John "Jack" Patterson

       He was the son of Jimmy and Margaret Patterson. John grew up in Montreal, Quebec.

      John was raised with four siblings. He had three older brothers and one older sister. John was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, John had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. John was an active child who took part in football and hockey. He was a member of the Boys' Brigade. In his spare time he liked to collect and trade baseball cards. However, to John, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, John had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Westmount High School in 1945. Like most, he enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers but his true interest was always focused on the hockey arena and the football field.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, John enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, among his best friends were Frankie and Edward Reed. Later in life, he became friends with Dawson Dobby, Garnett White, Don Kendall, Roger Sangalo, and Sid Harvey.

      On February 21, 1953 John exchanged wedding vows with Margaret Paterson at Verdun United Church of Montreal, Quebec. Empathic and loyal, John was committed to making his new family happy.

      John worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. John was blessed with four children, three sons Stuart, Ron, Don and one daughter Janet. Another blessing for John was the gift of seven grandchildren Kendall, Steven, Jessica, Kelsey, Lindsay, Shauna and Aimee.

      Fortunately, John enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, John worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was to serve as an installer with Bell Canada. He was employed for 37 years for the same company. John always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      John enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were athletic. He enjoyed swimming, skating, golf, and camping. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone when possible, but was also willing to drop everything for a game of pick-up football or hockey.

      Obviously John found great pleasure in sports. In high school, John played football and hockey. Later he would become a dedicated golfer. John was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were the same games he loved to play: golf, football, and hockey.

      Throughout his life, John was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, John was an active member of the Early Bird Golf Association.

      John enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacation destinations included Daytona Beach, Florida.

      John was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Shamus, a Labrador Retriever. They were best friends for 12 years.

      When John’s retirement finally arrived in 1982, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing golf and in spending time with friends and family. Even in retirement, John continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. John was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      John passed away on April 2, 2015 at Henderson Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario. He is survived by his wife Margaret, his four children, three daughters-in-law, seven grandkids, and one great-grandchild.

      Simply stated, John was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. John leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories.

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Peacefully at the Henderson Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario on Thursday, April 2, 2015 in his 88th year. Beloved husband of Margaret and loving father of Stuart (Jo-Ann), Ron (Sue), Don (Shirley) and Janet. Sadly missed by grandchildren Aimee, Lindsay, Shauna, Kendall, Jessica, Steve, Kelsey and great-grandson Cayden and special sister-in-law Sheila. The family will receive friends at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Avenue East, Hamilton on Monday, April 6, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m. Cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.