Bruce Michael Patrick, 72, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, passed away on May 25, 2023. Bruce was born in Spokane, Washington on March 12th, 1951. He was the youngest child of Retired Lt. Col. James T. Patrick and Mabel Palmer Patrick. As a child of an Air Force pilot, the family moved often. Bruce lived in Riverside, California; Montgomery, Alabama; Fairfax, Virginia and Panama. He attended Fairfax High School where he played Football and Basketball and graduated in 1969. His undergraduate studies began at VCU but when his father was stationed at Quarry Heights, Panama, he decided to spend his sophomore year studying at the FSU extension on base. When he returned stateside, he continued his studies in history and social studies at North Carolina Wesleyan University and graduated Magda Cum Laude in 1973. Bruce later earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 1979 from the University of Northern Colorado and an endorsement in Educational Administration from George Mason University in 1982.

Following college, Bruce was employed by Mount Vernon High School as a history teacher and assistant coach in basketball and football. In the 16 years he was working at Mt. Vernon, he held the positions of teacher, Head Football Coach and Director of Student Activities. In particular, Bruce made his name as a winning football coach, guiding his teams to five district titles, three regional titles, and a coveted Virginia AAA State Championship in 1983. This incredible record was achieved between 1979 – 1988. In 1989, Bruce was promoted to the central office as Coordinator of Student Activities and Athletic Programs for the entire Fairfax County Public School Division. During the 14 years he held that position, he was a champion of Title IX and upgraded all facets of the Athletic/Activities Program. Under his leadership, the school division became one of the top Interscholastic Athletic Activity Programs in the nation. He retired in 2003, after 30 years of service.

After retirement, he served on the Virginia High School Leagues Staff as an Assistant Director in Charlottesville, VA. From 2006 – 2012, Bruce served as school and community liaison for Fairfax County Community and Recreation Services and also served as Interim Branch Manager for Senior Services. In 2012 was promoted to Operations Manager of Region 2 for Fairfax County's Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. He retired in 2017 and moved with his wife, Paula, to Fredericksburg, VA to enjoy his retirement years. During his career, Bruce received the following honors: Virginia High School Hall of Fame, Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame, Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame, Northern Virginia Football Officials Hall of Fame, National Federation Citation for achievements in high school athletics, and the Virginia High School League Torch of Honor.

Bruce's values were honor, perseverance, self-respect, discipline, teamwork, and respect for others. As a teacher, coach, administrator, and a friend, his objective in life was helping others by: the passion with which he taught his classes, coached his teams, engaged with his players; how he valued relationships with players, colleagues and friends; and his undying love for learning. What truly characterized Bruce, however, was his love of and commitment to family. Family was everything to him. He supported his wife's career, coached his children in youth sports and when they played high school and college sports, he made it a point to attended all their games. He loved to entertain and there were many occasions for players, coaches, friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate something by the grill or pool. The reunions were the best and Bruce so enjoyed reuniting with those who meant the most to him.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 44 years, Paula McKenzie Patrick, his daughter Seana Stewart (Jared); his son James Patrick (Susanna); his grandchildren (in order of age) Jakob Patrick, Lily Patrick, Camden Stewart, Isla Stewart, Kaitlyn Patrick, Colton Stewart, Molly Patrick and Lucy Patrick; his brother Dennis Patrick (Elaine); his sisters: Kerry Burger, Jennifer Bauman (Joe), and Cindy Clark; and step-mother, Peggy Patrick.

Family will be holding a Memorial Service at Laurel Hill Funeral Home on Saturday, June 10th at 12PM. A visitation will be held an hour prior.

All are invited to join the Patrick family for a Celebration of Life for Bruce following the memorial service at Wilderness Run Vineyards 11109 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Alzheimer's Association or At Home Care Hospice.