Henry W. (Pat) Patterson, Lieutenant, RCNVR

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

Henry W. (Pat) Wilson

Lieutenant, RCNVR

Born: 16 Mar 1919

Died: 17 Nov 2016, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

PATTERSON, Henry W. (Pat) - passed away peacefully at the age of 97 at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, surrounded by members of his loving family. Devoted husband of Louise (Skinner), to whom he was happily married for 73 years. Dear father of Carol (Lawrence), Heather (Rajan), Bonni (Norm), Janet, Stephen (Marianne) and Robert (Carmalita). Dear grandfather of Christian, Nick (Amanda), Robin (Delia), Sunny (Montanne), Jesse (Laura), Joanna (Jason), Maureen (Jeremy), Allison, P.J. (Emily), Joy, Caitlin (Dave), Ian and Christine. Proud great-grandfather of Serena, Finn, Lily, Jazzen, Covelle, Patrick, Julia and Hector. All will miss him greatly, as will his sister Christine, five nieces and nephews, and many friends and colleagues over the years. Born in Aylesford, Nova Scotia, Pat grew up in Montreal, graduating from McGill and then Columbia University (Journalism). While posted to the west coast in the Canadian Navy, he met and married Louise, the love of his life. When the war ended, he resumed his career as a Newspaper Reporter and Editor - in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Toronto, where his growing family finally settled. Twenty years later, he began a second career when he joined Public Relations Services Limited (PRSL), Canada's oldest PR firm, and eventually became President. After heading its operations for seven years, he served as a Director and Senior Consultant when the company was merged with Continental Communications. Pat's interests were broad. He served as a Director of a number of organizations, from the Toronto Men's Press Club to the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club. He also helped to found the Toronto Grand Masters Curling League and the National Competitive Festival of Music and was an honorary life member of the Canadian Association of Music Festivals. He supported many worthy causes, from the Bruce Trail to UNICEF. He loved music from an early age; his family was treated to his fine baritone voice and his piano playing. He was interested in Canadian history, sports and politics. When he wasn't working, he loved gardening, camping, special outings with the family and cottage life at Sauble Beach. Curling began in his forties, and he was still skipping at the age of 92. Once the family was raised, he enjoyed travels with Louise. In retirement, he became a fine woodcarver. If there was something to edit, like the newsletter of the condominium building where he lived with Louise, he was on it. Pat's gentleness, wisdom and integrity benefitted all who knew him. A celebration of life will take place at a later date to honour his long, full, wonderful life. In memory of Pat, donations to the Sunnybrook Foundation or Habitat for Humanity would be appreciated. (The Toronto Star 23 Nov 2016)

"All my service (1943-1946) was on the Pacific coast. My first ship was HMCS Wolf, a converted yacht working as a gate vessel at the entrance to the Esquimalt naval base outside Victoria, B.C. My second posting was to HMCS Dawson, a corvette. The third was to a Bangor-class minesweeper, HMCS Bayfield. All of these assignments were of relatively short duration, upon which came a succession of appointments to Fairmile-class sub-chasers. Grouped into two flotillas of six ships each we worked five-day shifts, patrolling the Strait of Juan de Fuca for Japanese submarine activity. My first Fairmile was Motor Launch (ML) Q-O71, after which I successively captained Fairmiles Q-067, Q-069, and Q-125."

Ships served in:

MLQ067 - 6th Commanding Officer

ML Q069 - 3rd Commanding Officer

ML Q125