Terry Patton

George "Terry" Patton

Age 82

1937-2020

John Muir wrote, "Going to the woods is going home." No truer words could be said of our father.

Sunday, January 26th, he was freed to do just that once again.

Born in Westmont, NJ, Terry was predeceased by his sister Patricia Watkins of Haddon Township, NJ, and brother Thomas Patton Jr. of Haddonfield, NJ. He is survived by his children Greg Patton (Virginia) of Wind Gap, PA, and Michelle Henley (Scot) of Madison, NH, and his former wife Sandra Patton of Medford, NJ.

Our Dad spent most of his adult life on Woods Road in the sleepy town of New Lisbon, NJ. What started as a cabin on the Rancocas Creek, eventually became a home where our parents raised two children, Greg and Michelle. It was rare, even in the nastiest of weather, that he wouldn't be outside at least part of the day. Whether it was taking a walk down the half-mile dirt road to get the newspaper, or tending to the garden, outside was where he liked to be.

Muir talks of the Yosemite Valley as a place where "everything is hospitable and kind, as if planned for your pleasure, ministering to every want of body and soul." I'm certain our father found that in his little patch of woods.

Terry spent his life teaching others about his patch of woods. He earned his master's degree in environmental education and conservation from Glassboro State (now Rowan) and served as a member of the NJ Pinelands Commission's Educational Advisory Council.

Since 1971, thousands of 6th grade Cherry Hill NJ Public School students have attended the environmental education program he created. They spend the better part of a week learning about the Pinelands ecosystem at Mt. Misery. Students identified plants and animals, tested soil and water, charted the weather, navigated a compass course, and yes, learned the words to "In A Cabin in The Woods."

"Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter." – John Muir

Terry was definitely into camping… with varying levels of baggage. Since we were toddlers, Michelle and I have been camping.

Our first camping vehicle-was a blue VW bus. Not the most aerodynamic thing to be sure. DIY…yes…our Dad was one of the originals. He figured if you could read a book about it (no YouTube back then), he could do it. Terry constructed a greenhouse built into the earth, porch additions, and did kitchen remodels. After he retired, he even had a small business building Adirondack chairs.

Back to the bus…. Give Terry a VW bus, some plywood, screws, blue paint, some duct tape (to seal the edges), and what do you get? An even slower VW bus with an enclosed roof rack. If you were stuck behind a blue VW bus going up Whiteface mountain in the seventies...our apologies.

Eventually, we upgraded to a Coleman tent trailer and a late seventies "Custom" Econoline Ford van. Now we know you think that the "Custom" must have referred to the premium vinyl seats it had, but we believe it referred to his DIY additions. With 2x3s and the most common building material of the era, dark wood paneling, he fashioned a sleeping area for napping on the road, pantry, fridge, and coat closet. That was all in the space behind the third row of seats.

We took that rig all over the country and into Canada. At the start of every trip, he'd bust out with Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again."  The two longest trips were 4 and 6 weeks. Those were wonderful experiences that gave us an appreciation for all the flora and fauna that this country has to offer. He never did learn how to back up that trailer, though.

"Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing." – Henry David Thoreau

Our Dad didn't have to go far to indulge in his love of canoeing. A branch of the Rancocas Creek was a few steps from his house. If you visited his home in the summer, most likely you went canoeing.

We hold a yearly overnight canoe trip down the Upper Delaware River. A group of uncles, cousins, and now spouses and grandchildren. The 38th annual canoe trip was completed last year.

We will remember those trips for the rest of our lives. Terry made all the trips he was physically able to make. Yes, Dad, we forgive you for dropping the spaghetti dinner on the ground that cold rainy night.

Later on in life, you could find Terry at Browns Mills Improvement Association meetings or walking his beloved dogs down Woods Road.

Dad, you've touched so many lives. Taught so many to treat this planet just a little bit better. Even inspired some to go into environmental education themselves. Thanks for all the lessons over the years and the experiences you've given us.

Dad, you are now free, so get out there and paddle your own canoe.

We love you.

Since it would be much more his style, we will be holding a memorial service in the Pinelands once the weather gets warmer. Stay tuned.

Contributions can be made in Terry's memory to:

Pinelands Preservation Alliance

17 Pemberton Road

Southampton, NJ 08088

https://pinelandsalliance.org/