A Bench Is Unveiled In Concord For ‘Mr. Heights,’ Dick Patten: Watch

CONCORD, NH — Community activists on the Concord Heights as well as members of the Concord Grange came together earlier this month to unveil the installation of a new bench honoring a long-time resident of the city.

Lifelong Heights resident, Dick Patten, died at the age of 69 in January 2021. He served as a city councilor and state representative for Ward 8 and was a lifelong member of the Concord Grange #322. Patten also worked as a dispatcher for the county and organized many community events including the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Statehouse plaza and the Christmas parade.

Donna Robie, who went to school with Patten, as well as a number of Concord Grange members, came up with the idea to honor him at Keach Park with a bench.

On June 21, during the unveiling, Brian Blackden noted people can take a break, have a seat on the bench, and remember the man who will always be known as “Mr. Heights.”

Pastor Peter Chamberland of the Granite State Baptist Church offered a prayer blessing on the bench.

Debra Patten was the first person to sit on the bench and thanked everyone for attending.

“I’m going to be the very first one to sit on the bench,” she said. “I know that Dick is smiling down on us.”

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