1925-2008... Well Done Dickie

March 30, 2008 @ 09:42

Thanks for all the kind words and wishes over the past few days everybody, but I'm sorry to say my dad passed away on Saturday.

Don't feel sad for me; be happy that the world got to have such a great man for the better part of 83 years. We feel blessed that we got to have him so long.

Back in September Dickie's diabetes started to gang up on him. It affected many things that resulted in him having to be hooked up to oxygen twenty four hours a day.

If you knew my dad, you realize how punishing that was.

This was a man who loved to "putter" right up until last summer. He loved to plant his flowers and walk his dog and jump in the car and go wherever at a moments notice.

All of a sudden he could do none of that and it just wasn't fair. In the end, we welcomed his passing because no one who did so much for so many others deserved to suffer the way he did. It was hard to let go, but his time had come.

What a man he was.

At 12 years old he'd work all day Saturday for 75 cents, and then go right to the butcher shop to buy a roast for his family's Sunday dinner. He was adored by his three sisters who all claimed he was their best friend.

He gave not only to family but anyone else who came into his life and needed help.

Friends, relatives, organizations, societies, food banks and his fellow veterans, Dick was always there to offer his time and lend a hand.

The Wexford Hockey Association, the Milton Legion, the Stayner Horticultural Society, it went on and on. He raised pigeons and canaries and rabbits and dogs. His green thumb was legendary and his friendship was worshiped.

I never met anyone who didn't inevitably say, "Your dad's a great guy."

He was a great husband, a great father and beloved Papa Dickie to seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Big Dick had the ability to fully appreciate the simple things in life and from them get great pleasure. It's just one part of his legacy that I will try to focus on and learn from.

I know a lot of you out there are probably wondering about Junie P.

She's doing OK, as well as can be expected.

She and my dad started going together when they were barely teenagers and last year celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They made a great pair and that's why Junie spent a good portion of yesterday wondering how she'll go on.

But she will. She's a strong old bugger and like the rest of us she couldn't stand to see Dickie suffer any longer.

I'm sure we'll spend a lot of time crying over the next few days, but through the tears we'll talk about all the wonderful things he did and how much better the world is for having had Richard Joseph Patterson in it. And we'll smile.

As for funerals and memorials and all that kind of stuff, it wasn't Dickie's style. He left strict instructions that no fuss be made after he died.

Instead, in remembrance of my dad I ask you to pay it forward.

Do something nice for someone. That's all he'd want.

Category: Family

69 Responses to "1925-2008... Well Done Dickie"

Ed
March 30, 2008 / 11:16

Sorry to hear that your Dad passed away Fred. What a wonderful tribute you wrote. - - - Ed.

Megan
March 30, 2008 / 11:41

So sorry to hear Big Dick's no longer with us. I have tears in my eyes after reading that and I didn't even know him. As a fan of the H&F show, I remember laughing at all the Dick and Junie stories. Much love to the Patterson family!

Toronto Mike
March 30, 2008 / 11:56

My condolences, Fred. From everything I've heard about your dad it sounds like he was someone very special.

Your words speak volumes.

Kelly
March 30, 2008 / 12:29

Sorry to hear about your dad, but what a wonderful guy he was. My thoughts are with you and your family, especially your Mom.

Bill Brioux
March 30, 2008 / 12:34

Your dad sounds like a helluva guy, Fred, so sorry for your loss. Condolences to your mother and the rest of your family.

phil
March 30, 2008 / 12:38

Sorry for your huge loss Fred.
We are thinking of you and your family.

Marie
March 30, 2008 / 13:25

My condolences to you and your family Freddie. Sounds like he was a wonderful man.

Melanie Bridges
March 30, 2008 / 14:33

Fred

I was shocked and saddened to hear of your Father's passing. I haven't seen your Father for several years but will always remember him from our days on Chopin Ave. Please pass on my condolences to your Mother for me and the rest of the Patterson clan.
Love Always
Melanie Bridges & "The Bridges Family

James Edgar
March 30, 2008 / 15:14

Sorry for the loss Fred. I had a similar experiance with my Dad at the end so I (kind of ) now how you and your family are feeling. All my best to you and your Family

Shwarma
March 30, 2008 / 15:16

Fred,
I was so sorry to read about your Dad's passing. My condolences to you, Doll, the kids, Junie and the rest of the family.
He did so well in his life, with his family and in raising you my friend.

Be well.
Shwarm

Mike Marsden
March 30, 2008 / 16:43

Jesus Freddie, you're a great writer and a great guy, attributes I'm sure your dad was very proud to know you possessed.

What a beautiful tribute to an obviously great guy.

I'm thankful for your dad for his volunteering with Wexford, and for bringing into the world such a kind-hearted man like yourself.

Congratulations on having such a great dad.

And by the way, wasn't Saturday a beautiful day to go to heaven!?

lastwordlinda
March 30, 2008 / 16:46

Fred, my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved father. That you were able to write such a loving tribute to him says more than words about the kind of father, husband and man that he was. May he rest in peace.

