Obituary for Patrick Fessenden
The Post-Standard [Syracuse,NY], Aug 30 2018, P. A10, with photo

Extract:
"Patrick Fessenden died on August 24, 2018 at home in Sparks, Maryland. He was 87 and in relatively good health until he was diagnosed with an untreatable cancer in May. In true Patrick form, he kept his humor, dignity and gratitude until the end.
  Patrick Trenholme Fessenden was born in Niagara Falls, NY in 1931 to Ken Fessenden and Rita Lang Fessenden. He graduated from high school in 1949 and attended Cornell Agricultural School, graduating in 1953. Two years of naval service followed, which took him to Cuba, Panama, Greece and Turkey.
  In the fall of 1955 Patrick enrolled in a teacher training program at the University of Buffalo. There he met his true love Wilma Rankin, and they were married the following September. After teaching at high schools in Amherst and Cincinnatus, Patrick and Wilma moved their young family to Tully, NY in the fall of 1961 where he began his 27 year career at Tully Central School. He taught high school chemistry, biology and physics for 16 years, and then switched to 5th grade, where he quickly grew a reputation for always having an interesting science project on display and for teaching every 5th grader that came through his classroom how to play chess.
  He liked to make science accessible and was creative in showcasing practical and real life applications (both in and out of the classroom). He was known for making himself available to his students both as a teacher and mentor. He believed everyone was capable of learning, and always went the extra mile for any students needing help. His patient approach made a difference in the lives of countless students. Two of Patrick's well known mottos were "Pick a direction and go" and "Just do it!"
  A man ahead of his time, Patrick initiated a community recycling program in the early 70's. He also welcomed diversity and helped start the AFS Program (American Field Service). During his tenure, 13 foreign students came to Tully and four Tully students traveled abroad. Patrick and Wilma hosted many foreign students during summer breaks through a university homestay program, and were very involved in settling two refugee families.
  Patrick was an engaged member of the Tully Methodist Church, teaching adult Sunday school, singing in the choir, and directing the Youth Fellowship. He was also part of the leadership team that orchestrated the merger between the Methodist and Baptist churches, forming the Tully United Community Church."