Patterson - Cook Southland Funeral Chapel

Donald Patterson

1944 - 2017

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel - Patterson(2017)

Mr. Donald Gordon Patterson, beloved husband of 37 years to Janet, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at the age of 72 years. He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by his children, Clay (Brandy), Taude (Megan); mother-in-law, Katherine Konrad; brother-in-law, Wayne (Margaret) Konrad as well as nieces, Lori (Morley) Herter and Kim (Mike) Vair and their families. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Troy in infancy and daughter, Danielle. Don was a colourful character with many talents, most of which were self taught. We liked to call him our very own renaissance man! Whenever anything sparked his interest he would pursue it with a passion whether it was photography, sketching, painting, fishing, sausage making or carpentry. He was a terrific cook - a foodie long before “foodie” was ever a common term - always perfecting a recipe or creating his own. Don taught himself to play guitar at a young age which led to his career as a professional musician. He played across Canada with various musicians and bands but most memorably “Springfield”. Don took great joy in entertaining and loved to share jokes and stories with friends and family over a good meal and a few cold beer. He could never remember an important date but never forgot a joke. If Don had a message to leave he would tell us to “enjoy the music and always, always dance to your own tune”. The family would like to thank the home care nursing team and especially Johanna for going above and beyond to make Don’s final weeks and days more comfortable. At Don’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s name may be made to Persian Dreams and Canine Themes, P.O. Box 23134 Medicine Hat Mall, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4C7

Murray Irving:
Jul 20, 2017 at 10:07 PM

Janet: By strange coincidence, Wes Archer and myself were sharing stories about Don while driving to Calgary on Monday. We both agreed that he was one of the most influential and motivational people in our musical journeys. I am saddened by his passing and want you to know that both of you were in my thoughts often. I know that you are well supported by those close to you. It is important for you to also know that thoughts and love surrounds you from people from your past. Take care... Murray

Kimberly Vair:
Jul 21, 2017 at 04:07 PM

He will be missed. What you wrote was beautiful and well said. That is exactly how he will live on in my mind and memories as a fun loving creative soul.
Sending all our love.
Kim and Mike

Thinking of You:
Jul 22, 2017 at 04:07 AM

Dear Jan, Clay and Taude: I knew Don from another life and had meant to call you, Jan, after speaking with Clay earlier this year. Other issues reared their heads in my life at this time so didn't take the time to do so. At any rate, I did want to send you our sincere condolences at this time. Don was a fun loving and kind fellow. He had a wonderful sense of the absurd and did love his band and his music. He brought much joy to many - I being one of them. I always felt he had a very deep and romantic soul. He was a raconteur of sorts with all his wonderful story telling and unusual collection of people in his life. He never seemed to judge anyone unfairly. A trait many of us could learn from. I do hope that you can take much peace in remembering the good times and his kind and clever humour. He was one unique chap and will be sorely missed. Blessings to all. Sincerely, Margaret (Crerar) and Ken Ewing

Nancy Lehr:
Jul 24, 2017 at 08:07 PM

I was sorry to hear of Don's passing. I worked with Don at American Electric back in the early sixties, and also knew him from school and through his dad and Kate. I always enjoyed catching up with him when our paths would cross. Indeed, he was a unique and very talented individual. My thoughts are with your family at this time. With Love and Empathy. Nancy Lehr

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