Tributes pour in for Squamish icon Terrill Patterson

Tributes are pouring online in memory of local icon Terrill Patterson, who passed away on Friday, April 24.

An avid council watcher and Squamish’s top recycler, Terrill was a town fixture, known as much for his deep understanding of local politics as the props that enlivened his politics.

Terrill biking around town wearing his trademark hat is an image that will remain imprinted on the town’s collective memory for years to come.

But there are many who will also remember him as an unrelenting council watcher, someone who spent countless hours at the district, reading dense documents and closely watching councillors, year after year, as they decided on issues big and small.

Local journalists, including this writer, often turned to Terrill after a council meeting, hoping he would have spotted a story hidden beneath the official jargon. He rarely disappointed.

Other remember his props, his humour, and his insights into the inner working of the district.

On a Facebook page dedicated to Patterson, Bryan Stewart recalled the time when both were contesting local council election.

“At the all candidates meeting at the community theatre at Howe Sound Secondary, I sat at the front with the other candidates and Terrill. I still have my recorded speech on VHS, and I guess I could watch it and recite it back, but it really wasn’t as memorable as Terrill’s. Terrill was a story teller who could captivate a room,” he said.

In a tribute, Tantalus Bike Shop owners said Patterson had been coming through the doors of the shop for 25 years, and recalled the time he had helped them with their rezoning that enabled them to open the business.

“He was the kinda guy who didn’t say much unless something was really worth talking about. He liked his politics, he probably attended more counsel meetings than anyone ever before and made sure to keep our local municipal representatives in check,” they noted.

Journalist and writer Steven Hill recalled the first time he met Patterson.

“Covering my first council meeting, Terrill saw me jotting things down in a reporter’s notepad beforehand, and approached me. He introduced himself by first name only, and then proceeded to give me the complete “Squamish Politics 101” crash course on the spot. Then he just walked away,” Steven wrote.

Cheri DeGroot, a family member of Patterson, remembered a visit to Squamish.

“I am writing to everyone who knew my brother Terrill his loss will always be remembered by everyone in Squamish, The last time I saw my brother was 4 years ago as you know I live in Ontario and we came out to see my sister and Terrill one visit I will always cherish and have for we had a nice time and it will always be my last memory of him,” Cheri wrote.

Local citizen Shanda Granger-Dosanjh remembered how Patterson backed her as she organised community events in town.

“I know he helped us with our ‘SLOPITCH FIELDS’ and over the years anytime there was a question in regards to our Ball Fields he either knew the answer or spoke up and made sure someone did! He backed me 150% when I was attempting to get the district to help with Santa Parade & Lighting Of Stan Clarke Park,” she said.

Many other locals continue to pay their tributes on the page, sharing their memories of Patterson in words and images.