John Craig Patterson
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John ‘Craig’ Patterson was born February 26, 1949, at KU Medical School Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the younger child of Dr. John Robert (just “Jack”) and Iva Doris (just “Doris”) Patterson, the former a pediatrician and the latter a wife & homemaker. In the tradition of both his parents, he never used his first name. To others and to himself, he was always just “Craig.” He graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1967, where he developed a legacy as a brilliant illustrator and cartoonist, moving to Lawrence soon after to study architecture at the University of Kansas, graduating in 1972.
Attending KU and becoming an architect were both childhood dreams; the first was a goal formed by the romantic view of the university campus on Mt. Oread along the oft-taken journey from his boyhood home in Fairway to his favorite Aunt’s home in Richland; the second presented itself as a calling to transform his wonderful gifts as an illustrator and a later notorious talent for perspective into something helpful to the world. That calling would last a lifetime. Craig’s career as an architect spanned nearly 50 years of practice, (47 of those as sole proprietor of CP&Associates/Architects and Planners), during which time he shaped community spaces in Lawrence and Kansas City as much as he helped shape the community of architects who live there, both in his own work, and in the gentle (if long-winded) voice of critique he instilled in the back of many young architects’ minds as their mentor. Craig’s plans for the way people “engage” (his favorite word) with the built environment around him are everywhere we look in his adopted hometown: the landscaping of the ‘Train Park’ in Old West Lawrence, the masterful reuse of the Old English Lutheran Church at 11th & New Hampshire, and the saving the Union pacific Depot in North Lawrence from demolition.
Although his professional persona was well-known, he was perhaps best loved for his private roles; a husband of 34 years to Anne, a father to Patrick, Ian, & Anna, a father-in-law to Rosanne, brother-in-law to Stephen, a best friend to Jack, a church & community photographer, a Kansas historian, a conservationist of historic buildings, an advocate for libraries, a vocal supporter of local artists & musicians, and a friend to anyone with time to spare. Far from convinced that his unwavering commitment to his vocation, his family, and his community would come to an end, he ultimately succumbed to an unexpected cancer over a short period of time. He died at home on the morning of October 27, surrounded by his family, home from near and far to enjoy being near him in his final days. As a testament to his effect on the people around him, even his hospice nurse recognized him as a kind mentor from a shared hobby in a former life, saying upon her arrival “I read your name in my book, and I hoped it was you… and then I hoped it wasn’t.”
A memorial service for Craig will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 11th at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence with private inurnment at Pioneer Cemetery at a later date.
The family suggests memorials in Craig’s name to Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area.
We know Craig was special & knew it the many times we visited with him. He will b missed by us. Love to Ann & his children
Craig once related to me how he found his own professional mentors: a brilliant method, if you ask me. Because of his father’s medical practice, Craig spent a lot of time in downtown KC. When he was in high school, he used to go into office buildings, find professional offices, and introduce himself as an aspiring architect, asking if he could shadow someone. He made a lot of contacts that way and became friends with many of KC’s leading businessmen. With his gift for gab, I’m sure some of them later became clients.
He was a real innovator, and we are all blessed by his time with us: albeit much too short.
Anne, Patrick, Ian & Anna, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I enjoyed so many conversations with Craig through the years. I hope the many memories you have of your time together brings you so comfort.
Colin and I send our love to you during this difficult time. Unfortunately, we have a family wedding out of state over the weekend but we will be thinking of each of you.
“You can shed tears because they are gone, or you can smile because they lived. You can close your eyes and pray they will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that they left for you. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see them, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember only that they are gone, or you can cherish their memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind and feel empty, or you can do what they would want. Smile, Open your heart, Love…and go on.” —E. Ammons
My dear Anne, Patrick, Anna and Ian, I have no doubt that you all will be celebrating Craig in the style that befits his extraordinary and exemplary life. What a void will be left in everyone’s life who had the distinct pleasure of crossing paths with Craig, no matter what their interests or passions were, because he could talk about anything to anyone and make them feel like they were in the presence of their best friend. I know that’s how I felt about Craig because he was everyone’s best friend! Thank you for sharing him with us. Now, let’s go on.
My love (and Alan’s in absentia),
Nancy
A great friend, such a talented man, and a wit and historical knowledge almost supernatural. Sending all love to the family and holding a special place in my heart for the enjoyment of our friendship.
