James Matthew Patrick

James Matthew Patrick, the sixth of Betty Shelley Patrick’s seven children, was born April 29, 1959 in Lexington, Kentucky. He grew up on horse farms in the beautiful rolling bluegrass hills of Central Kentucky and graduated from Bourbon County High School. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree at Auburn University (War Eagle!), Matt became a legislative aide in the Kentucky state Senate. He then landed in Washington, DC, working as an HIV activist for AIDS Action Council. Matt moved to Boulder in 1995 to lead Boulder County AIDS Project as its Executive Director for over five years. In 1997, Matt fell in love with his life partner and husband, Terry Cipoletti, and the couple was embraced and loved by both of their families.  During this same time, Matt was instrumental in founding Boulder Pride and contributed his boundless energy and passion for the community through service on Boulder’s Human Relations Commission and several non-profit boards.

Returning to his love of the land, Matt trained as a master gardener in 2005 and ran his own natural landscape business. He devoted his last decade to sustainability by working at Harlequins Gardens and Eco-Cycle and tending to his own beautiful, bee-friendly garden. In his free time, Matt was also an avid reader and arts lover. Matt cherished his Kentucky roots and family. He brought a caring spirit, a smile and laugh, and liveliness wherever he went. Generosity, giving, and kindness were at his core. While Matt faced an aggressive cancer in his last year, he remained ever valiant, engaged, and loving.

Matt was preceded in death by his dear mother, his beloved granny, and brother (Tim). He is survived by his adoring husband (Terry) and siblings (Mike, Lynn, Shelley, Dan, and David) and 11 Patrick family nieces and nephews he dearly loved. A celebration of Matt’s life will be held August 13 at 10:30 in the courtyard at St. Mary Magdalene in Boulder. Donations in Matt’s honor may be made to Boulder County AIDS Project, www.bcap.org.