Obituary of Stephen Michael Patterson
It is with heavy hearts, and deep sorrow that the family of Stephen Patterson announces his passing on Monday, February 19th. Steve was our husband, our father, our “Grandad”, and a lifelong teacher to thousands of London area students. Steve peacefully passed away, in his home, surrounded by family and loved ones. Over these last few weeks, Steve’s close family have been lovingly by his side, caring for him, and just being with their Steve, as he dealt with pancreatic cancer. Many of Steve’s closest friends dropped on by to share stories, to visit with Steve and Faye, and to just reminisce with Steve about a life so very well lived.
Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Faye, and his daughter, Julie Wammes (Ron), and his grandchildren, whom he loved so much, Rachel and Natalie. He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Isabelle, who raised Steve alongside his brothers and sisters, Marie Bethe, Betty Anne, Kenneth (deceased), Barb, John, Cathy (deceased), and the youngest, Kevin. Steve was also predeceased by his in laws, Betty and John Sagriff. He was a loving brother in law to many and was cherished, and will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. He was always the favourite uncle.
The love Steve had for his family and friends was an inspiration to others of how to live one’s life. Steve cherished every moment with his wife, and family, and the love he poured out for his grand girls was shown each and every day by his countless acts of simple kindness and generosity of self. For Steve, family was everything.
Steve and Faye were very active and devoted in their church life and attended Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. Their faith in a loving and caring God was a strong component in their everyday life and was an integral part of how they raised such a beautiful and loving family.
The circle of friends who have embraced Steve is very large indeed. He was a quiet leader who led them through the example of how he lived his life. His love for his friends was given right back to him. He taught those around him what it means to love unconditionally, how to give of one’s self so continuously, and how to show compassion, empathy, and care for all those around you. His way of being in this world was simply one of stewardship. You can bet that there will be a round of cold beer hoisted into the air with the sentimental cheer, “Here is to our good friend Steve!” bellowed out by his friends, “the boys”, down at the Byron Legion sometime real soon.
Steve was born in New Brunswick and moved to Ontario when he was 10. He married the love of his life, and his best friend, Faye, in August of 1969, at about the same time he was beginning a long and successful career in teaching. Steve taught at numerous elementary schools, before moving to Catholic Central High School, where he taught Geography from 1987 until his retirement in 2000. Steve was passionate about the study of urban and physical geography, and shared his love and enthusiasm for this topic with students whom he so genuinely cared about. Steve often used the wonderful and natural world in the out of doors as his classroom, and could often be found trekking along the Bruce Peninsula with 20-30 students in his charge. Whether they were learning about rock formations or mapping skills, Steve was a master at his craft. His students were so lucky to have “Mr. P” as the teacher standing at the front of the room, wherever that classroom took them.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kirk Hamilton, Dr. Ed Stack and the palliative care team, and to all our friends and family who have given us strength, love and prayers along this journey.
Please join the Patterson family as we celebrate the beautiful life of our kind and gentle husband, father, “Grandad”, and friend. We love you Steve, and we are so lucky to know that in our lifetime, you loved all of us. Visitors will be received at Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Friday, February 23rd from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Mary Immaculate Parish, 1980 Trafalgar Street, at 10 o’clock on Saturday, February 24th. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy and donations can be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation (www.LHSF.ca) or St. Vincent de Paul (https://ssvplondon.ca/monetary/)
