Lima/Livonia: At age 82, Gary passed peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY. He was born on September 23, 1941, in Rochester, NY to the late Carson “Jack” and Evelyn (Gray) Patterson. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Sylvia Patterson. Survived by his wife of 61 years, Elsie (Downey) Patterson; daughter Cheryl (John) Lavery of Livonia; and grandchildren, Meghan Lavery and Brendan Lavery as well as other close family and friends.
Gary was raised in the town of Hemlock, where he attended school until his class merged with Livonia. As a young man, Gary worked on the family farm for his uncle, Harmon Gray. During this time, he met his beautiful bride Elsie while she was waitressing at the Milky Way in the village of Livonia. The two fell in love and were wed on August 11, 1962, at St. Michael’s Church in Livonia Center. Shortly after, they moved into their home in Lima, where they lived happily together for all 61 of their married years.
In the early 60’s, Gary purchased the Keystone Gas Station in the village of Livonia, a community staple which he owned and operated for many years to support his family. Gary and Elsie welcomed their daughter Cheryl in 1969, raising her with fond memories of that home on Clay Street.
Among these memories are the Lima Rodeo, which Gary and Elsie operated out of the field across from their house. The Rodeo drew crowds of thousands, celebrating the skill and toughness of cowboys like Gary, who served as a pickup man. He would rescue other riders and wrangle the horses and bulls, while occasionally riding a bull or two himself. Gary made a band of good friends through the rodeo who remain close to his family to this day.
Although he was a Lima resident, Gary’s heart never left Livonia. He served his community as a member of the Livonia Fire Department, as well as the Livonia Rotary, which he chaired as the president in the 70s. He gave countless hours and built strong bonds with his fellow Rotarians, who have shown up for his family time and time again throughout the years.
Some of these connections include members of the Hemlock Little World’s Fair Board, of which Gary was a proud member for many years. The Hemlock Fair was a yearly staple in Gary’s life: a week to celebrate the community and agriculture that he held so dear. He passed this love on to Cheryl and his grandchildren, who in later years would look forward to finding him seated at the Sawmill, shaded from the July heat.
Gary loved model trains, constructing an elaborate layout in the basement of his Clay Street home. The layout, named “Cherel Valley” after his wife and daughter, is an entire world modeled after the mountains of Colorado that Gary once visited by train with Elsie. Cherel Valley transports us back in time to the early settlers of the wild west, featuring intricate miniatures and operational model trains that wind through landscapes of red rocks and alpines. The layout is so detailed and expansive that it has been featured in magazines, drawing admiration from near and far. Gary found deep connections with other train enthusiasts, and he was so beloved by his close circle that they nicknamed him “Bubba.”
But perhaps above all, Gary loved his family. He was devoted to his wife Elsie, often taking her for milkshakes (although nothing could beat the Milky Way). Nicknaming his daughter “Scooter,” his love for Cheryl knew no bounds, finding gratitude in her care for him despite any struggles he faced with his health. And “Grampy” held a deep affection for his grandchildren, “Meggers” and “Super B,” who he always encouraged and advised with unfailing wisdom. He had a soft spot for little dogs, and his furry companion Middy will miss spending afternoons on his lap.
The family would like to thank those who gave such thoughtful medical attention to Gary, including Wendy (Dechau) Thompson and Sally Collins, as well as Dr. Brian Smith from UR Cancer Center, Dr. Tallman of Mount Morris, and Anne Finch from Thompson Health ICU.
No calling hours will be held. A graveside service and burial will be held privately at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Livonia, NY. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Sunday, June 9th, at 2pm at the Hemlock Fairgrounds, 7370 Fair Street, Hemlock, NY. At 2:30pm there will be a Memorial Service to share stories of Gary’s Life. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Hemlock Fair Association, PO Box 263, Hemlock, NY 14466 or to the Sands Cancer Center, 395 West Street, Suite 101, Canandaigua, NY 14424. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Dear Elsie, Cheryl and John and Meghan and Brendan,
So sorry to hear of your loss, he was a big part of your family’s life and big part of the community of Livonia. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Hello Elise. So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts often. Love you.
