John Patterson, June 26, 2009, Bad Rock Reunion Ride, Weston, OR
On Sunday morning, June 28, 2009, at the Hodaka Days Scrambles venue on the Diamond Eye property in Athena, OR, John Patterson of Weston, OR suffered a heart attack. The East Umatilla County Health District Ambulance, with EMTs Lynn Dabulskis and Brandon Schmidtgall, was only a few feet away and treatment began immediately.
John was transported (accompanied by his wife Christine) to the hospital, stabilized, and showing a pulse as he was prepped for life flight to Spokane, WA. However, before that could happen, he passed away.
Racing had been suspended as soon as John became ill and, of course, held in abeyance due to everyone's concern about John and given the absence of mandated ambulance and health care presence.
Upon learning by phone of John's death, Scrambles organizer Thal Anderson, after consultation with other Hodaka Club officers and riders, announced that a memorial lap around the track led by Paul Stannard riding John's bike would be followed by a much modified series of races dedicated to John's memory.
 At the Saturday evening banquet June 27th, John had received a special
award from the Hodaka Club for his tremendous contribution in bringing to fruition the long-held dream of reunion Bad Rock rides
as an integral part of Hodaka Days; John spearheaded organization of the rides for both 2008 and 2009.
When Gregg Floren announced the award, John tugged his wife Christine alongside as he accepted it, saying that she deserved
a lot of credit for her work too. People said he delighted in that award plaque all through the banquet evening.
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  Paul Stannard led memorial lap of the track, riding John's bike. |
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| Contributions spontaneously flowed from riders and spectators, young and old, to assist John's family. Riders and the Hodaka Club event organizers also agreed to donate the Scrambles race entry fees. The combination of funds will seed a fund to benefit his family; Dennis Olson and Dyann Swanson will work out the details with Athena's local US Bank branch. | In the meantime, should others wish to contribute, please make checks payable to John Patterson Fund and mail to Diamond Eye, ATT: Patterson Fund; P. O. Box 119, Athena, OR 97813. |  |
 Bad Rock posters were signed in condolence and support for presentation to John's wife Christine. |
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Obituary notice, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, Monday, June 29, 2009:
"John Patterson: July 5, 1964 - June 28, 2009 ATHENA -- John Patterson, 44, died June 28, 2009, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.
Arrangements are pending at Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater."