Richard Pattie

Profile Updated: November 1, 2023
Richard Pattie
Richard Pattie

Then

Richard Pattie

Now

Richard Pattie

Yearbook

Yes! Attending Reunion
Residing In: Hereford, AZ USA
Spouse/Partner: Sarah Lopez
Occupation: Retired
Comments:

I was a (very) late bloomer. The truth is, I barely made it out of high school with a C- average. With what is known today I would have probably been diagnosed with ADD, hyperactivity and who knows what else. After graduation I went to East L.A. College for three semesters and had three different majors. I finally threw in the school towel and worked locally while hanging out as much as possible at Winchell's on Tweedy. I didn't have to worry about the draft as I was 4-F because of an early childhood disease. Things began to change for me when I got a call from Art Loya saying he had a job for me in Berkeley if I wanted it. I put all my belongings in my Peugeot 403 (remember when you could put everything you owned into your car?) and took off. Art had left U.C. Berkeley and was working at a little company called Berkeley Instruments. They made stand-alone weather sensing stations for remote and harsh climates. Art and I had an apartment together. The work was cool, prototyping electronic circuits from schematics (I had been a ham radio operator in high school), then I got to do some printed circuit board layout. My downtime was spent at the local slot car racing hangout. I was racing slot cars while SGHS' incredibly courageous Steve Hamilton was starting the youth/free speech movement with Mario Savio at U.C. Berkeley. I was totally unaware of what was going on politically. Like I said, late bloomer.

My sister was an aspiring actress and was doing summer-stock acting at a theatre in Carmel. I drove down to see her one weekend and found that I could relate to actors a whole lot better than engineers. I visited her a couple more times and was offered a job at the theatre. I gave notice at Berkeley Instruments, put all my stuff back into my car and moved to Carmel. I was at White Oaks Theatre for two years and learned to be a lighting technician. It was a great couple of years during which time I eventually started growing up (and finally, at age 20, got laid).

During this time I had been teaching myself classical guitar and over those couple of years in Carmel came to realize that music was what I wanted to do with my life. Loaded up into the Peugeot again and moved back in with my parents who had relocated to Orange County. Found a great guitar teacher and started studying seriously. Enrolled in Cypress College to study music and suddenly school made sense. Immediately found myself on the Dean's list and never looked back after that. After a couple of years, thanks to my incredible guitar teacher, I started teaching at a prep school in Hollywood. Over the next few years my music career took off and I spent the next eighteen years teaching and performing. I taught mostly at local colleges/universities (CSUF, LBCC, Loyola, etc.) as well as at my own studio in Burbank, and at home. Performing was primarily solo, mostly faculty recitals and such, but I also learned to play lute and played in some early music ensembles.

I got married at 35. My wife and I never had children but we tried; as many rounds of fertility treatments as we could afford, but no joy. After eighteen years of teaching I needed a sabbatical, but instead I quit. The most bonehead move I ever made in my life. I remember rationalizing my decision by saying I wanted to finally make some money (very little of that in a musical life), but I was really just burnt out and not thinking clearly. I tried construction (too old to start), then worked in retail jewelry for a few years. I was miserable, and eventually quit and tried to get back into teaching. I had a few students at home, and then a former student and friend helped me get hired at Cypress College. I had come full circle. My heart was no longer in teaching, though, so after a knock-down dragout argument with my wife (she wanted me to find something I wanted to do and just do it--she clearly didn't understand me) I quit Cypress, went back to school as a student and got an associate degree in computer science.

Thus began my second career, which was a few years in defining. I began as a computer technician, traveling around, tool bag in hand fixing broken medical computer systems. I then got hired at Xerox in their technical training department, writing leader-led courses in printer repair. I lucked into a project at Xerox that allowed me to learn about digital video at its very start, as well as professional multimedia authoring systems. Those skills led me to the Auto Club of So. Cal. for a couple of year, then to Health Net of California for just a year before they downsized. Used the guilt severance to start as a freelance consultant in multimedia and computer based training (CBT). I worked freelance from home for the next thirteen years. As expected, I did make fairly good money and found I had a need for speed. I raced sailboats, got a private pilot's license, then bought a Porsche 911 which I raced in time trials.

Finally, I went through some really horrendous financial times (goodbye Porsche) and, at age 65, gave in and retired. My wife had come down with a long-term debilitating illness in 2001 and she needed me to be her full-time caregiver, which is what I do today. We live in Seizure World, now incorporated as Laguna Woods in south O.C.

Part of me is still that 17 year old kid hanging out at Winchell’s. I’ve never had such good friends (or so many of them!) as I did then. I wouldn’t say life was carefree, but nothing seemed impossible, and life was mostly an exciting adventure, always unfolding. Nearly all the problems in my life have been self-inflicted, and usually occurred when I followed my head instead of my heart. To all my fellow SGHS summer of ’62 graduates who might read this-friends or not-I want to say I love you guys and it was great to grow up with you.

**************

11/3/2014:

I was saddened to read of the passing of Dennis Rice and Mariel Brooks. Dennis and I became friends after high school and for a couple of years were thick as thieves. I didn't know Mariel personally, but I had an across-the-campus crush on her for years.

******
12/16/2014

Today is my birthday. I am 70 years old. Behind me are youth, childhood, teenage years, early adulthood, the long adult, middle age, and “older years.” By just about anyone’s standard I am now old. Past are big new shiny things, homes, cars, careers, adventures, vacations, romance, sex, sailing, flying, and racing. All in the past. Today I live in a retirement community and am the 24/7 caregiver to my wife. She has Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis which is nothing like the Multiple Sclerosis that allows people to move around and have lives. What she has causes total physical disability and deep dementia. Our livelihood is from her retirement and my Social Security which, surprisingly, is enough to be comfortable.

Generally, I am not despondent or resentful of my situation. I love my wife and will care for her for as long as I am able. I have found the wonderful hobby of astronomy which has changed my perspective of our importance, and where and who we are. I am not religious, do not believe there is a God up there with any interest in our doings. Our universe is vast beyond comprehension, complex beyond understanding, and filled with truly awesome evidence of its dynamism. What happens after I die is none of my business and I’m fine with that. I have witnessed the sentience of the universe and know it can happen again.

I remain reasonably optimistic and cheerful, surprisingly healthy, and am determined to enjoy the time I have left. I am accepting of this life.

All for now. I hope you are all healthy as horses and live forever!

Semi-Annual Report 6/14/2015

So now at 70-1/2 years still doing Ok. No big health problems, only minor stuff that comes with the territory. My wife continues to decline, but she's in no pain or discomfort and still smiles at my silly jokes. I'm continuing with my astrophotography hobby. I'm not all that good at it, but it keeps my brain happily engaged. If anyone's interested, you can see my images at http://www.astrobin.com/users/exmedia/

Stay strong. Live Long(er) and Prosper!

August 4, 2016
My poor sweet wife, who has been fighting the ravages of primary progressive MS for 15 years, no longer has any fight left. At the urging of several doctors I have reluctantly placed her in home hospice, with a whole team of caregivers to help keep her comfortable until the inevitable happens and the Universe takes her back. We have been married 36 years and I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do without her.

November 6, 2016
My wife, Wyona Pattie, passed away today. Thus starts a new chapter in my life which is not yet written. I'm sad and a bit afraid, but also hopeful and grateful. I had a wonderful 36 years with her and she will be with me always.

April 29, 2019
Now living in Hereford, Arizona. Healthy still, kind of happy(!), have become physically active hiking and cycling. I live alone, own a small home (see photos) and love the beauty and solitude of the high desert. I'm playing guitar again and, though I'll never play like I once did, am enjoying it immensely.

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Dec 16, 2023 at 1:33 AM
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Nov 26, 2023 at 7:56 AM

Posted on: Nov 09, 2023 at 11:50 AM

Hey Jim, I have your book ready to go. Leave your mailing address here, if you're comfortable with it.

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Nov 01, 2023 at 8:56 AM

Posted on: Oct 31, 2023 at 2:20 PM

A book of my astro photos has been published. It took me 5 years to take the photographs and 2 years to write the copy. If any of my classmates would like a copy, send your mailing address to exmedia123@gmail.com and I'll be happy to send one to you (for free).

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Jan 25, 2023 at 4:24 PM

Posted on: Jan 25, 2023 at 2:56 PM

Happy birthday, Rick. Consider the Sky Island Flavors book your birthday gift.

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Jan 10, 2023 at 7:54 AM

Posted on: Jan 09, 2023 at 5:21 PM

Happy birthday, Jim. Hope it was a great one. I beat you to 78 by 23 days. So far, so good!

