STUART JOSEPH PATEMAN

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STUART JOSEPH PATEMAN September 23, 1948 - May 19, 2011 After a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease, Stuart passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre on May 19, 2011, with the love of his family surrounding him. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Judy, sons Ryan and Drew (Julie) and granddaughter Ramona. The family is grateful that Stuart had the opportunity to meet and get to know his precious granddaughter. He is also survived by his father Leonard, siblings Janet Mattis (John), Walker (Barb) and Howard (Violet) along with their children and grand- children, mother-in-law Pat (Boppy) Martin, sisters-in-law Lynn (Bruce) and Laurie (Dennis) and their families. He is predeceased by his mother Betty Pateman and father-in-law Harold Martin. Stuart was raised on Oakview Ave. in East Kildonan, the youngest and most energetic of his family. He and Howard were partners in mischief for many years. From an early age it was apparent that Stuart collected friends wherever he went. Many have remained lifelong friends. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He loved life, adventure, friends and family. Even then Stuart's ability to think outside the box was apparent. He received his early education in the River East School Division, attending Prince Edward, Lord Wolseley, Melrose, John Henderson, Miles Macdonell and River East. He went on to receive his B.A. and B.Ed. from University of Winnipeg and University of Manitoba. Stuart began his teaching career at Viscount Alexander Junior High in 1974, then moving to John Pritchard in the River East School Division in 1976. He taught 18 years at Bertrun E. Glavin. In 1997, he moved to Sun Valley for a brief time until his illness forced him to go on medical leave. Throughout his teaching career Stuart was a fierce advocate for his students with colleagues and administrators. His methods were not always conventional but his gifts for teaching, his never ending flow of creativity and his caring heart were a part of what made Stuart so special. He loved to volunteer and help anyone who needed a hand, be it friend, neighbour or passerby. He was a Charter Member of the Elmwood Kildonan Y's Men Service Club. He gave much time and energy to fundraising and helping with Special Olympics. He shall truly be missed by his fellow Y's Men. He spotted Judy in 1967 and it was love at first sight for Stuart. They were married in 1971 and very soon he combined his passion for teaching and travelling by taking his new bride to the other side of the world to a teaching post in Geelong, Australia. Judy and Stuart made lifelong friends and had many unforgettable adventures during these two years. Upon their return from Australia in 1974, Stuart was driven to accomplish his dream of building squash courts just like the ones he played on in Geelong. He worked tirelessly to accomplish that dream hence The Court Sports Club on Taylor Ave. with International rules courts rather than American rules courts. To him, no dream was unattainable and he did it! As well as teaching and travel, Stuart developed a passion for skiing, snowboarding, golf, curling and travelling Canada with his sons. Anything with his sons was the ultimate for Stuart. It would not be unusual to see him setting up a snowboard run out of the upstairs window, or mattress sliding down the inside stair with Ryan, Drew, nieces and nephews and neighbourhood friends. There was also the yard sized skateboard ramp that more than filled the backyard with the ramp as well as the boys that practiced on it. His van was often packed with students off to a football game or nieces and nephews and family heading to the ski hill or just he and his sons exploring some new experience. He was truly a person who said Why not especially when it was for the kids! He will be fondly remembered by special friends Evan and Irene Kreutzer, Lorimer and Debbie Thompson, Donny Leishman, the members of the Y's Men Service Club as well as all his boys that were like family, spending many hours at home with Stuart. A special thank you goes to the boys for coming home to share in the sorrow of Stuart's passing. Above all, Stuart was the finest husband to Judy and the best father he could be to his sons, Ryan and Drew. He was so proud of his family. He gave his all to ensure that his sons were exposed to all facets of work, play and sports to carry them through their lifetimes. He packed it all into a short 18 and 16 years. We will always have his memory to guide us. Judy would like to express her deepest appreciation to Dr. Klaponski who looked after both her and Stuart throughout his stay in Riverview Health Centre. Thank you, as well, to Dr. Badenhorst and the staff of 4W, AB1 and CD2 units who provided the best of care. Thank you to her bus buddies who shared joys and sorrows as they rode the bus together each day and to Walker for always being there! Most of all thank you to Judy for her years of unselfish devotion and care to our dear Stuart. A private family interment will take place at a later date. There will be no formal service, however, please take time to honour Stuart in your own way. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Stuart may do so to the Alzheimer's Society, 10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 or Riverview Health Centre Foundation, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4 or the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2011