George Patterson

George Neilson Patterson (born 19 August 1920 in Falkirk, died at Auchlochan, Lesmahagow, 28 December 2012) also known as Khampa Gyau

He was married to the surgeon Meg Patterson.

Early life and education Patterson was born on 19 August 1920 in Redding, Falkirk, Scotland and grew up in Laurieston, where he was a member of the Plymouth Brethren. When he was 11 years old, he suffered a bicycle accident, and because of the head injuries he sustained, he dropped out of school two years later. Patterson entered a vocational program with Carron Company, becoming a tool setter of machine presses by the age of 17. During World War II, he was involved in weapons manufacturing, frequently working 12-hour shifts every day of the week. In a letter presented with the award, a simple butter-lamp symbolizing the light the recipient has shed on the cause of Tibet, the Dalai Lama's Special Envoy Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari said: "It is my honour to convey to you in writing the decision of the Board of the International Campaign for Tibet to award you the Light of Truth, the highest recognition in the Tibet world of service to Tibet. The Board of Directors, chaired by Mr. Richard Gere, took the unanimous decision with great enthusiasm and, on their behalf, I offer you heartfelt congratulations. It gives me added pleasure as a Khampa to be the person to officially bring this news to you, Khampa Gyau ['bearded Khampa'], the name by which His Holiness the Dalai Lama fondly and humorously called you."

Publications

Joint publications

with Meg Patterson

Contributor

Documentaries

Advisor and scriptwriter 1964: Raid into Tibet with Adrian Cowell and Chris Menges 1970 Chasing the Dragon 1980 Synanon