Linda

Craig
March 30, 2008 / 16:52

Fred,

My thoughts are with you and your family. From your words it is obvious that he was a terrific man,and a loved man who leaves his family with much to remember and share.

ig
March 30, 2008 / 17:36

Fred,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. But what a great tribute you wrote for him. Please give my best to your mom.

The BigManRestless
March 30, 2008 / 17:48

Sorry to hear of this sad news Freddie. Sadly, For everyone that knew Dick, the world will turn slower from now on...he was a great guy.

Andrew
March 30, 2008 / 18:08

Very nice tribute, Freddie.

My regards to your Mum and family. You're right to be happy to celebrate a great life that was lived the best that he could.

Rob
March 30, 2008 / 18:29

Sorry to hear about your father Fred. He sounded like a great man. Your family are in my thoughts during this time.

Trish
March 30, 2008 / 18:35

Your dad was both humane and humble. Thinking of you and your family, Fred...

Lori
March 30, 2008 / 18:41

Thinking of you and your family during this time Fred.

Steve Brown
March 30, 2008 / 19:23

Sorry For Your Loss Fred

neutrahouse@yahoo.com
March 30, 2008 / 20:46

Aw gee Fred, I feel so bad for you.

You're the man of the house now, so you be strong for Junie P. She needs you.

Pam
March 30, 2008 / 20:51

Oops! That was me posting Freddie.

Pam

Paul
March 30, 2008 / 21:14

I'm so sorry for your loss Freddie... I hope you and your family can help each other through this tough time.

Max
March 30, 2008 / 21:25

As my own parents approach their 80's, and health begins to falter, the thought eventual passing has been occupying a growing spot in the back of my mind. It doesn't seem like it could be real, and I've been wondering how I'll deal with it when the time comes. Fred, your tribute really gave me a wonderful, optimistic perspective. Thank you. God bless you and yours in this difficult time.

LEW
March 30, 2008 / 21:35

Sounds like a hell of a guy.
Love to you and your family
Lew

Jim
March 30, 2008 / 21:42

Fred: My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Argie
March 30, 2008 / 22:12

Fred: That was a beautiful tribute you wrote. May your father rest in peace.

God Bless you and your family.

Jenn
March 30, 2008 / 23:33

What a beautiful tribute Fred. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.

Dave
March 31, 2008 / 00:32

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Take care.

Jason Barr
March 31, 2008 / 04:50

More people should be like your Dad Fred. I will do something nice. Thanks.

Jason

mike (Buffalo Boy)
March 31, 2008 / 06:40

Freddie, our deepest sympathies to you and your family, hearing you on the radio and reading your posts over the years you spoke of both your parents often, and like we got to know you over the years, I feel like we got to know your parents as well. Your dad seemed like a great man and Im sure he will be missed.

Big J
March 31, 2008 / 07:40

What beautiful things to say about your Dad, Im glad you too were close. Celebrate life.
Sorry for your loss.
Hang in there,

BARKS
March 31, 2008 / 08:02

thoughts and prayers are going your way my pal

Jon in Buffalo
March 31, 2008 / 08:21

Freddie:
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. After reading your tribute, I feel like I knew him a little.
And therefore, I will be raising a glass to him at my next opportunity.
All the best,
JON

PartyPooper
March 31, 2008 / 09:22

Your dad sounds like my kinda guy, Freddie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, buddy.

Billy Boy
March 31, 2008 / 09:45

Hey Fred,
As someone who has lost both parents, I can relate to what you are going through. You are, as usual, keeping it in the right perspective. Your father's physical suffering has ended and everyone WILL be fine. Junie P. has tons of family that will rally around her and make her realize, even more, what a great family that she and Dick have put on this Earth. Remembering your Dad fondly, in your thoughts, is a tribute he will always relish.
God Bless Dick, Junie P and all the Pattersons.

Jason C
March 31, 2008 / 09:56

Great tribute Fred. So sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts are with you and the rest of your family.

Mike from Lowville
March 31, 2008 / 09:57

God Bless.

Phil Evans
March 31, 2008 / 11:01

A sweet guy who left a lasting family legacy.

Best wishes, Fred.

Tim Artuchov
March 31, 2008 / 11:06

What an amazing tribute to your father. I am sure he is very proud of you as you are of him. My thoughts to your family my friend.

GHOST RIDER
March 31, 2008 / 11:17

My Condolences Fred.

HEBSY
March 31, 2008 / 12:08

Fred. My sympathies. I know the world is a richer place because of your Dad.
May your pain pass quickly.

ken parkinson
March 31, 2008 / 12:46

I am sorry to hear of your loss Fred, my thoughts are with you and your famuly. Ken

Bob
March 31, 2008 / 12:48

Fred, my condolences to you and yours. I can only repeat what your other "on-line" friends aready have said; You wrote a Beautiful tribute and I am sure your Pappa is very proud of you.