Elsie, so very sorry for your loss; I know you have beautiful memories to comfort you.
Dear Elsie, Cheryl and John: After reading Gary’s obituary, I was so fortunate to be part of many of the experiences in his life: Rotary, Fire Department, Hemlock Fair, the
Rodeos at your farm, Keystone gas station and seeing his train exhibit. So sorry for your loss, but he is also missed by countless friends both near and far. My sympathy to all of you.
Elsie, Cheryl, John and kids, So terribly sad to hear this news. Our love to you all. He was a special person. So many great childhood memories of time spent at your home.
Love and hugs??
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elsie and the family. Gary will truly be missed in the FCTT HiRailers train club. He was a master craftsman and detailer that we all learned so much from. May God fill you with His peace and comfort and many wonderful memories of Gary’s life.
Sincere condolences to you Elsie and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kitty S.
I remember Gary as a senior in Livonia Central School back in 1958/1959. He was very popular and had a great sense of humor. Everyone liked him and also enjoyed that antique truck he drove to school. My deepest condolences to his family.
Very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Lynn graduated from high school with Elsie and has stayed in contact with Elsie and Gary through the years. We fondly remember Lima Rodeo and the number of times Gary repaired our vehicles. Gary will be greatly missed.
Lynn and Louella
Lot of fond memories of. Gary. Did a great at the gas station always bought gas and had vehicles serviced. You will be greatly missed. God
Elsie and family- so very sorry to hear of your loss. May you be comforted by the many fond memories you created together over the years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this sorrowful time. Cliff Andres
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I remember him well from many years at Hemlock Fair when he and my Dad (Tony Gerace) were so active with the fair. He will be missed.
I have not seen or visited with Gary and Elsie in decades, but my memories of the rodeos, jackpots and all-girl rodeos. Some of my best memories of my youth were at the Pattersons. It has been a long time Elsie, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Fondly,
Dawn Bidwell Lane
To my neighbor Elsie
Sending prayers to your family.
Gary was a very good neighbor & Elsie is to.
We neighbors enjoyed each other’s company. Elsie has the same date for her birthday, I can remember it , because it’s also my birthday.
Gary was a great neighbor
The Culbertson’s will miss very much
Rest in peace Gary
Sending love to Gary’s family. What a loss, but what a wonderful life he lived!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Our sympathy.
John and Bonnie Bailey
My condolences to Elsie and family. Gary and I grew up together in Hemlock and have many fond memories. Over the years we shared many good times. He will be dearly missed.
So so sorry to hear of your loss !
Elsie and family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Extending prayers and sympathy. Michael and Toni Hagerman..
Sending love and hugs to Aunt Elsie, Cheryl and family. We are so sad to hear about Uncle Gary’s passing. He left us with so many memories. RIP Uncle Gary.
Sorry for your loss, my Prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I meet Gary through “The Flower City Tinplate Trackers”. I’m going to miss his wisdom and jokes we used to share about life and Trains. Rest in Peace Gary.
My Condolences to the Patterson family. Gary was such a nice guy.
Fond memories of Gary. I remember going to the rodeo many times as a child. Condolences to Elsie and family.
Sending my thoughts to Elise and the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was always friendly and helpful. May he rest in peace.
To the family I’m sorry for your loss of a husband and father n grandfather I’m sad for you All. My dad Norman Gascon went to school with him At HCS in Hemlock NY. My thoughts are with you All.
One of those people that added such humility and compassion for others! Great guy all around helping out so many at his station and beyond!! to his family and close friends!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. So sorry for your loss.
Bob & Jeannine Smith.
Very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I remember my parents taking us to the rodeo on Clay St. I remember stopping to get gas at the Keystone when I first started driving & getting a tire changed there. I remember seeing him at the fair helping do whatever needed to be done.My condolences to his family.