Submitted by: Dan Rich

Br. Augustus Patin CSC

Aug. 6, 1915 - Dec. 26, 2000

South Bend Tribune 12/29/2000

Br. Augustus (Bernard) Patin, C.S.C., 85, died after a long illness on Tuesday, Dec. 26, at Dujarie House, the Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame. Br. Augustus was born on Aug. 6, 1915, in Milwaukee, Wis., the son of the late Paul and Thecla (Barchem) Patin, one of four children, of who two sisters survive.

He was educated at schools in Milwaukee, graduating from Boys Technical High School in 1933. From then until 1940 he worked as a packer, salesman and inspector of motor parts and electronic controls in Milwaukee. He joined the Brothers of Holy Cross in 1941, receiving the habit at St. Joseph's Novitiate, Rolling Prairie, Ind., on Aug. 15, 1940, pronouncing his first vows a year later, and his perpetual vows on Aug. 16, 1944.

Br. Augustus attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating with a A.B. degree in 1945. From 1945-47 he taught at Notre Dame High School, Biloxi, Miss., and from 1947-50 at Catholic Central High School, Monroe, Mich. From 1950-54 he was on the faculty and staff of St. Charles Boys' Home, Milwaukee, then was assigned to Cathedral High School, Indianapolis, Ind., from 1954-60. He taught at St. Joseph High School, South Bend, Ind., from 1960-62, and Holy Cross High School, River Grove, Ill., from 1962-74. He tutored at St. Joseph High School, South Bend, from 1974-78, while a staff member of the Holy Cross Brothers Center, Notre Dame from 1974-96. He also taught at Holy Cross College during the 1980-82 academic years. Illness prompted his retirement to Dujarie House, Notre Dame in 1996, where he remained until his death.

Br. "Gus" was a multi-skilled and talented individual, and an effective teacher of mathematics, a subject he loved and studied on the post-graduate level. He held to strict pedagogical principles of content, method, and classroom discipline, and his students owed much to his persistent and encouraging manner. He was generous with his time in assisting students beyond the classroom as well. Though often perceived by adults as having a brusque, no-nonsense exterior, Br. Gus earned the trust of children, and his heart went easily out to them, revealing the more authentic essence of his personality.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, at St. Joseph Chapel, the brothers' Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, 54515 Indiana 933 North. A Mass of the Resurrection will follow, with burial immediately afterward in St. Joseph's Cemetery on the Village grounds. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.