Robert Douglas Patterson
March 26th, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Douglas Patterson, known to most as “Bob”, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at the age of 82 at his home on the farm outside of Carstairs, Alberta. Bob was born in Calgary, Alberta on May 5, 1937. He was the only child to Kyle and Jean Patterson, who had resided in the Shepard area along the Bow River outside of Calgary.
Bob met the love of his life, Jean, and after a short courtship were then married on July 10, 1970. They continued to farm in Shepard until the land was sold to the city in 1979 and relocating west of Carstairs. They raised three children and together farmed up until 2010, when their health prevented them from actively farming. They were together until Jean’s passing in April of 2014.
Bob was a family man who had a love for sports, mainly baseball and hockey, hunting and fishing, solitude with his dogs and horses and as the years passed he found a love of painting. He was an active community member volunteering as a hockey coach and 4-H leader. Throughout his life he was known by many as a very kind and humble man, one who would give you the shirt of his back if needed. Bob was blessed to have been able to support a vast number of charities, most often anonymously not once wanting recognition, and continued to do so up until his passing. He was very adamant about giving back when you could.
He leaves to mourn his passing his three children, Anita Etmanski, Cindy Sandilands and her husband Bill, Eddy Patterson and his wife Erika and his grandchildren, Gavin and Shiloh Etmanski, Scott, Sade and Sierra Sandilands and Kiara and Mia Patterson. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ALS Society of Alberta, 7874 – 10 St NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 8W1, and STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7.
Messages:
It is with great sadness we heard the news of Bob's passing. Bob was a good friend when we were growing up together in Shepard. Even then Bob had a gentleness about him, a calmness that he projected to those around him and we always had good fun. We shared a lot of adventures during the teen and twenty years. We also shared the years following his marriage to Jean, and we married one month apart. Bob and Jean were a lovely couple and complimented each other well, both kind, thoughtful and giving. We had some wonderful times together and good memories. Our last conversation with Bob was around Christmas this past year and he shared the love of his family through updates on what everyone was doing. His love of you all, Anita, Cindy and Eddy, always showed through in his conversation. Our condolences to you all, Love Doug & Bonnie Cranston.
So sorry to hear Cindy. A beautiful obituary that described him to a T. Please give my condolences to Anita and Ed. You were a good daughter and you looked after him so well. Take care my friend!
We wish to send our sincere regards to the family at this time.
Anita, Cindy, Eddy & Families So sorry for the loss of your Dad our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Bob was the kindest most giving caring humble man and best friend and neighbor to my Dad and your Mom a very dear friend to my Mom. I have known him all of my life and recall when I was young him riding his horse over to our farm at Shepard to visit and the days I spent in the fields with your Dad & Grandfather Kyle when our families hayed and harvested together. I will always cherish the visits and laughs we shared at his home on the farm remembering the good ole times our families shared together. Laurie Van Tighem & Family
Bob will surely be missed. So happy I was able to meet and share time with him. He will always be remembered very fondly by our family. Our regards. Familia Gomez Dent (Leo, Ana and Felipe)
Anita, Cindy and Eddy - Our deepest condolences to all of you and your families. Your Dad was an amazing man that was an absolute joy to visit. There may have been days when you all thought otherwise but he had a heart of gold. Cherish all the special memories. Our most favourite memory was the look on both Bob and Jean’s faces when we showed up for the “mock wedding” at Anita’s gift opening - the laughter spilling over with tears and red faces was by far worth it! We will miss him dearly. I believe they are joined in heaven holding hands and reuniting once again ❤️❤️❤️
Both my husband and I met Bob several years ago. We have always enjoyed our conversations with him. 7 years ago I started a charity and Bob was one of the first to donate to get it up and running. He believed in the cause and loved it was local. He had continued to donate to the cause that helps local families with children in medical need. Often checking in with his daughter Anita on the charity’s progress. Bob and his family have donated to many causes and Bob has a huge heart. Thank you so much Bob for also allowing my family to stay at your little peace of heaven for a family holiday a few years ago. I have such fond memories of our time there. Thinking of you all and sending our love and thoughts from the Nicholson’s ❤️
I was sad when I heard this. I remember Bob exactly as described here. He was a great man and Carstairs was lucky to have him. You’re all in our thoughts/prayers. The Seib’s
We are saddened to hear that our dear friend has passed on. We will remember his kindness knowledge and ambition as he continued on in spite of many health issues. Our condolences to his family.
I met Bob here in Costa Rica along with Jane and the rest of the Patterson Family shortly after Eddy moved here... Bob quickly became a true example of the man i would like to be . the LOVE for his wife and family above all is what i will always remember. Ed, Anita and Cindy Guys your parents did a outstanding job in life, you are amazing Lovely people ... send you love from Costa Rica! Pablo