The Brooks Patterson Community Leadership Award is presented annually by the Cattaraugus County Planning Board to one or more community leaders who exemplify the outstanding spirit and example that Torrance Brooks and Donald Patterson set during their lifetime of dedicated service to their respective communities, County Legislature, County Planning Board, and regional agencies.

The recipients of these annual awards are chosen to give countywide recognition to leaders and volunteers who make lasting contributions to the people and communities of Cattaraugus County and its region.

The Cattaraugus County Planning Board’s theme for these awards is “People Are Our Greatest Resource”. In this spirit, we are pleased to present the 2024 Brooks Patterson Community Leadership Award to:

Charles Couture

For Outstanding Leadership in Community Involvement and Economic Development in Cattaraugus County

In Loving Memory of Charles

Charles Couture, or as many of you remember him as “Chuck”, was very involved in his community. Chuck received his B.S. in Soil Science from Michigan University and did graduate work at Cornell. He and his wife, Phyllis were active in various agriculture circles since moving to Cattaraugus County in 1968. Chuck worked as an agriculture teacher at Springville Griffith Institute, retiring in 1995, and owned Fox Valley Greenhouse in West Valley. While teaching, he served as the Advisor for the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He had numerous Empire and American Degree Farmers, and was awarded the Honorary American Farmer Degree.

Chuck and Phyllis were 4-H leaders who served on the Cattaraugus County 4-H Program Committee and the Cattaraugus County Cooperative Extension Board of Directors. Their love for agriculture had passed to their 3 children who were all 10-year members of 4-H.

Chuck wore many hats in his community, serving on many other boards and committees such as:

• Chairman of the Cattaraugus County Planning Board
• Farmland Protection Board
• Southern Tier West Board
• President of the West Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Member, Trustee, and Financial Chair for St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in West Valley
• Former Cattaraugus County Legislator
• Former President and Board Member of the Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau
• President of the State Agriculture Teachers Association
• Councilman for the Town of Ashford
• Member of the Seneca Trail RC&D

In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, working in his greenhouse, collecting model trains and other collectables, attending farmers markets, and gardening. Chuck passed away in late March in his home at the age of 81. The Cattaraugus County Planning board would like to honor him and remember all he has done within his community and the wonderful impact he has made within it; he will be missed greatly. Many condolences to his family who will be receiving this award on his behalf.