Rolf PATERSON

PATERSON, Rolf H.R.B.
October 29, 1941 – October 15, 2017
While in the comfort of his home and under the loving care of his family and professional caregivers, as per Rolf's wishes he passed away peacefully after a courageous 5 year battle with cancer.
Rolf was born in Salmon Arm, BC to Alvera and Max Paterson and lived in Sicamous until age 7 then moved to Vernon where he attended Vernon Prep School to grade 9 and Vernon High School for grades 10 and 11. In 1958 the family moved to Vancouver where he attended Magee High School. After attending the University of British Columbia, where he was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, graduating in
1965 with a Bachelor of Commerce, he started his business career articling for Clarkson Gordon continuing to practice with the firm as a Chartered Accountant for two years. In 1970 he left Clarkson Gordon to take a senior management position with Daiwa Canada where ultimately, he became president. In 1986 he and long-time friend Bruce Russell acquired the Gulf Pacific Group, a multi-faceted commercial property management company, which continued to be an important part of his life up to his passing. Through Gulf Pacific, they acquired a significant interest in Enerpro Systems Corp. a leader in the energy management industry.
In addition to his business interests, throughout his life Rolf was a highly respected volunteer on numerous boards of Directors, committees and associations, including: president of both the BC and Canadian Badminton Associations and as the CBA representative, was involved with the Canadian Olympic Committee plus served as the vice president of the Pan American Badminton Federation. He was the past president of the Vancouver Racquets Club and a director of Hollyburn Country Club, the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, Yaletown House and the Architecture Foundation of BC. He was a mentor to many.
Sports, whether as a player, administrator or spectator were an important part of Rolf's life which helped define his caring, competitive and co-operative nature. While he enjoyed many sports, including fishing, he and his brother Ed played badminton for 40+ years, excelling at an international level and reigning many years as Canadian junior singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles champions. The duo represented Canada at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Jamaica while Rolf also played in the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland. They were both members of 3 Canadian Thomas Cup teams competing against Japan, Mexico and the USA. At age 57, at the Canadian Seniors' Badminton Championships with his good friend Bruce Rollick, they won the men's doubles.
Rolf also loved to travel, experiencing some of his most cherished moments and memories traveling with his family, including his young grandchildren. He traveled extensively through sports and business, but enjoyed it most with his family, especially in his later years.
Notwithstanding an incredible business, sports and volunteer career, Rolf's greatest love and pride was his family. While predeceased by his mother and father, he leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Ann; two daughters, Alison; Joann (Lindsay) Ross and beloved granddaughters Ellie and Camryn and brother, Ed (Lis) Paterson, as well as extended family and a wide circle of friends and staff.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kim Chi and staff at the BC Cancer Agency for their care throughout his 5 year battle and more recently, the Lions Gate Hospital staff and his home care team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paterson Family Fund, c/o the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, proceeds of which are for the North Shore Hospice or alternatively, to the BC Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Rolf's Life from 2 – 5 p.m., October 29 at the Seymour Golf Club, 3723 Mt Seymour Pkwy, North Vancouver, BC. May his soul rest in peace.