ROBERT GIBBS PATTERSON

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ROBERT GIBBS PATTERSON June 19, 1926 - February 18, 2014 On Tuesday, February 18, 2014, Robert passed away at Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 87 years. Robert is survived by his four children, Donna Brown of Texas, Bruce (Lorraine) Patterson of Calgary, Cameron Patterson of Virginia, and Allister Patterson of Winnipeg; four grandchildren, Andrea Brown, Amber Brown, Blair Patterson, and Brett Patterson; brother Tome Patterson of Comox; as well as other family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Norma and by his parents, Thomas and Marie Patterson. On June 19, 1926 Robert was born in Winnipeg and attended Gordon Bell High School. He joined the Merchant Navy as a Cadet Officer in 1944, and served on the Rupert Park and the Okanagan Park. In 1949, Robert started a radioman apprenticeship at the Manitoba Telephone System, later promoted to a foreman and supervisor before retiring in 1983. He took a great deal of pride in becoming a private pilot during the early 1950's, and serving as a Petty Officer in the Canadian Reserve during the late 1950's. Robert married Norma Rankine on June 26, 1954, and they were together for 58 years. Upon retirement Robert and Norma enjoyed traveling, visits from children and grandchildren, and living in British Columbia and Alberta before returning to Manitoba. Robert loved sailing and flying throughout his life, owning a sailboat in Comox, BC, and being an active member of the flying community at Milk River, AB. In compliance with Robert's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Our family wish to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Grace Hospital and the Assiniboine Clinic for their excellent care over many years. Wojcik's Winnipeg Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Ave., 204-897-4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2014