Barbara (Collett) DeZonia
So many memories of Craig, from seeing his drawings on Marvin Hall walls (before I knew him) to sharing meals and jaunts in the 1970s. He was generous to me and my family, and with luck I will never forget him.
RIP, Craig, and know that I appreciate it.
Dear Patterson Family,
I will always remember Craig and his camera! His perspective on the people and the church added so much to our shared church experience. When we became Facebook friends, he would send adorable pictures and videos of horses, sharing them with me because he thought I would enjoy them-and I did! It doesn’t surprise me to find out that he did the same for others, sharing memes about things they loved. He reached out to let us know he was thinking of us, connecting with us through something we loved. He was a quiet, supportive, and amazing person, and I am grateful he was a part of my life , even though in a small way.
We are so very sorry for this devastating loss to you and your family. Craig will be hugely missed by so many. May his memory be a blessing. Hugs- Dan & Allegra
Anne,
We are sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. Sending love and light from Denver to you and your family.
Katie & Jesse Goldman
I first met Craig in 2015, after my father, William B. Pendleton, died at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence. Craig was recommended as a still photographer for the memorial service at Trinity Episcopal. He took great pics. Later he took pics of Dad’s inurnment ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery. He knew my Pendleton family in Lawrence, and it was very easy to become his friend. He would send me quick messages about shared interests, or something he had seen me post on Facebook, or something happening here in Austin, or in my hometown of Lawrence. His Facebook posts were always interesting. I was so shocked to hear of his passing, and of the same disease that took my beloved husband, Mike. My heart goes out to his lovely wife Anne, and the the kids. May the Lord Jesus comfort them with His peace, which passes understanding.
Dear Anne and the Patterson family,
Craig was a classmate at SMN high school, and it was great to see him at reunions. I am so sorry for your loss; I have a sense of the huge hole left in your lives by his passing. He was highly personable, so easy to talk with, and I remember his clever cartoons from high school. May his projects in and around Lawrence remind you of his contributions to the built environment and his influence on the community of architects.
In distant times we could maybe be called rivals, however through his open attention about this in their wedding reception, I have ever since felt his friendship. Later on we met with families a few times, he noticed my interests and fathomed me as person Generously he subscribed a wooden boat magazine to me, and kept on furthering numerous articles on boats, especially sailing, and about Norways role in the world, maybe realizing he would never be sailing himself, being a rare activity in Kansas, nor going to Scandinavia, from where also his beloved Volvo originated. I appreciated his ability to always be updated, and for me to have a position in his sphere. Remember also his demanding views on architecture; „what is the joy of this building“? I miss this very special long distance contact we had, rest in piece, Craig.
Anne, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Craig. I was blessed to have him as a teacher, a mentor and a friend. I can still recall the many conversations either at the office or studio. His imprint on my profession and my life will be everlasting.
Mike Sabatini
I will never forget when I came to Kansas and we visited Uncle Craig’s office; a hive of activity, people collaborating together and Uncle Craig at the heart of it all in his element.
A calming, kindhearted and intelligent man who will be deeply missed.
A huge amount of love and strength to you all; Auntie Anne, Patrick, Ian and Anna.
All our love,
Charlotte & Joseph xxx
Thanks, Craig, for giving us the short time to spend with you on this earth. Yes, you were often long-winded, but why not? You knew so much and I was always happy to listen as long as necessary to hear the architectural, philosophical, historical, and personal stories that you so intensely rendered. You presented a friendly, often ironic smile at the beginning of every conversation and a ready handshake. The last time I saw you was at the barbershop. It took about an hour, a short hour for sure. God bless you in your journey in eternity. Go ahead. Tell your stories!! As usual, I will always want to hear them.
Love, Dennis.
What a great guy. I was in the class behind Craig from Roesland Grade School through Shawnee Mission North and KU. Enjoyed our many conversations.
Craig,… we taught 3rd year together with Dan R. & Dave G. Back in the 80’s!
I even taught your beloved Ann Patt. The Lawrence Fire station Project!
Then Ann has taught YOU since then, and decades of First Year Basic Design, & she is the best at that chore in this whole country!
You two were the very best couple ever!
God Speed!!!