Alan William Paterson

Alan, affectionately known to many as Santa Al, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, at the age of 79, with family and friends by his side.

Alan was born on July 26, 1946, in Kinistino, Saskatchewan.

He joined the Navy on June 24, 1964, as a Bandsman before transferring to Cook the following year. Over his 34-year career, Alan worked with the three elements of the Canadian Forces, spending 10 years at sea, two years in air transport, and many others on bases across the country. He proudly served Canada as a Navy chef, bringing warmth, nourishment, and joy to those around him both in service and in civilian life. His culinary talents were matched only by his kindness and humour. He was also a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces 1967 ‘Tattoo’.

With great pride, he retired as Chief Petty Officer 1st Class in 1998.

In “retirement”, Al worked as a Commissionaire (security) at the Victoria airport for 10 years, donning a Santa suit each December to bring smiles to the masses and, perhaps even more importantly, fundraising for the Victoria Hospice in the name of his late wife, Sharon. Single-handedly, Al raised more than $84,000 for the hospice over a 15-year period.

In his leisure time, Alan loved to fish and golf and was a member of the Black Powder Malahat Marauders. But above all, he cherished time spent with his family. In his own words, his proudest family moments were "the birth of my sons, marriage to Sharon and the girls, and meeting and loving Marion".

Al is survived by his four children: Leanne (Chris), Scott (Elena), Heather, Mark (Kathy); five grandchildren: Quintin, Robbie, Arabella, Rhys, and Finn; two sisters: Laura and Linda (Rick), his stepbrother Larry, and his loving partner in later life, Marion, and her two daughters Adrienne and Heather (Ryan).

Al touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth, generosity, sarcasm, and good spirits will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, family, and service.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and support staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for their kind and compassionate care during his short stay there.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 23, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chief and Petty Officers' Mess located at 1575 Lyall St, Victoria, BC (Esquimalt).

In Alan’s memory, please consider making a financial donation to Victoria Hospice to help him get closer to reaching his goal of $100,000 in his fundraising journey.