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WE REMEMBER ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S MOST VIBRANT, SUCCESSFUL AND MUCH-LOVED PERSONALITIES... Celebrating Catherine T he passing of our dear friend and leading plumbing and heating industry personality, Catherine Patterson, has prompted a huge response from those who knew and worked with her over the years. In all honesty, we struggled with how best to remember her within these pages; so here are some words from her close friends and colleagues. Thanks everyone for sharing your heartfelt words and memories of this larger than life lady. Jacqui Fairley, Publication Manager, Plumbing & Heating Magazine “When I started working on Plumbing & Heating Magazine, 19 years ago, Catherine was one of the first people I met from the industry. I didn’t know the first thing about plumbing and heating, but she took me under her wing and introduced me to so many other people in the sector. This really helped me to build the magazine. Catherine had the personal touch and a real passion for her work. She would always go the extra mile to help her installers and earned their respect and friendship. Her incredible drive helped her grow Vaillant from nothing into a major boiler brand in Ireland. On a personal level, Catherine became one of my closest friends. She talked me into taking part in the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ charity event - which I wasn’t going to do. I’m so glad she did; it meant that I got to spend the best four months with her. Her seafood chowder was legendary as was her appreciation for gin and enjoying time with her friends and her loved ones. I’m delighted she met Davy; they were soul mates while Callum was the apple of her eye. She was so proud of him when he joined the gas industry. Catherine was loved by so many and I will
“What made Catherine unique was her ability to operate with drive, determination and a desire to be the best while still maintaining her humility, her ability to see the fun in life and the warm, genuine engagement she provided.”
miss her, terribly. I thought the world of her.”
woman she was and they became great colleagues and firm friends. In 2007, Catherine was then offered the role of Sales Manager NI for Vaillant and in later years went on to become Regional Director of Sales Ireland. Catherine put her full heart and soul into her work. Her colleagues and the wider industry became her friends as she had that wonderful ability to take an interest in people, instantly build a rapport with them and make them feel special. Catherine was one of the few people in life that had found their equilibrium. She managed to balance a hugely demanding job while being a wonderful mum to Callum (the apple of her eye), and of course the one and only Frank; a fabulous wife to Davy; a loving daughter to Mary; a big sister to ‘our Sharn’ and Dee and a cherished friend to many. In equal measures she made time for everyone. She was selfless and loved nothing more than having her family and friends together. Her kitchen was her domain. It was where she worked, chatted, solved Third World problems,
Eunice McClune, Newbuild Sales Manager, Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd “The first day I met Catherine was back in the late 80’s in Calor Gas when this vision of loveliness entered the Customer Services office with huge red hair (just like Crystal Tipps & Alistair from the TV programme in the 70’s) wearing a red fitted jacket and red lipstick - need I say more. Not only was Catherine strikingly gorgeous, she had the personality to match. Roll on to the late 90’s and Catherine joined the Phoenix Domestic Sales Team where she was a vital member of the team for a couple of years. Catherine was always destined for greater things and in June 2000, she left Phoenix and had jobs both in selling kitchens and Beaumatic appliances. A few years later Ferolli came knocking. Catherine stayed with Ferroli under the watchful eye of Gerry Lanagan for a number of years, and he soon saw what a formidable
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