We regret to advise of the death of John Moffat “Jack” Patterson at home in Parry Sound ON at the age of 90 years on 13 March 2013.
Jack was born in Port McNicoll, ON, the first in a family of seven boys. He was a veteran of the Second World War, enlisting in the Grey & Simcoe Foresters in Midland, ON in 1941. He subsequently transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers for active service in 1943. He arrived in England as reinforcement and was transferred to the Algonquin Regiment of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.
During Operation TOTALIZE in the Battle of Normandy, John was taken prisoner on Hill 140 during a battle during which the battalion suffered over 125 casualties including 46 killed. He spent the rest of the war in Stalag VII in Bavaria. He was liberated by the US 3rd Army in April 1945 and returned to Canada in July.
On his return, Jack returned to his previous employment with Canadian Pacific Railways. After retiring in 1971, he acquired Georgian Bay Creamery in Parry Sound which he operated for another 25 years.
Jack was a member of the Parry Sound branch of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #117. He was also President of Algonquin Regiment Veterans Association with significant contacts with Algonquin Veterans and survivors in Canada and USA. Like other veterans of Normandy, he was awarded the French Legion of Honour.
In 2016, students of Parry Sound High School unveiled the Jack Patterson Memorial Case that holds photographs and memorabilia from Jack’s life. Many of the students involved had visited Hill 140 and surrounding cemeteries the previous year.
Friends will be received at the Logan Funeral Home on 20 March from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. A Funeral Service in celebration of Jack’s life will take place in the Logan Memorial Chapel on 21 March at 11:00 A.M. Friends will be received prior to the Service from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. There will be a spring interment Carling Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Parry Sound High School Vimy Ridge Trip 2017 or to the Salvation Army would be appreciated.
In 2016, students of Parry Sound High School unveiled the Jack Patterson Memorial Case that holds photographs and memorabilia from Jack’s life. Many of the students involved had visited Hill 140 and surrounding cemeteries the previous year.
