Throughout his life, Patrick Wickham was a champion of independent filmmakers and produced several experimental films early in his career that played at underground film festivals in the U.S., Brazil and Europe. Later he helped bring innovative and award-winning programs to public television. Mr. Wickham, 36, formerly of Glen Ellyn, who worked as an executive with Independent Television Service, died of cancer Tuesday, Feb. 17, in his home in San Francisco. Born and raised in Glen Ellyn, Mr. Wickham attended schools there before earning a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. After producing several short films of his own, he went to work for the series “Alive From Off Center” at Twin Cities Public Television in St. Paul. Later he joined the newly formed Independent Television Service, a government-mandated organization created in 1991 by media activists, citizens and politicians seeking to foster diversity in public television. In managerial roles, Mr. Wickham helped bring nearly 400 independent programs to PBS and other public television stations. “His contributions over the past 13 years were enormous,” said Independent Television Service President Sally Jo Fifer. “He had a special gift that made filmmakers know they had someone in their corner.” Mr. Wickham also supervised new media contract issues for several projects, such as the service’s new weekly PBS series “Independent Lens.” “Patrick was smart, fun, inspired, deeply committed and wise,” Fifer said. “He gave tirelessly to ITVS and was an integral part of our success.” Survivors include his wife, Kristi Highum; his mother, Virginia; and his maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Carfora. Services have been held.
