Obituary of Doug Patterson

Paul “Doug” Douglas Patterson passed away suddenly after a workplace incident in Dawson Creek, BC on June 2, 2020 at the age of 58. Doug was born on December 13, 1961 in Dawson Creek to Bruce and Elsie (Fellers) Patterson. He was the second youngest of 14 children.

Other than a brief time living in the Prince George area and a short enrolment in “private school” on Vancouver Island, Doug lived most of his life in and around Dawson Creek. Ever the charmer of women, Doug married his childhood sweetheart Pauline, who he met at a school dance when they were both thirteen (he, of course, had snuck in). While their marriage didn’t last, they had two daughters together – Paula and Danielle. In 1999 Doug became a proud grandfather to Anton. The following decade, Doug took on an avuncular role to his young “nephew” Nevada – a relationship he greatly cherished.

Doug enjoyed physical work and his career included working as a guide, a slasher, running chainsaw, roofing, working in a mechanic shop, and his final job as a civil works labourer. He often worked side by side with brothers, nephews, and cousins on many job sites.

Doug enjoyed the simple things in life and while he was not a supporter of organized religion, he was a spiritual man who found solace in nature. He enjoyed early days and long quiet nights, country drives with a simple black cup of coffee, and one of his greatest pleasures was spending many hours each week walking along the Dawson Creek walking trail system before most people had risen for the day. For many years Doug was an avid moose hunter and enjoyed trips with close friends and relatives to track down the majestic animal. Doug was an intelligent man who loved to read, learn about wildlife, go looking for old trinkets, berry picking, and loved music. Being his father’s son, he loved hockey (particularly the Boston Bruins) and horses.

Doug was often a reserved man who liked to keep to himself but he was deeply sentimental and treasured his loved ones. He kept every Christmas card, birthday card, letter, photo, and trinket gifted to him by his loved ones. As Doug was often private about his feelings, it made every smile, every bout of laughter, every tear, hug, and declaration of love that much sweeter and full of greater meaning for those who knew him best and loved him most. He often shone the brightest during one-on-one conversations.

Doug lived a simple, honest life and some of his favourite stories to tell were about moose hunting trips with friends and family and his seasons working as a big game guide. He laughed hard and without reserve when reminiscing about picking strawberries with his grandson when he was young. He had a healthy respect for strong willed women, which he came by honestly from being raised by Elsie and having so many sisters.

Doug was a dreamer. He dreamt of finding a little plot of land all his own. He dreamt of retiring just outside of Prince George where he could spend time at hockey games, concerts, and strolling along the rivers. He wanted to open a small tie-dye t-shirt business. Doug was proud of his Irish and Métis heritage and he wanted to interview Métis Elders about their lives and experiences in the Peace. He wanted to become an advocate for the vulnerable. While Doug didn’t live to see those dreams come true, it brings some comfort to his daughters that he passed away looking forward to so much in the future.

Doug was predeceased by his mother; Elsie (Fellers) Patterson, his father; Bruce Patterson, his sister; Nora McClarty Lowes, his brother; Robert “Bob” McClarty, and his brother-in-law; Leroy Shoop. He leaves behind his children; Paula Patterson and Danielle (Jason Thompson) Patterson, his grandson Anton Schindler, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews - including Nevada, many cousins, and an extended family, intertwined in the history of the Peace.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those who knew Doug consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. Those looking to remember Doug are encouraged, if they can, to take a walk in the early morning or a quiet evening along the Dawson Creek Walking Trail. Start at the Tubby’s RV Park entrance and try to find comfort while you stroll or sit and bird watch in the place that brought Doug so many hours of peace and strength in his life – particularly in the last few years.

In her brother’s memory, Doug’s sister wrote the following poem:

No chains to hold me down, I am free to travel

The wind will take me now, where I need to go

Look for me at dawn or walk with me in shadow

Let my memory bring peace in your soul

Know that I am, and will be with you forever

In a smile, an eye, a look, only you will know

Donna Hooper

Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium