Malcolm Alexander Patterson

Malcolm Alexander Patterson, 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 15th, 2022, in Halifax. Mal was born on December 9th, 1951, in Sydney, Cape Breton, and was the eldest child of the late Alexander (Alec) and Eleanor (Moreshead) Patterson, of Ottawa. He was extremely proud of his Scottish Ancestry and his Cape Breton roots. Growing up, Mal and his family would return to Cape Breton during the summers to be close to family. It was during these journeys that Malcolm developed lifelong friendships that meant the world to him. He always held a special place in his heart for the Island of Cape Breton and Cape Bretoners. Malcolm felt it was very important to continue to honour his parents’ tradition with his own young family with annual summer vacations to Cape Breton. He always cherished a gift of time spent at the “bungalow” on the Mira with his lifelong best friend, Gary MacInnis. In true Cape Breton fashion, Mal gave nicknames to many of his friends that continue to this day; Duke, Bing, Speed, Cumbo and many, many more! Malcolm and his family made yearly trips to Ottawa during the summer and over holidays to visit his parents and family. These trips were always a highlight for his family.

From a very early age, it was evident that Malcolm was a gifted athlete, excelling in all sports that he played; hockey, football, baseball and track and field while growing up in Ottawa. He was very fortunate to play against Guy LeFleur as a teenager and had fond memories of the game. Hockey continued to play a very important role in Malcolm’s life, not only as a player, but also as a coach. He coached both of his sons throughout the years and played on teams himself until he suffered his stroke. He was a diehard Red Wings fan! His idol was Gordie Howe and he aspired to be that "gentleman" in life and sports. As a teenage baseball catcher, he was scouted by the Oakland “A”s and received an invitation letter to their training camp. He loved the game and continued to play competitively for years with local teams and coached both of his sons. He was also a standout running back during his high school years at Confederation High School in Ottawa. Mal’s true love was football and it was football that led Mal to Dalhousie to play for the Tigers. Malcolm excelled as a Tiger Football Player becoming a star running back and place kicker. In 1974, Dalhousie University awarded Mal the Little Trophy as the “Most Valuable Football Player of Dalhousie’s Canadian Football Team”. In 2018, he was recognized as one of Dalhousie’s Top 10 Football Players from 1967-76. When his collegiate football career was over, Mal played flag football and then he was compelled to the game of rugby, playing for the original TARS. He was also a past member of Ashburn Golf Course and could not wait for the season to start each year. He and his best “buds”, Alvin MacDonald, Gary MacLean and Bobby Douglas, would head out early every morning and they would often end up back at the house for lunch with “stories” to share. His most cherished golf destination was The Highland Links. Malcolm was also a star track and field athlete, winning and setting numerous provincial records in Ontario; his favourite event being the shotput. His passion for track and field continued during his time coaching field athletes at Chebucto Track with Doug Mitchell. He was honoured in 1985 by “The Night of Champions” for his success in coaching athletes to medal in the Canada Games. He loved the thrill of skiing and we all have wonderful memories of our many family trips to Quebec. He loved to find a black diamond run and, like a bullet, he would go from the top to the bottom of the hill in one straight line! Not a “swish” or a turn the whole way! The only sport that Malcolm failed to conquer, though not from lack of determination and tireless marathon sessions, was water skiing! He never did stand up, but he was bound and determined to not let go of the tow rope; he looked like a torpedo being pulled through the water. Malcolm enjoyed the comradery of team sports on and off the field, rink, course, track and was admired for his knowledge, skills and insight.

After graduating from Confederation High School in Ottawa in 1970, Malcolm decided to return to Nova Scotia and attend Dalhousie University, enrolling in Physical Education. He was very proud to be a third generation Patterson to attend Dal. He graduated from Dalhousie in 1974 and became a teacher for the Halifax County School Board. Malcolm was a respected teacher who started his career as one of the first elementary physical education teachers in the County. His first circuit was the Little Brown and Green Schools in Wellington, Fall River East and West Schools, Windsor Junction School, Acadia Elementary and Sackville Heights Elementary. He then taught at Sackville Heights Junior High, finishing his career at the then newly built Millwood High School. He was a dedicated school coach and teacher and will be fondly remembered by both students and staff.

Family was most important to Mal and he loved and lived for his sons, Matt and Blake, with all of his heart. He was extremely proud of their many accomplishments and took an active part in the activities they chose to pursue. These memories and the bonds they shared will last forever. He not only taught them about sports, he taught them so many life lessons. Malcolm suffered a severe stroke at the age of 46, resulting in dementia and aphasia. Malcolm truly had the heart of a Tiger! Malcolm was and will remain deeply loved in all our hearts forever. He will be dearly missed and his life spirit will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his son, Matt (Jill) and their children, Emily and Matthew; and son, Blake (Amy) and their children, Lucas, Eli, Myer, Toula, Simon and Zeke. He is survived by his devoted ex-wife, and life mate, Patty Hoskin, who stayed by his side for 49 years. He is also survived by his sister, Heather (Al) Gillett and her children Lauren (Ben and baby Julian) and Patrick of Toronto; and his brother, Ross (Patti) and their children Shawn (Sarah) and Dan of Kanata; his dear Aunt Joan MacLean, Dartmouth, and several cousins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, former Attorney General Malcolm and Georgina (Ross) Patterson and his maternal grandparents, Melvin and Blanche (Boutilier) Moreshead all of Cape Breton.

His family extends their gratitude to Dr. Valerie Lewis and all the staff on the first and second floors at Arborstone for their dedication and support. Donations may be made to the Brain Injury Assoc., JDRF, or a charity of your choice. There will not be any funeral or visitation.