God bless during this difficult time.

Steve and Deb McKenzie
March 31, 2008 / 13:44

Fred Deb and I are sorry to hear of your Dad passing away, it's been along time since I have seen him, but clearly remember him from back in the day in Scarborough, with Wexford hockey and just being your Dad. Please give my condolences to your Mom! Take Care.

Ivar Hamilton
March 31, 2008 / 14:15

Some touching words to remember your Dad Fred.

Very sorry to hear about his passing. My best to you and the family.

Your Friend Always

Ivar

Matthew T
March 31, 2008 / 14:19

My sincere condolences Fred, my regards to you and your family. Thanks for sharing your writings, its an inspiration for us all, to be just as great as your father. Thanks and take care.
Matt

Doug
March 31, 2008 / 14:44

Deep condolences Freddie. All the best to you and your family in this sad moment in time.
Doug

Jason | GetYourOJ.com
March 31, 2008 / 15:06

What can be said? I feel for your loss. As I watched my own grandfather hold on to make it to the grand age of 89, it at the same time pained me to see he is no longer able to the things could do just a year ago. Legion dances, jazz bars, veteran parades, going to speak at schools, selling poppies, and all the things that make him happy.

No one wants to see a loved one suffer; better to rememberthem foldly for the positive traits they have instilled in us.

Fred, we might not always agree with ya, but we love ya. Chin up.

Robbie J
March 31, 2008 / 16:40

Freddie,

Like everyone else, very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. From how you talked about him around the office, he was a hell of a guy.
All the best to you and your family especially Junie.

Rob

Joe Guarrasi
March 31, 2008 / 16:56

Sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I actually drove by your old house today on Chopin and stopped and reflected on the old days of playing hockey on Mozart Ave. growing up. The good old days. Be strong my friend.

Vivian Hingsberg
March 31, 2008 / 17:32

Very sorry for your loss Fred. It sounds like Dickie had a great run. We should all be so lucky to make it past 80. All the best to you, Junie and the entire Patterson family.

dave k.
March 31, 2008 / 20:10

Very.very sorry Fred. From my family to yours.

Stafford
March 31, 2008 / 21:15

Again, Fred, this was such sad news. But your words make so much sense.

I'll remember Dickie's canaries in the Milton basement and how much he obviously loved Junie and his family. But Jesus, did he make the best chili or what?

And I'll take your words in your email to heart. You're right. Life's too short.

Murph
March 31, 2008 / 22:15

All the best Fred.

Sue
March 31, 2008 / 23:02

I'm sorry for your loss, Fred. I lost my dad 12 years ago, way too early so I know what you are going through right now. Over time, the pain and the void left behind are filled with the memories and the good things, which it sounds like you have many. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Dave L.
April 1, 2008 / 00:08

Sorry for your loss Fred. It was a really touching tribute that you wrote about your dad.

Jim Lang
April 1, 2008 / 09:07

Fred my friend - I am sorry for your loss....Your Dad must have been damn proud of his son and the great family he raised.
Hang in there Freddie P - we're all thinking of you

tippy
April 1, 2008 / 09:09

I remember getting such a kick out of the stories you told about your Dad years ago on the radio. This time your words brought tears to my eyes. All my best thoughts to you and your family.

Juan
April 1, 2008 / 11:14

Well said Fred! My condolences...

Paul
April 1, 2008 / 17:50

Freddie, thank you for sharing your dad with us over the years. We will miss your witty banter about Dickie, but we at least had a chance to get to know him through.

You were a lucky guy to have him as your dad. We will remember him fondly.

Alison
April 1, 2008 / 20:08

No words seem adequate at time like this but your tribute to your Dad speaks volumes about how special he was to you and your whole family. I hope that all your fond memories are a comfort to you and your family in the coming months as you all come to terms with your terrible loss. You will all be in my thoughts.

Your stranger friend,

Alison

Ken
April 2, 2008 / 01:10

My thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family. As several others said here, it was a great tribute. Cherish those special memories - they are your dad's legacy. I was touched by your words.

Gary Parker
April 2, 2008 / 10:38

My sympathies to you and your family.
You wrote a wonderful tribute to your dad. He must have been a real
"solid" guy.
Our thoughts are with you.

Brad Akins
April 2, 2008 / 14:58

My condolences to you and your family.

Roshan
April 2, 2008 / 20:39

He sounds like he was a swell guy. I'm sure he was proud to be your dad.

Scary Pete
April 3, 2008 / 03:23

Hey, Freddie...it's 3:20 AM (Thursday), and I just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and the whole Patterson family. I'm sure your dad would be very proud of your eloquent tribute. Loving You...Pete.

Mari-K
April 3, 2008 / 15:48

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad Fred. I lost my Dad a year and a half ago to cancer. You really do want the best for them and suffering isn't fair. Your Mom will be strong because she has a great family to support her. MK

Thorpee in the Falls
April 5, 2008 / 22:45

Fred,Junie & Family I am sincerely sorry.

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