Herb and Ellen Patterson Memorial Fund

A Quiet Way – A “Strong” Impact

A long-time resident of Durham, Herb Patterson was a kind, quiet man who made a deep, lasting impression on everyone he met. Herb attended Bowdoin College and then joined the Navy, reaching the rank of Captain of a PT boat during World War II.

Herb was known as a life-long philanthropist, volunteering throughout the community, serving on the Board of Directors at Middlesex Hospital and as Chairman of the Board at Durham Manufacturing, and actively supporting his church.

In honor of Herb’s devotion to his community and his determination to support the many organizations working within the county, Ellen Patterson, Herb’s wife, created the Herb Patterson Memorial Fund with the Community Foundation.

On Ellen’s death, the Community Foundation renamed the fund to the Herb and Ellen Patterson Memorial Fund, honoring Ellen’s commitment to the love of community she shared with her husband and her neighbors.

Donations made to this fund will be used to help improve the quality of life in Middlesex County, particularly in Durham and Middlefield, towns they dearly loved.