James Murray Paterson

With sadness, we announce the death of James Murray Paterson on December 28, 2020 at Peter Lougheed Hospital after a brave battle with ALS.

Survived by his wife Andrea Paterson, daughter Julia, and son Clark; brother Richard Paterson, sisters Alice Anne Paterson-Collinge (Craig Collinge), Cheryl Regimbald (Marc Regimbald), Darlene Paterson, Julie Paterson (Kevin Sonnenberg) and Lisa Fulton (Clarence Fulton); mother-in-law Marguerite Paulsen, sisters-in-law Ingrid Paulsen and Ellen Paulsen (Dustin Levay); and many cousins, nieces and nephews in Alberta, BC, Ontario, and Australia. Predeceased by parents Delmer and Dorothy Paterson, brother Clark Paterson, and father-in-law Hans Paulsen.

Jamie grew up on a farm in Ramsay Township, Ontario with his parents and seven siblings, surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. His father taught him the value of hard work and to take satisfaction in a job well done.  This work ethic served him well when he packed up to move west at the age of 18. He built a tight knit group of friends and family who had also moved west from Ontario. However, marrying Andrea and starting his family was the first step towards putting down roots in Alberta. He was a dedicated worker who spent most of his working life in the oil patch, starting as a jug hound on a seismic crew and working his way up to supervising ice road construction. His work took him throughout Alberta, northern BC, the Canadian Arctic, and Alaska, into the USA and as far as Bolivia and Mozambique. Jamie’s presence was felt by everyone when he entered a room (he was affectionately called a “gentle giant”) and he remained close friends with many of his crewmates and coworkers from over the years.

Jamie was known for taking on any task and following it through to completion, whether that meant learning new skills by working his way through unfamiliar projects or seeking help from friends or coworkers. He was always happy to help out friends or family with any chore, and as far as he was concerned, anything could be fixed with a little tinkering. He was a devoted family man and took immense pride in his children’s accomplishments as they moved through school and into adulthood.  He loved visiting with his extended family and enjoying time at “the river” on his Ontario property. He was always up for a sporting event, whether it was Clark’s hockey, Julia’s water polo, a UFC fight or a game featuring his beloved Browns or Flames. He enjoyed being outdoors; fishing was mostly an excuse to get back into the bush, while golfing was a serious pursuit that let Jamie take many memorable trips through the US and Canada with his friends.

Jamie was always strong physically, but it was the strength of his character that shone through during his brutal battle with ALS. His sense of humour, quick wit and wonderful smile was always ready for any visitor. He will be greatly missed.

Special thanks to the ALS Society of Alberta, the ALS clinic at South Health Campus and the staff at Providence Care Centre for all their help and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society of Alberta.

We will be holding a celebration of life for Jamie on:

September 11, 2-5 pm at Crystal Ridge Golf Club 

9 Crystal Green Ln

Okotoks, AB T1S 1A4

403-995-5563

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