Here, media owners share their memories of Gordon Patterson, their anecdotes and how he shaped the media industry.
He will remain a legend
I write this with the heaviest of heart, to lose a colleague and friend of so many years is almost too difficult to believe, so much time and so many years spent laughing, debating, celebrating with one of the most passionate people I have ever known, not just passion for the industry, but for his beloved wife, his diving, his photography, his dog, his snakes and his drones, we discussed so much out about the industry, about his passions and about life in general.
I met Gordon at the tender age of 25, he was already one of the up and coming stars of the media industry, he was just a little older and was always willing to give us young media reps the time of day, encouragement, constructive criticism and to use his dry wit, to always bring the meetings and chats down to his every day person level, he was a willing listener and always up to offering valuable advice.
We spent hours socially, having great fun together when myself, Ken V, Gordon Muller, Virginia and the late Alan Mclarty used to celebrate the fun days of advertising.
Gordie, media will not be the same without you my friend, your selfless contribution to many of the elements that keep this industry grounded will be sorely missed; we will miss your friendship, your advice, your constructive input and most importantly your zest for life, you will not be forgotten and will always remain a legend, a title most aptly given to you. Rest in peace my friend…. Gone but never forgotten. – Trevor Ormerod, Times Media Group
His memory will burn bright
“When I received the SMS on Friday morning that Gordon Patterson had been shot dead, it seemed incredulous to me. Not possible, I thought. It must be a wild rumour. I so hoped it would be.
Firstly, for those who knew Gordon, you would know that while he was a very adventurous guy, a strong man, dignified, intelligent, with an impeccable set of values. He was also a calm and measured man. Why would fate deal him this cruel end?
I met Gordon over two decades ago when I was a young bright eyed and bushy tailed publisher launching an international brand called ELLE and he was already then a leading media strategist/manager. Gordon was imposing, but astute, fair and measured in his engagement with me. i will have to admit that at that time, I found him a little intimidating, but that was less about Gordon as it was about my age and inexperience in the industry.
Over time I came to know him through many media engagements, social interactions and during my time as a board member of the ABC. My opinion of him never wavered. He was a smart, highly attuned media professional with the highest of ethics in business.
I was also fortunate to discover the another side to Gordon when by pure chance my family and I went to Mozambique to scuba dive. Gordon and his then partner Melissa were staying at the same lodge and we spent a good deal of time with them. I got to know the other Gordon. The ocean lover, the man who had a passion for underwater photography and took the most amazing pictures of nature beneath the waves.
We live and operate in a small industry so when one of us is taken out in the most violent and unacceptable of circumstances, it cuts deep. I have personally been devastated by his death and so have some of my staff who have engaged with him over years.
I watched the video posted by Yusuf Abramjee on Gordon’s attack. Perhaps I shouldn’t have as it made me sick to my stomach. I too have been in the same circumstance, twice, but I survived. I wanted to understand why Gordon didn’t.
We can try rationalise that it was just his time. but for me there is just no excuse for this violence, for this attack on a good man, who added so much value to all our media lives. Gordon was always up for the right kind of fight. It just pains and angers me that his strong spirit for doing what was good and right has ended up in the taking of his life.
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Sonja, his family and to his friends. I hope his memory will burn bright for years to come. Let’s always remember this special, intelligent, astute and valuable media giant.
And to you, Gordon… May you rest in peace. – Gisele Wertheim Aymes, Isiko Publishing
A light has gone out
I spoke to Gordon on Wednesday – still can’t believe he’s no longer with us…
He had a tremendous passion for life and for our industry.
He kept us all honest and on our toes.
Gordon cared deeply about this business, and was always working to improve it.
He left it in a better place.
A light has gone out in the world and we’ve lost an industry icon and a great friend.
Too soon I’m afraid.
Gordon was one of the truly great characters of our industry – how we shall miss him! – Chris Hitchings, DStv Media Sales
Kept us honest and on our toes
Gordon was a man with a tremendous passion for life and for our industry.
His wisdom and knowledge of media is simply irreplaceable.
He challenged us, kept us honest and on our toes.
Gordon cared deeply about this business, and was always working to improve it.
He left it in a better place.
A light has gone out in the world and we’ve lost an industry icon and a great friend.
Too soon I’m afraid.
Gordon was one of the truly great characters of our industry – how we shall miss him!
Sincere condolences to his wife, family and friends. – With Love, Respect and Best wishes from all at DStv Media Sales
A profound loss
Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in this. In my pain, and desperation to express my love, I’ve written a poem instead.
When I arrived in the industry many years past,
My first senior client was Gordon, an experience that will last.
Moving from psychology into media sales,
I was immediately drawn to this wizard and his tales.
20 years later, I sit here today
Still shaken from the tragedy that took our friend away.
A loss so profound, no words can express
The void created we now have to address
It is now to honour his life, and give comfort to Sonja his wife
for her healing we must pray.” – Cindy Diamond, Mediamark
Run free with the wolves
While I have thought of little else over the last few days, I find myself at a loss for any words, that haven`t already been said about our media giant.
So instead, I have tried to distil how he made me feel …
To put these emotions into context, I need to supply some history.
I first met Gordon in the late ‘80s, when he was a fresh–faced planner at DMB and B and I was a naïve, young sales rep at NMB, Caxton.
At the time, I had two little daughters, Kirsty and Michelle, who were seven and two years old, respectively.
Many years later, they became the young, naïve ones in the media industry and inevitably, they stumbled across the larger than life Mr Patterson.
He was to play a pivotal role in their lives (mainly through their involvement in AAA and Amasa) and his influence on their careers was clearly evident.
He referred to us as “the Randall girls” and never failed to compliment me about my offspring, whenever I was in his company.
I used to feel my heart overflow with pride and mama bear would strut around like the proverbial Peacock!
On reflection, I now realise that in my mind I placed so much weight and gravitas on this kind of affirmation, coming from a man of his stature.
If I unpack this small thing, it brings home how much I respected and admired the man and the mind that was Gordon Patterson.
SO, thank you for your role in the lives of the Randall Girls, you have left a massive void in my life, that of my children and the media industry at large.
It is hole that can never be filled.
Condolences to Sonja, your dear family and everyone that loved you.
Run free with the wolves and find eternal peace swimming in the ocean, you loved. – Gill Randall, SPARK Media
Man under the sea
True Irish gentleman. Gordon would always make time to see a person no matter how big or small the matter at hand. I remember hunting the book shops for his favourite book, forget the title now, but author was Clive Cussler (his favourite). We eventually settled for a coffee table book on diving as the book was sold out.
RIP Gordon, a great man, the leader of the pack. – Michele Munro, MMAP
A true legend and selfless stalwart
A true legend graced our shores, a selfless stalwart that was committed to the continuous development of our industry. Gordon took on momentous industry projects and excelled in every respect. To the Patterson family, thank you for allowing the greater public to benefit from your loved one.
From the entire MSG Afrika Group team, we say rest in peace. You were a true legend and will be missed dearly. – Wanele Mngomezulu, MSG Group Sales
