John PATERSON

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PATERSON: John Murray. After a brief illness, Jack passed away January 24, 2011 in Calgary. He is survived by his loving wife, of almost 50 years, Helen and two sons. Drew resides in Dallas and Craig in Maryville, TN. His special and precious granddaughters Kendall of Edmonton and Ashley of Maryville will miss deeply Poppa’s warm guidance and love. Jack was the loved and respected older brother of Brian and Doug of Brandon. In many ways at an early age, Jack guided and protected them against life storms beyond their control. Proving his character at an early age fostered his firm sense of fairness, intelligence, work ethic and sense of duty. He was “the lead dog” in the family – in every sense a role model. Given these characteristics, it was only natural he became a policeman. He joined the R.C.M.P. in 1959. Helen, Jack and the boys resides in Banff, Calgary and High River, Alberta before he retired in 1980 as S/Sgt in charge of Drumheller detachment. Most of his service time was spent in plain clothes Calgary G.I.S. and similar work. At his memorial service in Banff, a very large crowd heard one of his senior officers praise Jack’s thorough investigative habits, aided by his creativity and hard work. He had his fair share of high-pressure police files in the 60’s and 70’s. He was known to his mates as “one of the good guys”. On retirement, he and Helen established a c-store and laundromatat Douglas Fir Resort. After years of hard work and long hours, this successful business was sold in 2003. This allowed for travel with friends to many parts of the globe. Their favorite destination was always wherever their granddaughters lived. Jack adored them both. As well, the three brothers and Drew really enjoyed their 2009 trip to Scotland. Outside of family and work, Jack valued friends, cars and the Calgary Flames. As a teen, he and his pals restored and customized a 1941 Ford Coupe amongst others. Helen still drives “Winston”, her 1958 Morris Minor convertible bought in 1967 and gradually restored by Jack (please visit http://morrisminorowners.co.uk/A_tribute_to_a_dear_friend__about2681.html). Lately, Jack was about to work on two 1953 G.M.C. pickups. Jack had many talents. He rebuilt cars but also did many home renosand all maintenance at the store. He and Helen created a beautiful home in Banff, although friends and family enjoyed their generous hospitality wherever they lived. People liked to be around Jack because of his friendliness, considerate politeness and sense of protection he projected. He had an innate sense of always wanting to help and do the right thing.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 26, 2011