- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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LEONARD FRANK OLIVER PATTERSON
JANUARY 14, 1942 – JANUARY 22, 2011
Leonard was born to Miller and Olivia Patterson on January 14, 1942 in Grande Prairie, Alberta. He was predeceased by his Mother and Father, Brother Aubrey, and Grandson Russel
Leonard leaves his wife Connie, Son Shane (wife Colleen, Grandsons Brandon and Richard) Daughter Chante’ (Granddaughters Brittany, Kori and Grandson Shane)
He will also be greatly missed by his brothers Harley, Jim, Art, Jack, Donald, Sister Carol and their families…..As well as many friends.
Leonard went from grades 1 through 12 in Hythe, Alberta…Leonard was an excellent student and went through school on the honor roll.
Leonard had the nick name of “Boss” that stayed with him over the years. At 5 years old Leonard was watching Grandpa Jensen shingling the roof of the Moochagan (dance hall) at Patterson’s Stampede Grounds. Leonard noticed that the shingles were not in the right order and suggested that Mr. Jensen should re set the row. Leonard was right and from that day on he was fondly known as “Boss”. The boys grew up knowing Miller demanded a good work ethic. A big barn on the edge of town was where you could find the boys doing chores before and after school. Leonard clerked his first farm auction sale at age 13 and his Dad told him when he balanced the sale first try. “I knew you could do that”. Leonard’s work ethic and responsibility to a job were trait’s that stayed with him all his life.
Leonard played hockey with the Senior Team (HYTHE MUSTANGS) at age 16 –as a defensemen wearing number “18”. He played Junior Provincial Hockey with Grande Prairie. Leonard was an avid softball player in the summer. Sports were very much encouraged in the Patterson household.
After graduation Leonard worked as a Land Surveyor during the building of the Highway from the BC Border and for Capital Motors in Pouce Coupe. 1960 Leonard made the big move to Dawson Creek and started working for his Dad at the Auction Market. Joining the softball team NorGas Jets along with his friends Harold & Arnie Kjemhus, Jim Reid, and Ross Robertson. Leonard played short stop and his ball coach from Hythe, Fraser McLeod said Leonard was the best bunter in the Peace.
In April of 1961 Leonard and Connie met at the Auction Market. The dating began with Connie spending her evenings during the summer taking in Leonard’s ball games and winter hockey games in Hythe.
The fall of 1961 Leonard and Art went off to Auction School in Decatur, Indiana. The same Auction School their Dad had graduated from. By Christmas the boys were home and began their apprenticeship with Dad at Patterson’s Auction Mart.
May 19, 1962 – Leonard and Connie took their vows and began married life, after a big family wedding and a trip to the Seattle Worlds fair for their honeymoon. Connie worked at the bank and part time at the Auction Mart for sale days. Shane came into the world following a Thursday cattle sale and a new auctioneer was born. Chante’ came next, three years later again on a Friday following the Thursday cattle sale. By this time Leonard was managing the Auction Mart and auctioneering. Life was busy with children and the building of a business.. The Family business included a farm in Hythe, ranch in Goodfare, feedlot in Rio Grande, Auction Mart in Dawson Creek and Quesnel, farm, equipment and car sales and a trucking business (hauling cattle and horses) .
Leonard started coaching minor hockey in January 1963 along with Arnie Kjemhus as manager for the Dawson Creek Bantam Rep team.. Coaching from 1963-1979, Leonard coached Pee Wee House, Pee Wee Rep, Bantam and Midget also taking a position on the Board of Directors and became Vice President of Dawson Creek Minor Hockey. Leonard was a strong believer in Tournament play for skater development and helped Connie to organize Mother’s Auxiliary, to look after billeting and banquets for all hockey tournaments.
Leonard and his Pee Wee Rep. hockey team were invited to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1974 for a 4 day tournament. Brother Harley coached the Pee Wee Rep team in Colorado who were hosting the event. On a cold day in January -40 below we held an auction sale to raise funds for the teams travel at Patterson’s Auction Mart. Enough money was raised that night to cover the kid’s trip with some left over to start the first Dawson Creek Minor Hockey travel fund; over the next 8 years Leonard continued to raise funds by Auction sales for the travel fund
Figure skating was a part of the Leonard Patterson household when Shane joined the ‘Learn to Skate Program’ in 1967. Followed by Chante’ at three years old skating with the club until graduation. In the lean years after the loss of our arena the club had to rebuild. Leonard conducted an annual auction sale for the club and was known to cover some of the bills when funds were not available elsewhere
Leonard played a huge role in shaping the Cattle Industry in the BC Peace River area. Along with his Dad –Miller starting the first cattle finance program in BC. Leonard worked to organize Pedigree Bull Sales at Patterson’s Auction Mart, first one being the BC Peace River All Breed Bull Sale. Next the introduction of Charolais Bulls to the Peace. Over the years Patterson’s Auction Mart Ltd became the venue for Angus, Hereford, Limousin, Charolais, and Simmental Bull Sales. The family was very much involved in 4H Achievement days and yearly 4H steer auction sales, for the North and South Peace and Hythe/Valhalla Clubs.
As the business grew Art and Leonard bought out their Dad’s shares in the Auction Mart. Offering weekly and bi weekly livestock sales, one and two day horse sale, farm sales, sheep and hogs, sold farm machinery, brought in liner loads of stock salt, baler twine, barb wire, steel gates and panels. Selling their farm and ranch in Alberta and the Auction Mart in Quesnel was a big change and enabled the boys to concentrate on their Dawson Creek business.
Working together every day, volunteering with their children’s sports, Leonard and Connie came home at night to another world …the family farm, Mile 4.5 on the Alaska Hwy for some 25 years. This is where their best years were spent, raising Registered Percheron draft horses, a cow herd, feeder cattle, growing hay and oats for their animals. Showing horses with Shane and Chante’ and of course following hockey and figure skating.
In 1995 Art and Leonard sold the Auction Mart. Leonard retired as Supervisor, for South Peace Feeder Co-op after 25 years. Semi retiring to their ranch in North Rolla, enjoying his cow herd, North Rolla neighbors and working for Vold Jones Vold Auction Co. They purchased the kid’s “Pub” and found out they were both farmers and kept farmers hours which did not fit into the hours needed to make a pub work, so the “Pup” moved on. Leonard & Connie sold the home farm at Mile 4.5 to Shane, Colleen & the boys, moved into town still keeping the North Rolla ranch, life became much simpler.
Leonard volunteered to be part of the Dawson Creek Exhibition Auction Mart Committee. The Committee’s task was getting the property up and running for the first livestock sale on September 27, 2007. Mission accomplished and it was now time for the Committee to work on funding to build a new sales pavilion. This was realized in December 2009 with ground breaking for the new building January 4, 2010. One of the brightest days for Leonard was the first livestock sale in the new building on May 13, 2010. Bringing modern marketing opportunities, for all livestock producers in the BC/Alberta Peace.
Leonard was diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2009. Leonard believed you played the hand you were dealt in this life and never give up. One of his famous quotes was “life is like a shift in hockey….while on the ice keep your feet moving”. That is exactly how Leonard addressed his fight with cancer. He appreciated his family whom were members of his support “Team”.
To his wife Connie – Leonard was her loving husband, father of their children, best friend and business partner. To Shane, Colleen, Chante, he was their Dad and Pappa to Richard, Brandon, Shane, Brittany and Kori. Leonard believed in each one, always wanting the best for them, encouraging and loving them. Enjoyed beating them at cards, making kraft dinner, taking trips, talking hockey and cows. To his brothers and sister and families, Leonard’s home was where you came for special family events and good advice.
Leonard had many accomplishments in his life the following are just a few. The one he was the proudest of was his family.
Awards & Plaques
- 1961 Graduate of Reppert School of Auctioneer & Pedigree study
- Directors of Dawson Creek Exhibition Association for 16 years and Honorary Member
- Director of Livestock Markets Association of Canada
- Director and founding member of Mountain Auction Markets Association of BC
- Hockey Coach – Dawson Creek Minor Hockey for 12 years and Vice President – term
- Livestock Supervisor and founding member for South Peace Feeder Co-op -25yrs
- Livestock Supervisor and founding member for North Peace Feeder Co-op – 5yrs
- Winner of the South Peace River Stockmen’s Award – for “Service to the Livestock Industry”
- Recognition of his Contribution to the Auction Industry in the Peace Country – Presented from the Alberta Auctioneers Association.
- 2002 Recognition for his 40 years as a Member and Auctioneer of the Auctioneers’ Association of Alberta.
- 2007 Recognition for the Patterson Family in their service as members of the BC Auctioneers Association
- 2009 Recognition from the North Peace Feeder & Bred Heifer Co-op
We know it was your time, But for those of us left behind we will remember you and try not to cry. We know that God has called you home and even though are hearts are broken, we know you will walk beside each of us and help us find our way.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at The Alliance Church, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Marilyn Carroll officiated with cremation following the service. The funeral procession was led by Leonard’s son Shane with his horse team and wagon, for Leonard’s last ride.
Edith Korbay
1931 - 2011
Edith (Babs) was born August 27, 1931 in Spirit River, Alberta.
She married Alex Robertson in 1952 and moved to Bessborough, British Columbia where she happily raised three children.
Edith later married Egon Korbay, and enjoyed travelling and living in Kelowna, British Columbia, later returning to Dawson Creek, to be near family.
Egon passed away in 2002 and Edith moved to Spruceland Manor where she met many new friends.
Edith Passed away January 28, 2011, at the age of 79, with her family by her side.
Raymond Leroy Benterud
1940 - 2011
Raymond Leroy Benterud was born on March 7, 1940 in Dawson Creek, the youngest child of three, born to Ole and Anna Benterud. Ray lived in Groundbirch, British Columbia, until his passing on January 20, 2011 in Dawson Creek, at 70 years of age.
Ray was a very kind and trusting man that loved strong coffee and oatmeal cookies.
Raymond’s strong values were well known by all near him - making time needed for family and working hard to provide for them, and getting done what was necessary before rest on Sunday. He always took the time to stop by a neighbours to lend a hand, have coffee, or just judge the weather. He would make early morning calls to check on friends while they were still with him.
Raymond attended Tuscola Mountain School near his home in Groundbirch until the eighth grade when the passing of his dad, Ole, led him into running the family farm with his mother Anna, and sisters Vivian and Lorine along with the help of neighbours throughout the years.
Ray enjoyed times spent in his early years riding, fishing, and hunting with his close friends. Time was spent through his mid life raising a family with Debbie, bringing up his children Jake, Skeeter, Sheila and Trevor. Ray continued farming and spent time on the sawmill with his kids and a good friend Oscar. He used the lumber for home and farm improvements. Ray was an accomplished carpenter for being mainly self taught. His later years he spent with his grandchildren, feeding the horses and cows with many tours to keep a close eye on the deer, and frequent trips to the community pasture to check on his beloved coldbrook.
Raymond was predeceased by his parents Ole and Anna Benterud. He is fondly remembered by his children, Jake (Sheri) Fickle, Skeeter (Susie) Fickle, Sheila Benterud (Mike Fogarty) and Trevor Benterud as well as sisters Vivian and Lorine Benterud, all seventeen grandchildren and one great grandchild, a long extended family of loved ones, and many caring friends and kind neighbours.
A funeral service was held on January 25, 2011 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia with Pastor Lee Stephenson officiating. Interment followed in the Mountain View Cemetery, Groundbirch, British Columbia.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Ray, may be made by donation to the ‘Mountain View Cemetery’ P.O. Box 153, Groundbirch, British Columbia V0C 1T0.
Louise Adeline Brodie
1936 - 2011
Louise was born in Warwick, Alberta to parents Joseph and Mary Malarsky. Louise lived on a farm and had fond memories of growing up with her older brother Ernie, her parents, and grandparents. Louise was married in Ontario in 1960 to Robert Brodie and soon after, they moved to the north. They spent a few years in Twelve-O-Two, Toad River and Muncho Lake before moving to Fort Nelson. Louise was fortunate to get a job as a dental assistant, completing an independent study program from Nait, Alberta. She worked for the dentist for 14 years before retiring from this position and going to work alongside Bob in his electronic business. Louise was a volunteer Red Cross member and worked as a prison guard at the R.C.M.P. for 12 years. Louise was an active member of the Royal Purple for 45 years. In her younger years she actively participated in curling and later golf. Louise enjoyed camping, cooking, gardening and a lifetime of crocheting. Louise moved to Fort St John at the end of 2009 due to failing health and to be closer to family. Louise gallantly braved cancer and the destruction this caused, stealing her too early. She will be truly missed. Louise passed away in Fort St John, British Columbia on January 18, 2011 at 74 years of age.
Chris Raaen
1928 – 2011
Chris Raaen was born on May 30, 1928 in Aal, Norway, and immigrated to Canada the following year with his parents Anna and Sevat, and his two older brothers, Andrew and Olaf. The family homesteaded in the Sweetwater area for 13 years, until 1942.
The boys helped their Dad with chopping fire wood, hauling ice in for water, tending to livestock and clearing land. During those years three more children were born, Borgil, Sherley and Lloyd. Chris attended school at Sweetwater and Coleman Creek.
In those days, young boys helping on the farm generally missed school the month of September and most of October, May and half of June but always passed with good grades. The older brothers had skis, hand-made by their Dad, for getting to school in the winter. The younger kids would ride ponies. We’ve heard some good stories about those days.
In 1942, Sevat, Anna and family moved to the East Rolla area where their youngest sons, Ellmer and Glen were born. Chris, his Dad and two older brothers farmed the Bad Eye Brown land for 11 years. They split the land in 1949 but continued farming it together until 1953, when Olaf married.
During those years, Chris worked in the winter driving truck for C.B. Harden. The winter income really helped him to develop his farm.
Chris married Celia Marie Schenk in 1959 and they had their three children, Cheryl, Caryn, and Curtis over the following five years. Chris expanded his farming operation over the next several years, making it one of the larger farms in the area. Chris and Celia began acquiring properties in town at this time as well.
Farming demanded much of Chris’s time in spring, summer and fall, but he would make up for this during the winter months. This season would bring the most meaningful memories to the family as more time was available to be spent together. Then there was lots of time to visit family and friends, as well as enjoying outdoor activities such as skating, skiing, tobogganing and snowmobiling.
Celia passed away in 1976 and Chris continued farming for the next couple of years. After 25 years of farming on his own, he sold the Coleman Creek farm. It didn’t’ take him long to realize farming was his passion and he would soon purchase smaller parcels of land at South Dawson and Briar Ridge.
He married Dorris Nagel in 1980 and they moved to his land at Briar Ridge. They enjoyed taking trips together and travelled to the states, Mexico, and Australia. He began pursuing other business interests in real estate, yet enjoyed farming for another 12 years, until he developed arthritis in 1988.
In the spring of 1995, Curtis became ill and passed away in January of 1996. Later that year, Chris travelled to Norway with his sister Shirley and her husband Don, to see where he was born and to reunite with family there. That trip sparked new relationships and was the beginning of many trips back and forth between family members.
Our relatives in Norway love to tell the story of their time together, and when they first heard Chris speak in Norwegian, it brought tears to their eyes. They said he spoke so beautifully in the old Halling dialect, which is now spoken only by the elders there.
During the last 15 years or so, he particularly enjoyed his drives in the countryside, checking out the crops. He really had a strong connection with his Norwegian roots and enjoyed visits when relatives came to Canada. He especially looked forward to taking our Norwegian family to show them all around the Peace Country.
Chris treasured the time he spent with his family. Over the years, he was blessed with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also really enjoyed visiting with his friends, and would often stop by the Co-op for coffee where he would reminisce with his old farming buddies.
He loved to go to the farm auctions just to watch, and was still very active in business.
To his family, he was just like a rock, he was very strong. He would always stand by them, through thick and thin. He accepted things as they were. He and Dorris separated in 2007, and remained good friends. He kept his wonderful sense of humour right to the end. He loved to tell a good story, and then he would laugh and laugh.
We knew Chris as such a kind and insightful person, in his quiet way. He was good to everyone. He was a smart man who had a sharp mind. He was self taught, he learned as he went. He was successful in business and in life.
Chris is survived by his daughters and their families – Cheryl (Bill Shore), Kane and Courtney, Ryder Jo and Johnny Rose; Caryn (Tru Nelson) Kory and Brandy, and Gage; brothers Olaf and Ellmer and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Chris was predeceased by his wife Celia, son Curtis, parents Sevat and Anna as well as his sisters and three brothers.
Forever in our hearts, there you’ll be.
A funeral service was held on January 22, 2011 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia with Peggy Bergeron officiating. Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Chris may be made by donation to the ‘Salvation Army’ 1436 – 104 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 2J8 or ‘World Vision’ 1 World Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2Y4.