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Jan 07, 2023 at 11:28 AM

Happy Birthday, Claressa! Hope your day is great.

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Dec 14, 2022 at 2:42 PM

Posted on: Aug 13, 2022 at 4:31 PM

Judy, I was in "Spaceman" Stevens 6th grade class. I never knew where the name came from until I just read your post about Steve Hamilton. Thanks for the memory!

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Mar 23, 2022 at 1:36 PM

Posted on: Mar 21, 2022 at 12:54 PM

A few days ago I received a call from Rick Loya, Art's younger brother. Art had passed away from kidney failure the day before. Art was my best friend in high school, which was an unlikely pairing as we were so different. He was a brilliant, high achiever while I was struggling just to get by in school. I don't actually remember how we became friends, just that we were, and shared many fun, ridiculous, interesting and usually dangerous (and one downright criminal) adventures together. We (actually he, I was his sidekick) tackled everything from science experiments in his garage to launching rockets out in the desert. A couple of years after graduation I got a call from Art (he was living in Berkeley) telling me there was a job for me at the little tech company where he was working if I wanted it. I did, and moved there and worked with him for about a year before I started my music studies. Then, I was in his wedding when he got married in the 70's. After that I lost touch with him for many years. I knew he was living in Arizona, so when I was looking to move there I contacted Art and in 2017 made the drive to his home in Prescott Valley, AZ. We had a wonderful reunion. The attached photo is from that visit (to get him to smile I had to say, "OK Art, pretend you're happy"). Art was very interested in my astrophotography so we stayed in touch via email for a few years. Then, he just dropped off my radar until I was contacted by his brother about Art's increasing dementia. I am so sorry that Art is gone. His was a unique mind and spirit, kind and helpful, with absolutely zero patience for people who wouldn't think for themselves (usually me). I will miss him.

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Sep 09, 2021 at 1:37 AM

Posted on: May 22, 2020 at 6:19 AM

I have information about Art Loya. The last time I saw him was 3 years ago at his house in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Even though at that time he was showing the effects of early dementia, we had a wonderful visit and time together with much reminiscing and bringing each other up to date. The last time I had any contact with him was two years ago. Since then he hasn't answered any of my emails, and his voice mail box has always been full.

Last night my phone rang and the caller ID said it was him. When I answered, much to my disappointment it wasn't Art, but his younger brother Rick. Rick told me that Art was alive, but now has severe dementia and was hospitalized. Art had lived alone for many years, and had not taken care of himself. Rick and his sister Laurie are working on getting Art into a memory care facility which will be tricky as Art doesn't have any money at this time.

This is very sad news. Art was my good friend in high school which continued through our living together in Berkeley for a year. His brother promised to keep me apprised of any progress or changes to Art's situation and condition, and I will post any new information as I receive it.

Art had one of the finest minds I've ever known, which makes this turn of events even more devastating.

Richard Pattie posted a message. New comment added.
May 22, 2020 at 10:34 AM

Posted on: May 22, 2020 at 6:15 AM

I have information about Art Loya. The last time I saw him was 3 years ago at his house in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Even though at that time he was showing the effects of early dementia, we had a wonderful visit and time together with much reminiscing and bringing each other up to date. The last time I had any contact with him was two years ago. Since then he hasn't answered any of my emails, and his voice mail box has always been full.

Last night my phone rang and the caller ID said it was him. When I answered, much to my disappointment it wasn't Art, but his younger brother Rick. Rick told me that Art was alive, but now has severe dementia and was hospitalized. Art had lived alone for many years, and had not taken care of himself. Rick and his sister Laurie are working on getting Art into a memory care facility which will be tricky as Art doesn't have any money at this time.

This is very sad news. Art was my good friend in high school which continued through our living together in Berkeley for a year. His brother promised to keep me apprised of any progress or changes to Art's situation and condition, and I will post any new information as I receive it.

Art had one of the finest minds I've ever known, which makes this turn of events even more devastating.

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Dec 17, 2019 at 7:12 PM

Posted on: Dec 16, 2019 at 6:42 AM

Happy birthday to me. 75 today. Turning 70 was a big deal, 75 not so much because I’m in such better health and spirits. 50 pounds lighter, physically fit for my age, no disease or infirmities, have/had relationships with two amazing women in the last two years. In good financial shape (outlived my bankruptcy!). Live in a beautiful place. I can honestly say, life is very good.

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