'The constant in the middle of the chaos' A tribute to Mr. Niles Patrick Bacon

Sep. 23—"He was the constant in the middle of the chaos," is what the Rev. Terry Jackson said of his dear friend, the late Niles Patrick Bacon. He was affectionately known as Mr. Bacon by those who knew him, including the thousands of band students he taught during his 40 years as band director at Athens Middle School.

At Friday night's Homecoming game, a gold "B" adorned the uniforms of the Athens High School Golden Eagle Band. A perfect way to honor the man who dedicated his life to music education and demonstrated unwavering support for the Athens Band program and all his students.

In "They Dared to Soar! Memories of the Music 1938-2000" by Sallie Cowart Brock, Mr Bacon reflected on his time teaching.

"When I began teaching in 1971 at age 21, I served as junior high school band director following Dan Havely. Mr. Havely and I both grew up in Morristown, Tenn., before attending the University of North Alabama. It was a privilege when I was called to Athens to be mentored by the great and beloved long-time band director, James "Jimmy" Cowart. What a great team the three of us were in those foundational years! We always felt unified in our efforts and in our love and pride in the Athens Golden Eagle Band," Mr. Bacon wrote.

He added, "During my days as band director, 1971-2011, I have considered it a privilege and great blessing to have worked with the beginning, intermediate, and concert bands at Athens Middle School for the past 40 years. God bless each student and family, especially the family and legacy of Jimmy Cowart."

Funeral services for Mr. Bacon were held Thursday morning at First Presbyterian Church, where he served as Minister of Music for 40 years. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gwendolyn Diane Bacon; their children, Diana Lauren Bacon, Nicholas Patrick Bacon, and Christopher Niles Bacon.

Remembrances

Dan Havely

"We were so blessed and fortunate to have had Pat Bacon as band director for an unbelievable 40 years at Athens Middle School. His dedication and commitment to teaching and inspiring others will always be remembered. Pat developed the AMS Band into a thriving, successful organization that served as a foundation for an instrumental music program consisting of over 500 student musicians. Pat also directed the high school band during the 1972-73 school year while I was away pursuing a master's degree.

Pat's mild mannered and unassuming persona underscored his ability to teach not only instrumental music, but the values of good manners, respect and teamwork as well. Whatever success the Athens Band attained could be directly attributed to his unwavering commitment to his students and the ideals of good character.

Pat Bacon will be greatly missed but never replaced. I am eternally thankful for our wonderful years working together."

Ty Parker

"When I think about Mr. Bacon's career with the Athens Band Program, I can't help but think about the hundreds of students with whom he played a significant role. As I regularly tell my students, we only get one life to live on this earth, and Mr. Bacon gave forty years of his life to the Pride of Athens. What a rare and unique gift. In education, consistency is crucial. Kids need consistency in all aspects of their lives, which is just what Dan Havely and Pat Bacon offered this band program for 34 years. Their tireless efforts and the foundation established by Mr. Cowart made the Pride of Athens what it is today. During my time with Athens, I hope to be half of what Mr. Bacon was for this band program. During this time, may his family rest in knowing his impact on our school, community, and band program."

John Deemer

"Mr. Bacon made an immeasurable impact on the Athens band program that continues to this day. For most students, he was their first band director and used kindness, knowledge, and talent to encourage and foster a love of music that his students carried forward throughout high school and beyond. When I first entered middle school band, he was aware that I had taken several years of piano and tried to steer me toward trumpet, saxophone, or another instrument. I told him I only wanted to play drums. After some begging on my part, he agreed and encouraged my love of all things percussion. I am grateful to him for building the foundation by allowing me to learn an instrument I still continue to play and now teach. It takes a special person to be a middle school band director, and no one has ever done it better than Pat Bacon."

