This summer, we received a hugely thoughtful gift: £875 (including Gift Aid) that had been collected by family and friends, in memory of Gerald Mark Patterson. Mark sadly passed away this April, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He fought so hard to stay alive during this time, showing the amazing resilience and strength that he had in many aspects of his life. As we use this generous donation to create a brighter future for rivers, we want to celebrate Mark’s incredible life and legacy.
Mark had an enduring love of the great outdoors, and a lifelong passion for fishing. The latter saw him journey all over the world, especially enjoying Sweden, Iceland, Tasmania, Florida, British Columbia, and many places across Ireland. He was an especially skilful salmon and trout fisherman, and he also became an Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructor. This enabled him to mentor hundreds of fellow fishermen, and he loved teaching them the best casting techniques and the most appropriate rods, reels, and lines to use.
This passion for fishing was matched by an abiding concern for the rivers and lakes where so many precious fish find their homes. Mark’s patience and enthusiasm made him a natural teacher, and he was tireless in sharing his extensive knowledge with people of all ages. In numerous primary schools across Northern Ireland, children are still learning about river wildlife through ‘Salmon in the Classroom’ projects that Mark initiated.
Mark’s loved ones kindly supported the Wild Trout Trust in honour of his immense dedication to fishing and the natural world. He will be missed by so many people, far and wide. He will be remembered not only as an amazing father to his three sons, but also as a father figure to the many who met him on rivers, loughs, and lakes around the world. Our heartfelt thanks to Mark’s family and friends, for supporting us in memory of a truly remarkable man.
