William "Liam" Michael Patterson

On August 16th, Liam Patterson peacefully passed away at home in West Hartford after an extended
illness. William Michael Patterson was born 11/16/96 in West Palm Beach, Florida. He overcame
significant medical issues as an infant and went on to live an active, joyful life.

Right from the start, Liam taught us all the life lessons that really matter. The importance of perspective,
simple pleasures, patience, kindness and pure unconditional love.

In 2000, Liam moved with his family to West Hartford, CT, where he attended ELC and Norfeldt
Elementary School and earned the nickname “Boy with Smile like Sunshine”. He spent seven very happy
years at the Gengras Center where he excelled as a hallway ambassador and made many great friends.
He also enjoyed his time at HARC’s Camp Bulova and Catholic Charities day program. Although non-
verbal, Liam communicated through a smile, laugh, high five or blowing kisses. He also liked to imitate
sounds and thought it was funny to fake sneeze after hearing one (which was much more popular
before COVID!). His smile lit up a room and his joy was as consistent as his Chuck Taylor high top tennis
shoes. 

He was a profound teacher and trained a large number of wonderful nurses, aides, doctors and physical
and occupational therapists. His hobbies included stroller tours of Elizabeth Park, Miracle League
Baseball (a base stealing specialist), Nerf basketball, hiking, boating, throwing sand at the beach, biking
in his cart, and traveling. He loved his musical and animated toys, but not as much as the very animated
and caring people who surrounded him. He enjoyed imitating piggy snorts and laughed at barn animal
sounds.

His parents, Mike and Molly, and sisters, Delaney and Bridget, were blessed to have such a wonderful
son and brother. He also has many relatives across the country and local friends who love him dearly. He
touched many lives while making the world a better place. He will be missed, but his relentlessly
awesome spirit will continue to inspire us all.

A celebration of his special life will be held at a later date and will be announced by the family when
finalized. They can be reached at pattersonzoo@att.net and Liam would have liked all who remember
him to smile, help others, and embrace people’s differences.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Liam’s name to the Gengras Center: https://www.gengrascenter.org/support-us/ or
Chromosome 18 Research and Registry: https://www.chromosome18.org/, two organizations that had a very positive impact on his life.

Peace, Joy and Love, Always...