Hampshire grad killed in Yemen

From the Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Hampshire grad killed in Yemen
By DIANA SROKA -sroka@nwherald.com

HAMPSHIRE – At about 180 pounds, Jeff Patneau was among the smallest linebackers on the varsity Hampshire High School football team. But on the field, that didn't matter to him.

"He was able to play at a smaller size," said Dan Cavanaugh, head coach. "He was a hardworking, good guy."

Patneau, who graduated from Hampshire in 2001, died Oct. 4. He was 26.

Pantau was injured in a vehicle accident in Yemen Sept. 29. He was working for the U.S. State Department when an armored vehicle he was traveling in was struck broadside, said the Rev. Richard Priggie, campus minister at Augusta College. Patneau suffered skull injuries and was in a coma for five days before he died.

Despite his tragic death, those who knew Patneau said he never regretted his career choice.

"He wouldn't have done it any other way," said Don Umland, director of campus recreation at Augustana. "He had an extreme devotion to his country ... he loved what he was doing."

Patneau graduated with a business degree from Augustana in 2005.

It was no secret on campus that Patneau's dream was to become a Marine or government Secret Service agent.

"He loved his country and would do anything to advance the goals of freedom," said Priggie, who met Patneau during a spring break service trip.

Patneau was a recognized student leader during college. As vice president of the student government association his senior year, Patneau revamped the student honor code, which ultimately was adopted by the school.

He also was active in Habitat for Humanity and the Delta Omega Nu fraternity at Augustana.

While he was a student at Hampshire, he was known for his positive personality and his determination.

He was an offensive lineman and linebacker on the Hampshire football team, and his nickname was "Uno," Cavanaugh said.

"I remember him because he was a hardworking guy," Cavanaugh said.

His nickname came from always trying to tackle with one arm, said Bob Fillmore, an assistant football coach at Hampshire.

"He and I had a special relationship. We really bonded," Fillmore said.

For homecoming one year, Fillmore pasted Uno playing cards all over Patneau's locker. Patneau got back by covering the assistant coach's car with plastic wrap. Like others, Fillmore said he remembers Patneau's work ethic above all else.

"He worked so hard," Fillmore said. "That's the thing that sticks out. And he was a good student to boot."

After Patneau graduated from high school, his family moved to North Carolina.

A memorial service for Patneau was held Saturday morning Augustana.

The funeral will be Oct. 15, and arrangements are being handled by the Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington, N.C.