February 29, 1924 - December 26, 2018
Art Patterson of Calgary, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at the age of 94 years.
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Art Patterson. He led a great life and touched and influenced many people. Art was very devoted to his family and dearly loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved more than anyone or anything his wife of 60 years, Margaret, and missed her immensely over the past ten years since she passed away.
Art was born in Calgary and grew up in what became known as the Hart House above Sarcee Trail. He trained as an navigator during World War Two. Following the war he graduated as a Geological Engineer from the University of British Columbia. This led to a long and successful career as an exploration geologist in the oil business in Calgary. His first assignment was with Imperial Oil doing geological mapping of the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains from southern Alberta and British Columbia into the North West Territories. Transportation those summers was initially by horseback and packhorses, followed by early bush planes and finally helicopters. There are many colourful stories about friends, colleagues, pilots, and their adventures from those days that Art loved to tell!
His love of skiing and familiarity with helicopters led to the idea of helicopter skiing and to a long association with friends and guides at Canadian Mountain Holidays. He was very involved in ski touring and building the first huts along the Wapta Traverse.
Art and Margie both loved the mountains and were always creating family wilderness adventures, from Christmas at Halfway Hut, to camping in tipis up the Spray, to kayaking the Liard River in spring flood!
Art was also a major influence in the lives of many young people as a Cub Scout and Venturer Leader (perhaps as a means to keep his free-spirited son and friends occupied and out of trouble!).
With Margie he travelled thousands of miles either on skis or on foot or in a kayak or in their motorhome. Their passion at home was their lovely garden. Art was a skilled wood worker and in his later years built seven beautiful grandfather clocks for Margie, their children and grandchildren. Despite several major medical problems over his 94 years he kept his humour and optimistic attitude.
Art is predeceased by his first born son James Arthur and his wife Margaret Helen. Also predeceased by his dear friend and companion Donna Riback. He is survived by his children: Harry (Sarah), Mary (Paj), Susan and Joan; and grandchildren Luke (Chelsea), Nigel (Lynnea), Amelie (Brayden), Angela, Krista (Kam), Tessa (Ben), Ben (Tara), Jennifer (Alex); and six great-grandchildren Isla, Quinn, Keagan, Ella, Marla and Toriana.
We wish to thank friends and family for their caring and comfort, as well as the visits which Art always enjoyed. Thanks also to Swan Evergreen Assisted Living, South Campus Hospital, and especially the wonderful staff at the Bow Crest Care Centre.
A memorial celebration of life will take place The Glencoe Club 636 29 Ave SW, Calgary, AB on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 2 pm.
Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In lieu of flowers, he expressed a wish for donations to be made to a charity or cause of your choice.
In living memory of Art Patterson, A Tree Will Be Planted At Fish Creek Provincial Park By Mcinnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
Service Details
2:00 PM