Gordon Paterson

SOUTH BURLINGTON - Gordon Paterson, treasurer emeritus of The University of Vermont, passed away following a brief illness on Friday, November 14, 2025, after a long life well-lived.

Gordon was born on July 21,1928, the son of Scottish immigrants from Aberdeen, Scotland, Alexander and Bathia (Aiken) Paterson. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage. He married Hester Heath on June 18, 1955.

Following his graduation from Spaulding High School in Barre, he enlisted in the Army of the U.S., serving in the Aleutian Islands as a rifleman and wireman. After his discharge he worked on the rigging gang in the E.L. Smith quarry in Barre before entering college. Upon graduating from The University of Arizona, Gordon spent the next three years as an analyst in the Investment Department of the National Life Insurance Company in Montpelier, leaving to earn his master’s degree at the University of Vermont. He next held the position of Assistant Treasurer of the University prior to becoming the Treasurer, a position he held until retirement in June 1981.

In the first year of his retirement, he and Hester spent some time in Scotland and England, as they had in previous years.

Gordon enjoyed sailing on Lake Champlain and along the Maine coast, golfing on Kwiniaska Golf Club's course, woodworking, rifle shooting, and enjoying their many beloved terriers. He was a superb marksman and a member of the Burlington Rifle and Pistol Club, during which time he enjoyed coaching a Junior Rifle Group of several pre-teen boys. He was also proud to have been the person who introduced the idea of a biathlon training center at Camp Ethan Allen.

Gordon was a member of the Kwiniaska Golf Club and had been a member of Summit Lodge No. 104 of the Masonic Order since 1951.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Hester; they had been devoted to each other in marriage for 69 years. After her death earlier this year, Gordon resided at the Converse Home in Burlington Vt where he enjoyed excellent care and good company. He leaves several cherished cousins in the U.S. and Great Britain, and many dear friends through his work, his interests, and through his decades of living at 19 East Terrace in South Burlington. He will be greatly missed.