Neal Flum

"Mr. Bacon was not only funny, he was courageous. He deserves a medal of honor and a statue in the town square for teaching middle school band for 40 years. One of my favorite quotes regarding middle school band is "One man's craziness is another's reality.' During Mr. Bacon's 40 years, his reality was the controlled chaos of middle school band. Under his calm, steady, caring direction, what seemed like an ant colony disturbed was in reality a student's first steps in their journey of music. My Dad, also a music educator, used to tell me, 'Fortunate are you when you fall into the good hands of someone who changes your life for the better," — like Mr. Bacon. For thousands of students, yes thousands, that first lesson, first class, first rehearsal, made the difference in whether a child would joyously pursue the making of music. Thank goodness for Mr. Bacon. His kindness, his exceptional skills as a music educator, his infinite patience — those students were blessed to have him as a teacher."

Anyone who knows their way around a band room will tell you, if you don't have an excellent feeder program, you don't have an excellent high school band program. We had both because we had the amazing duo of Pat Bacon and Dan Havely."

The Rev. Terry Jackson

"He was the best friend a person could have. He was loyal and a great listener. Pat was a great person to rely on — he could do anything. Anytime I had an issue with my car or my house, especially after my dad died, I could just call Pat and say, 'What do I need to do?' and he would tell me what to do and how to fix it. We laughed a lot and enjoyed a lot of good food together.

He was one of the finest people I have ever met. Strong faith, that was always evident all the time. Loved his family, loved his Lord, loved the kids, loved the students and very patient.

He loved Gwen. He loved her so much. She was Miss UNA, or something, when they were in school. He was always, 'I married a beauty queen.' He was always talking about what a wonderful wife and mother she was, and she was. She is a great mom to their kids. They were just the perfect couple. They matched each other so well. Loving, genuine, big-hearted people.

Kay Burlingame

"There are so many words that describe the man we respectfully called 'Mr. Bacon.' He was kind, caring, thoughtful, a patient and knowledgable teacher. A man of many talents and was as comfortable repairing his car as musical instruments. Mr. Bacon was respected and he was loved! A gentle giant, he loved his family, his friends, students, and he earned the title 'hero.' There are so many things to say about Pat. He gave so much of himself, without reservations. He was a 'servant.'"

Mark McChristian

"Mr. Bacon was the first experience we had with band. He was an incredibly patient and caring teacher as well as a friend later. He gave me, and others I am sure, the spark that has led to a career that I otherwise would never have imagined. I owe a huge debt to Mr. Bacon. While he retired a few years ago, his teaching and influence lives on in everyone he taught. I truly wish the profession had more people like him."

Justin Ward

Pat introduced me to music and specifically the trumpet. I wanted to play saxophone and he thought the trumpet was a better fit. he was a servant to all as a teacher at AMS and music director.pianist at his church both for 40 years. More than that, he was a devoted father, husband, brother, and friend. May God bless he who gave so much of himself to others in the hope the world might just be a little better, one student and note at a time."

Heidi Bartlett Evans

"I don't know that I have one outstanding memory of Mr. Bacon — I have hundreds. From the day he first put a flute in my hands, tried me out on it, and said, 'I need you on flute' (even though I wanted to try the French Horn), he was always so encouraging. That spring in his step, twinkle in his eye, and sly smile. He was the perfect person to guide first-time band students, and the perfect mentor. Rest in Peace, Mr. Bacon. The podium is dimmer today without your presence in this world."

Stephanie Blakely Calabrace

"It couldn't have been easy for this mild mannered man to handle all of us middle schoolers with our raging hormones and complete lack of musical prowess, but I swear, he stood up on that podium and patiently waved that baton and we all squeaked and squawked in complete lack of harmony and synchronization, he never ridiculed us and instead stood up there like we were the Berlin Philharmonic. I sure hope the angels singing were especially beautiful to Mr. Bacon's ears. Heaven knows he earned that. You influenced thousands and I know I'm but one who wishes they had had the chance to tell you."

Sallie Cowart Brock

"Pat Bacon was Athens School System's longest serving band director, 1971-2011. For 40 years, Mr. Bacon taught, encouraged, and served as a role model for Jr. High and Middle School students. He also served as First Presbyterian Minister of Music 1977-2017. His influence was monumental."

Superintendent Beth Patton

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Bacon, a beloved member of the Athens City Schools family. I will forever be grateful to Mr. Bacon for the lasting mark he made on me and also on the Athens Band Program as a whole."