Reverend Dr. Owen R. PATTERSON

PATTERSON, Reverend Dr. Owen R.
The death of the Rev. Dr. Owen R. Patterson, B.A., MDiv., D.D. will be a source of grief to his many friends throughout Ontario where he was widely and affectionately known for his wit, wisdom, compassion and devotion to God and his church. He was the beloved husband of the late Reitta Walker who worked at his side throughout his ministry and whose many talents complemented his. Born of pioneering stock, Owen was the only son of Emery and Amelia Wilcox Patterson. He was the third generation to work the family fruit farm in Grimsby, where Centennial Park is now situated. He attended Grimsby schools and the University of Western Ontario and was active in Canadian drama circles and Trinity United Church, where he was assistant to the Minister prior to enrolling in McMaster Divinity College and Emmanuel College in 1961. During his student years, he and Reitta served the churches of the KerTapleytown pastoral charge at Abingdon, Ker, Fulton, Tapleytown, Tweedside and Rock Chapel. After ordination they worked for four years on the ConnistonMinnow Lake pastoral charge, before being called to the Creighton-Lively pastoral charge where they served until ill-health forced Owen's retirement in 1980. Owen became deeply involved in the lives of the people in this northern community and the churches of Manitou Conference. In this conference he served as Pastor, member of General Conference Executive, Commissioner to General Council, Chairman of Sudbury Presbytery, twice as President of Manitou Conference and as a member of the Board of Regents of Huntington University. When, on his retirement, Owen was presented to the Chancellor of Huntington University for the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, the Rev. Fred Sorenson said of him: It is not alone for the official positions that he has held, that we honour him, but rather for his ministry offered quietly and beautifully to the hearts and lives of countless human beings, in Lively, Sudbury and the entire Conference region. When Owen and Reitta left Lively, the hundreds of tributes from members of their congregations attest to the depth of their service in the region. After their years in the North, Owen and Reitta returned to Grimsby where he has continued to be active in the life of the town and in Trinity United Church. In 1992, the Congregation of Trinity honoured him with the title of Pastor Emeritus. Friends are invited to call at the STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, Grimsby on Sunday evening May 20th from 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be conducted on Monday, May 21st at 11 a.m. from Trinity United Church, 100 Main Street West, Grimsby, by Reverend Joan Adams. Cremation to follow. Those wishing to express their sympathy may do so by making a memorial donation to Trinity United Church, 100 Main Street West, Grimsby, Ontario L3M 1R7.