North Bay curler Scott Patterson died this morning after being involved in a car accident near Sudbury Friday night. Photo by Gerry Geurts. Obituary at bottom of page.
North Bay curler Scott Patterson died this morning after being involved in a car accident near Sudbury Friday night.
Photo by Gerry Geurts.
Obituary at bottom of page.
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Russ Howard will remember Scott Patterson as an “incredibly optimistic” person, a great curler and a talented athlete.
Patterson died this morning around 10:00 this morning at the St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre.
He and his CFB Curling Club rink were involved in a three-vehicle collision Friday night on Hwy 17 at Wahnapitae, and Patterson succumbed to his injuries.
“This is absolutely devastating news,” Howard, a two-time world curling champion, said from his home in Moncton, NB.
“My prayers are with his family.”
Talented athletePatterson was a member of Howard’s team for two seasons, in 1996 and 1997.
In 1997 the team, which included Phil Loevenmark and Howard’s brother Glenn, qualified for the Olympic trials.
“I don’t think I’ve had such entertaining years as when Scott was part of the team. He was funny, upbeat, and good at whatever sport he tried, whether it was curling, pool or hockey. Just such a talented athlete,” Howard said.
“I have a lot of great memories of Scott.”
Infectious attitudeNo matter how things were looking for the team, Howard said, Patterson could always be counted on to be optimistic about the situation.
Howard said the team was down to its last shot to make it into the Olympic trials, at the Player’s Championship.
“I’d be worried that we wouldn’t make the trials, but Scott would say ‘What’s you’re problem? We’ll win the championship and make the trials.’ And we did,” Howard said.
“It was always an adventure with Scott because his positive attitude was so infectious. He had such youthful exuberance and that’s why we wanted him on the team.”
Howard said Patterson’s death will be felt by all who know him.
“It really hits home, somebody that young, and with that great attitude. It’s just a terrible, terrible loss.”
Upbeat all the timeNorth Bay curler Mark Brown, who was at the same competition in Sudbury Patterson was headed to said Patterson "loved" to live life.
"He was always smiling, always in good mood, and I'd never seen him upset or disappointed," Brown said.
"He was upbeat all the time."
Brown called Patterson "arguably one of best curlers in Canada."
Sadly missedWinnipeg curler
Kerry Burtnyk, number nine on the World Curling Tour Top 20 money list, called Patterson a "great" guy.
"He was well-liked in the curling community and obviously will be sadly missed by his friends and family," Burtnyk said in a telephone interview from Prince Albert, Sask.
Randy Ferbey, number 11 on the World Curling Tour money list, curled with Patterson on a team which also included Al Hackner and Phil Loevenmark.
"Scott's death is a real tragedy and shows just how fragile life really is," said Ferbey from his home in Sherwood Park, Alta.
Ferbey said Patterson was a "wonderful" person.
"We got along really well because he was always laughing or joking, and he would never do anything to raise anybody's ire," said Ferbey, a five-time winner of the Nokia Brier.
"Every time I've seen a picture of him, he always had a smile on his face. And every time I've curled against him, he gave us an excellent game, and it was a pleasure to play against him."
PATTERSON, Scott ChristopherSunday, January 25, 2004
Patterson, Scott Christopher-(Scooter) Tragically at Sudbury General Hospital on Sunday January 25, 2004 in his 35th year. Scotty, beloved husband of Tracy(nee Randall), dear daddy to Taylor and William of North Bay. Youngest son of Don and Donna Paterson of Pembroke. Brother and best friend to Greg (Julie)and Shawn(Melissa). Predeceased by an infant sister, Carol Ann. Uncle Scottie to Kelsey and Carley Patterson and Jack Allaire. Grandson of Evelyn Sharpe, of Pembroke. Son-in-law to Marguerite and Ken Randall of Sudbury. Loving brother-in law to Keli(Gilles Allaire)and Katherine Randall. Scott enriched the lives of everyone he knew and will be remembered so well for his quick wit, outgoing personality and the ability to brighten any room with his perpetual smile. Scott`s life centered around his family and love of sports as he excelled in many of them especially hockey, soccer, tennis,golf and his love of them all, curling. The great memories he has left each one of us will long be remembered. Now a bright star will beshining down.
``We will miss you Scooter."
The family receiving friends at Hillside Funeral Services, North Bay, ON, on Wed., Jan. 28, 2004, from 2 until 4 and 7 until 9 pm., and Thursday from 10 am until 12:30 pm.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete. For further information please call Hillside Funeral Services at (705) 474-7655.
For BayToday.ca's tribute to Scott Patterson,
click here.
