Obituary of William Paterson

A “gentleman of the highest order”, our gentle father, grandfather, and friend Bill Paterson passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Foothills Hospital in Calgary at the age of 90 years. Bill was survived by his soul mate and love of his life of sixty one years, Meda; daughter, Patricia (Ralph); son, Grant (Kimmy); grandchildren, Teyden (Fraser), Caroline and Carley; along with many nieces and nephews, friends, and relatives. Bill was born May 9, 1917 in Duns, Berwickshire, Scotland, to William Grant and Mary (Quinn) Paterson. Growing up, Bill helped his mother and father as a hairdresser in the family barbershop and loved to play soccer. During WWII, Bill served as an aeronautical maintenance engineer for the Royal Air Force for five years, and also played drums in the RAF orchestra while stationed at Penhold, Alberta. After an extended engagement, on February 19, 1946, Bill married his lifelong companion Alameda (Meda) Wiancko in Edinburgh, Scotland. A year later, they returned to Canada, and made Calgary their home. Together, they built their house, and in the coming years they welcomed their daughter and son. A hardworking and humorous man, Bill’s many adventures were warmly recounted at family gatherings, and included his experiences hairdressing at the Palliser Hotel Barber Shop (1948); as a licensed CPA Repairs Aircraft Engineer at the old Lincoln Park Airport (1952-66); as well as his many years working with Ferguson Supply and Mack Truck in their Warranty Departments (1966-1979). Well known in Calgary musical circles, Bill was also a very talented professional drummer, playing in dance bands from 1947-1974; holding a lifetime membership in the Musician’s Union. A gentle and compassionate man, Bill also worked as a porter for the Alberta Children’s Hospital (1979-81) and later continued to volunteer there after his retirement in 1982 at the age of sixty five. Bill’s retirement was full of joy, and allowed him to be with his constant companion and beloved wife, Meda. The couple were ardent flower gardeners together, and Bill often played golf with friends, or baked his legendary Scottish scones to perfection. Bill is very fondly remembered for his humorous tales, magic tricks and many funny faces that always entertained and delighted all the children in his life. His devotion and limitless love for his wife and family, his winning smile, kindness and good humour will be remembered and missed by all. Bill believed that “we are all spiritual beings going through a human experience”, and shortly following Bill’s transition, his soul mate and loving partner Meda, passed peacefully reuniting them once again eternally. We find comfort in knowing that their life together was filled with love and laughter. A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8. Telephone: (403) 955-7211. Special thanks to Donna and the wonderful team at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Unit 36. In living memory of Bill Paterson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.