This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
The University of Lethbridge extends its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Ernest Patterson (BEd ’70), who passed away on December 24, 2022 at the age of 86.
In addition to being an alumnus of ULethbridge, Patterson served on the Senate from 1971 to 1972.
Patterson, born in Ireland, immigrated to southern Alberta as a youth. He attended Stavely School before graduating from high school in Claresholm. He became a teacher and taught in Claresholm for many years before entering administration as assistant principal, principal, deputy superintendent and eventually superintendent of the Willow Creek School Division.
Patterson also served as the mayor of Claresholm for 33 years and became president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association. He was also involved in health-care governance and provided leadership to the start of recycling beverage containers in Alberta.
His efforts as a community-minded citizen did not go unnoticed. He was named one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential Citizens by Alberta Venture magazine and was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2012. A full obituary is available online.
A memorial service was held on Jan. 25 in Kelowna. In honour of Patterson, the University will lower its flags on Monday, Feb. 6.
Contact:
caroline.zentner | caroline.zentner@uleth.ca