Scouting Salutes the Life of Stewart S. Patterson

Stewart S. Patterson passed away on August 2, 2010 at the age of 85. He was born on September 5, 1924 to Hazen and Hazel Patterson. He married the former Ione Schrader on March 10, 1947 and they had four sons, Samuel, James, Michael and David. He was a World War II veteran.

Stew’s name is synonymous with Boy Scouts and is the only person in Caro who was a Scoutmaster for both Troops 560 and 570. He guided twenty-four Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout including his own four sons. He was presently serving as Committee Chairman of Troop 570.

As a team, he and his wife, “Stub”, have been active in Scouting for over fifty years and has served as Thumb District Chairman of Camporees, Klondikes, Scout Fairs, Outdoor Camp Training, District Camping Co-Chairman and Order of the Arrow Co-Advisor. He has served on staff for the Lake Huron Area Council Camp Bear Lake and Camp Rotary, as well as Camp Holaka, Tall Pine Council. He was a “Weekend Ranger” at Camp Rotary since retiring from Caro Gas and Oil Co.

Stew has managed Little League, instructor of N.R.A. Hunter Safety, a Youth Fellowship Counselor as well as usher and administration Board Member for the Caro United Methodist Church of which he is a member.

He has received the Par Excellence Award, Thumb District Award of Merit, Scouter’s Key, Scouter’s Training Award, Merit Award from the Rotary Club and a Certificate of Appreciation by Caro Community Schools and Board of Education. He is a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. In 1984, Stew received the highest award from the Lake Huron Area Council – The Silver Beaver.

Hundreds of boys, some who are now adult leaders themselves, have gained by Stew’s love of Scouting and dedication to Scouting’s principals, The Oath and Law.

In 2010, Stewart was awarded “Above and Beyond” by the Tuscola County Stars.

He enjoyed his home and yard by decorating outside for all seasons of the year and even won some prizes in contests.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, seven grandchildren, one sister, Yvonne Kuck, one brother-in-law and wife, Bob and Bernice Schrader, along with several nieces and nephews. Sons James and Samuel preceded him in death.

The funeral service will be held at the Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with Caro V.F.W. Post #4164 Chaplain officiating.

Burial will be at Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City.

Visitation will be held at the Collon Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to local Boy Scout Troop 570 or the Caro United Methodist Church.

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