October 8, 1921 – March 3, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our family patriarch, John Hunter Patterson. After a fourteen year battle with cancer, John died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife and family. John was born in the small coal mining town of Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, N.S. He was predeceased by his brothers; Joseph (killed WWII), Robert, Sid, Angus, Quincy, Allen, George, Gordon and Neil.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Kathleen (Kay Mitchell) and seven children; Marilyn (Len), Margaret (Bob), Cathy, Michael (Lynn), David, Ron (Julie), and Richard (Heidi), as well as thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Dad joined the RCAF as soon as he was old enough. After serving at Pat Bay where he met his sweetheart Kay, and later in Alaska, he settled in Victoria. He found work in the elevator trade, working for Otis Elevator for 42 years. For many years he represented his fellow workers as Shop Steward for the I.U.E.C. Local 82. In spite of all the long hours of work and union activities, he still found time to spend with his family, taking them on many fishing and camping trips. He enjoyed his retirement years gardening, fishing, woodworking, enjoying wildlife, walking in the woods, and spending his evenings reading.
Special thanks to Dr. Mawdsley and to the “Nurse Next Door” for the home care and compassion provided by Christine, Estelle and Christine.
A memorial service will be held Saturday March 14th at 2:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of Douglas and Broughton Streets. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer Foundation, 2410 Lee Ave., Victoria, BC, V8R 6V5.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Mike Patterson
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sheila luthi I am so very sad for all of you. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I wish there were words that would comfort you in some way. Unfortunately there are none.
The world has lost a great man! I am very, very sorry for your loss. Hugs all around. Love Sheila
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Dorothy MacDonald, Beverley Beaman, Annie MacLean, Marilyn MacDonald, Kevin MacDonald and Stephen MacDonald (Gourley Cousins) Mike and Family
We grieve with you for the loss of your husband, dad and granddad. Our thoughts and hearts will continue to be with you in the weeks and months ahead.“May tender memories soften your grief,
May fond recollection bring you relief,
And may you find comfort and peace in the thought
Of the joy that knowing your loved one brought…
For time and space can never divide
Or keep your loved one from your side.
When memory paints in colors true,
the happy hours that belonged to you.”
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Stan Sandvik and Donna (Porter) Sandvik Dearest Patterson Family,
We join with you in remembering your dear husband, father and grandfather. The Porter and Sandvik families have fond memories of your family. Stan and Pat worked together at Otis elevator as did Donna’s first husband “Port”. All of the Porter children (John, David, Deborah, Andrew, Tammy and Amy) remember the camping years at Weirs beach (of course Tammy and Amy were not yet born at that time). They were great family holidays. You were all good friends and Pat will be missed. Sincerely, Stand and Donna.
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Neil Cosgrove I will never forget his guidance whether it was at work, fishing or just having coffee he always gave you choices!
He was a big man in many ways, I never saw him back down in any situation that he thought was right, I will miss him a good freind!
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Richard & Heidi Dad, your battle is now over, no more pains, no more suffering and you are no longer weak.
The journey wasn’t an easy one, but you fought the fight and you did a good job. I’m very proud to say you are my dad, the greatest man I’ve ever known. But the most precious thing to me was you being there for my first breath, and me being there for your last. Thank you for being my Dad.Remembering Dad is easy, I do it everyday, but missing him is heartache that never goes away.
We miss you so much Dad…
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Brenda Smith for Betty McCormick My mother would wish for me to send this message of condolence to you and your family Michael.
You have been a blessing in her life these past couple of years. She is so sorry to have missed the chance to meet your dad but I am sure you will be able to give her many wonderful stories of him when you meet.
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Janet Hollier Johnson So sad to read of John’s passing. I’m sure you will all miss him greatly. Special condolence to Marilyn, Margaret and Cathy.
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Leslie Wood I had the pleasure of working with John at Otis Elevator for the year or two before he retired. He was always ready to answer any questions and was always a gentleman in every sense of the word. I will remember him fondly.
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Don Ford I will miss John as his passing will leave a lasting memory of how he lead us through some very difficult times in the elevator industry. During the strike in 1972 that lasted for seven months he never waivered in his conviction that we would see a positive outcome and that we must all stand together in solidarity. He will be remembered and admired by all who worked in the trade. Rest in peace my friend
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Mike Patterson My best friend for 59 years. Dad, you showed us how life should be lived. I miss you so much it hurts! Well done Dad, well done!
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gracie I will be thinking of you all today…with love and hugs……..gracie
Dad……where are the keys for your car?