Obituary of Murray Alvin Patterson

PATTERSON: With family by his side, Murray Alvin Patterson passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Murray was born on January 15, 1931 at Boissevain, MB into a farm family. As a teenager in the war years, Murray was forced to mature quickly and take a larger role in the farm tasks due to the labor shortage. After graduating from high school in 1947, Murray became a full time farmer. In his spare time, he became involved in other activities. Joining the "Farmers Curling Club" in 1948, led to 40 winters of healthy, exciting competition for him. In summer, baseball was his choice – first playing with the Richview baseball team and then with the Riverside baseball team (1950-1956). Golfing another favorite. Besides farming and sports, the 50's provided the other love of his life – his wife Yvonne. They met at what would be another lifelong passion which they shared – dancing. Many admiring eyes would watch as they would glide in perfect unison over the dance floor. Murray and Yvonne were married November 19, 1952, exactly four years after their first date. Their first two children were born in the 50's – Allen and Dorothy. In 1957, life changed. Making a living at farming became more difficult, so Murray made a big career change into the teaching profession. A move to Brandon was made for a year in university. His teaching career began with two years in Crystal City, then back to Brandon for 28 years, where he taught at McLaren, Central, King George, Earl Haig and David Livingstone Schools. His time at David Livingstone School was in the role of principal/teacher. He continued his studies evenings, weekends and summers to procure his BA and B. Ed. During this time in the 60's, sons Doug and Bradley arrived on the scene. Community involvement was important to Murray. Murray and Yvonne were members of Knox United Church since 1960, where Murray spent time in earlier years serving on the board. He was active in the MB Teachers Society and spent time as president of the Brandon chapter. Terms were also spent as president of the Brandon Curling Club and the Shuffling League of Brandon. In June of 1988, Murray retired from the teaching profession. A new and exciting chapter opened in Murray and Yvonne's lives. One of their major pleasures over the years was travel. For 26 years the winter months were spent in sunny south Texas. Here they continued their active social life with activities they loved, and made many new friends from both the U.S. and Canada. One of their favourite activities was "dressing-up" for events and parades – everyone knew them as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus making Christmas Eve deliveries. They enjoyed other travels as well to Europe, Caribbean cruises', Mexico and Alaska. Summer months meant time with family – which by now had expanded to include in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends always played an important part in their active social life. Over the years, Murray still enjoyed spending time helping brother, Earl, out on the farm. Due to Murray's declining health in 2014, the difficult decision was made to sell their Texas home and remain in their condo in Brandon; then a move to Riverheights Terrace was made in September 2015. Murray's condition continued to deteriorate and in February he was hospitalized where he spent the last few months of his life. He was predeceased by parents Alvin and Bessie and infant brother Walter. Murray leaves to mourn his wife of 63+ years, Yvonne; his children Allen (Irene) of Brandon, Dorothy Roth of Valley Park, MO; Doug (Verna) of Maple Ridge, B.C.; Brad (Maria) of Brandon; his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jason of Regina, SK; Tanis (Scott) Chalmers (Tylan and Macalla) of Reston, MB; Kyle Roth of St. Louis, MO; David Roth of Los Angeles, CA; Brandon of Maple Ridge, B.C.; Michael and Steven of Brandon; brother Earl (Doreen) of Boissevain, MB; sisters Eva Gooden and Eleanor Seafoot of Brandon; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A service to celebrate Murray's life was held Wednesday, May 18th, 2016 at Knox United Church with Rev. Craig Miller officiating. Interment took place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens followed by lunch at Knox United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 4B-457-9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4A9.