon became apparent that he was very approachable and warm hearted and had a complete dedication to the success of the BMS.  He always greeted you with a warm smile and handshake (or a hug and a kiss for the ladies!) and despite his own obvious health problems was always keen to know how you were and news of the family. Quite simply, until his retirement 3 years ago Pat was synonymous with the BMS and without him the BMS would never have become the successful society it is today. Over recent years his health deteriorated but he still strove to attend council meetings where he kept the various eminent Chairmen (and women) in check with occasional interjections and disappearances to chase up the coffee or lunch! One of his last achievements as Executive Director was to help secure London as the venue for the Triennial European Meeting (EMAS) which was eventually held in May last year and we were delighted he was able to attend the meeting itself. We will all miss him, but his legacy continues.
Tim Hillard, Chairman, British Menopause Society, 2007-2009

Pat was an inspiration who decided to embark on a career change long after many people would have retired.  He had the utmost enthusiasm for the BMS and really appreciated seeing it flourish under his guidance as Executive Director.  He enjoyed the annual meetings immensely and spent much time and effort guiding the society to ensure that attendance numbers were high and that the meetings always fell well within budget!  When I was chairman of the BMS he guided and helped me and I am immensely grateful for that support.  I wish his family well and hope that the BMS will continue to thrive as a tribute to his efforts. 
Linda Cardozo, Chairman, British Menopause Society 2001 – 2003

Even before the BMS Pat had had an amazing life, but I know that the founding of BMS together with Tony Parsons, and its subsequent success was what he considered to be his finest achievement. During my time as Chairman, he was a constant source of support and sensible guidance over some difficult times. He also enjoyed good food and wine and he introduced me to his favourite white burgundy, Puligny-Montrachet, which I had the pleasure of sharing with him on a few special occasions! Several times BMS tried to get both IMS and EMAS meetings to come to the UK and it was good that he was involved with achieving the EMAS meeting in the UK and that he was able to attend it last year. However, the BMS annual meetings will be the poorer for his absence, but at least his memory will be honoured each year with the Pat Patterson lecture. I will miss him.
David Sturdee, Founder Member, Chairman, British Menopause Society 1995-1997

I first met Pat at my first ever BMS annual meeting in Glasgow in 1993 and since then he has, to me, been synonymous with the BMS.  He always greeted members at meetings like long lost friends, indeed he always helped me to feel truly welcome and a part of the BMS 'family'.  The early days of the BMS were, of course, the heydays of medical meetings, but despite the downturn in the pharma industry, and lack of confidence in the field of HRT, Pat endeavoured to keep the BMS at the forefront of the field, and in that he was extremely successful, not least through securing the recent EMAS meeting in London. His attendance at future meetings  will be sorely missed, but his memory will live long.
Julie Ayres,  British Menopause Society Council

Please pass on my deepest condolences to the family and let them know that we were all inspired by Pat's enthusiasm and drive to make the BMS successful.
Nick Panay, British Menopause Society Council

Pat simply ‘was’ the British Menopause Society.  He founded it and nurtured it, creating it from nothing, because he believed passionately in the need for a specialist society.  I know that the BMS’s structure and organisation has provided the template for many other menopause societies throughout Europe and beyond – and this really is the lasting legacy and permanent tribute to Pat. I had worked with Pat when he was running Women’s Health Concern – as well as the BMS! – and he invited me to undertake some freelance work for the BMS in 2004.  He was always unfailingly helpful, kind and charming – and a meeting with Pat was never complete without a visit to the Jasmine Peking, the local Chinese restaurant, for some lunch! He was reluctant to stand down in 2007 and to hand over his ‘baby’ to someone else.  However he was very supportive to me in my new role and was generous in offering help and advice.  Pat worked incredibly hard to secure London as the host venue for the  8th European Congress on Menopause (EMAS)  which took place in May last year.  It was particularly pleasing that he was able to attend the meeting and catch up with old friends on the BMS council, BMS members and his many friends in the pharmaceutical industry. He will be missed.
Sara Moger, Chief Executive, British Menopause Society

Really sad news for the BMS.  He was a wonderful man. He will be missed
Eileen Munson, BMS Member

Please convey my heartfelt sincere condolences to his family.  Pat dedicated his life to the cause of BMS which expanded and progressed because of him.  I recall with great fondness his retirement celebration, how everyone paid glowing tributes to his immense contribution over the years.
Nr Nilufar Imam, BMS Member

So sorry to hear this sad news and Pat will be dearly missed.  I pray for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace.
Cecilia Anim, BMS Member

I have known him for some forty years!  I remember him particularly fondly when he was at Wyeth and organised the annual contraception symposia with Norman Morris and others at Charing Cross.  His kindness and consideration were true hallmarks, as well as his efficiency and commitment.  I am really sorry to hear he has gone.
Martin Vessey, BMS Member

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of dear Pat.  Personalities like his are rare in this day and age.
Bhanu Ruparelia, BMS Member

Sad news.  I knew Pat in his Ortho days (when I lectured on oc’s), in his RSM days and finally through the BMS.
David Howell, BMS Member

I was very sad to get the email this morning with the very sad news that Pat has passed away.
He was an utterly charming man – I really enjoyed his company.  Last time I saw him we had a delightful lunch at the Compleat Angler Marlow.  He was a credit to us all with the continual enthusiasm he showed for the industry and the passion he had for his role at the BMS and for the people he met along the way.
Jude Cosway, The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre