Thomas John Patterson

Patterson, Thomas 
 
  Passed away peacefully at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on Tuesday October 17th, 2023 at the age of 91. 
 
  Loving husband of the late Joan (nee Bell). Beloved father of Larry (Colleen), Steve (Cathy), Coleen (David) and Chris (Kirk). He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Jennifer, Geoffrey and Eric (Beth), as well as his great grandchildren Emily, Leah, Claire and Tommy. Thomas is predeceased by his siblings Josephine, Gertrude, David (Lorraine-surviving). He will sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews. 
 
  Thomas began his career in the Royal Canadian Air Force right out of high school and stayed until he hit mandatory retirement age. He loved his career, first as a communications technician, then an air traffic controller and finishing his career as the Officer in Charge of Search and Rescue at CFB Trenton. After retirement from the force, he worked for the Ontario Ministry of Health and was responsible for setting up the aircraft portion of ORNGE, which provides quality air ambulance service and medical transport to those who would need it. His last job was as a school bus driver, taking hundreds of kids to & from school for many years. Over the following years, he was very touched by the number of former passengers who recognized him as their favourite bus driver. Thomas was also busy as a volunteer in North Bay He could be found behind the bar as a volunteer bartender at the Capital Centre for many years. He was also a carousel operator and mini train engineer with the North Bay Heritage Railway & Carousel Company. He was most proud of his volunteer work at the information desk in the North Bay Regional Health Center and as a member of the committee working to make the facility more responsive to the needs of our senior citizens. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. 
 
  Family receiving friends at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Rd on Saturday November 4th from 2:30 pm until time of service at 4 pm. 
 
  In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Bay Regional Health Centre will be gratefully acknowledged by his family.