William “Hugh” Patterson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and successful entrepreneur, suddenly passed away on May 13, 2024. Born on a farm to his parents, Dan and Edith Patterson, alongside his four siblings, he embodied the values of hard work and perseverance from an early age.
Hugh was a trailblazer in his family, becoming the first to pursue higher education. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in business and earned recognition as a Chartered Accountant. His career began at Clarkson Gordon, where he articled as a CA. He realized his entrepreneurial dream by starting an accounting partnership in Exeter. Years later, taking a leap of faith, he acquired Ford Dickison Industries and transformed it into a thriving enterprise.
Beyond his professional achievements, Hugh cherished his role as a father. He delighted in creating lasting memories with his family, embarking on summer adventures across North America in their camper. His passion for travel extended beyond family vacations; he explored the world through both work and personal pursuits. Whether navigating trade shows in Egypt and South Korea, traversing the Silk Road or Tibetan landscape in a jeep, or taking a local bus in India and Nepal, he shared many global adventures with his life partner, Pat Patterson, celebrating 65 years of marriage this summer.
Hugh was a pillar of support for his children, encouraging them to pursue their passions and forge their own paths in life, even if it led to unexpected endeavors like “basket weaving”, his term of endearment for non-business pursuits. His three daughters, who settled in Toronto, affectionately became known as his “hogtown cuties.”
In addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, Hugh had a zest for life. Whether taking flying lessons or riding his motorcycle, he demonstrated an adventurous nature. He was known for his sharp wit and dry sense of humour. He found joy in the simple pleasures, savoring “cheap” red wines, and his love of music and dancing. A practitioner of Tai Chi, he embraced wellness and continued to manage his own small business with dedication and great enthusiasm. He also had a generous spirit and gave his time to charitable endeavors, including in his late eighties, driving “elderly” people to appointments, on errands and to visit family.
Hugh leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, resilience, and adventure. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Donations to Alzheimer Society of Canada, or to the Exeter Community Food Bank are welcome.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Randy Parsons
So sorry to learn of Hugh’s passing.
I know that my folks, Gerry and Marlene, appreciated their friendship with Hugh and Pat, and they had a lot of respect for all of Hugh’s accomplishments in life. My Dad enjoyed working with him for a time at Ford Dickison.
Sympathies to Pat, and the girls, and the whole Patterson clan.
Sarah McClure
Sending love Suzanne, Catherine, and Sarah.
Your father passed on my born day, May 13.
May tears flow freely, blessing his soul
Sarah McClure
Stephanie Hopkinson
Thank you for sharing a part of his story with us all! What a legacy he left in his children and grandchildren!
Harvey Adams
Pat, Family and Ann
Our deepest and sincere sympathies.
You’ve lost a husband,
father and a great guy
Cherish his memories.
Mary Gascho
Pat, Suzanne,Cath, Sarah, and Families
Happy Hugh!!!
I don’t remember Hugh as anything but happy.
What a testimony and what a smile he had!!!
Praying for you all at this difficult time 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Bob and Helen Coates
Pat, Suzanne, Sarah and Catherine and families. We offer our sincere condolences on the loss of a dear husband, father and grandfather. He accomplished so much in his life as well as enjoying his family and pastimes. We knew him as a friendly neighbour and miss seeing him out walking accompanied by his canine friend. May memories be a comfort to all of you.
Sherry Gilfillan-Penhale
Pat, Suzanne, Catherine , Sarah & Families:
Sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing, a dear husband and father
So many childhood memories of our families as neighbours and growing up
A life lived to its fullest.
You will miss him dearly , please accept my condolences
Sherry G-P
Donna Perry
To Pat and family
So very sorry for your loss. But you will all have a lot of great memories to cherish.
With Deepest Sympathy – Donna Perry and Jim Perry
Peter B
Pat, Suzanne, Catherine, Sarah and family.
Sarah informed me of this sudden news. My deepest condolences to you all with the loss of Hugh.
His obituary was spot on. He was a good man and a real entrepreneur with a sharp wit and a brilliant intellect. I was fortunate to know and work for him and learned much from his wisdom and experience. He was a true original that cannot be replaced. RIP Hugh.
Donna Webster
Dear Pat:
I just read the sad news. So sorry. I remember the many trips that you and Hugh went on during your time in Exeter. This is a very sad time for you and the girls.
Thinking of you all.
Donna
Joyce & Frank Maas
Pat & Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Bonnie Sitter
Dear Pat and family.
My sincere condolences.
I remember a lot of fantastic trips that I booked for you.
So many adventures, to every corner of the earth.
Also remembering the summer job you gave to my son Douglas.
You and Hugh were great people to work for and I am forever grateful
for your kindness.
RIP Hugh, you will be fondly remembered!
Sincerely,
Bonnie Sitter
Sueanne Adkins
Pat, Catherine,Sarah and Suzanne and families
So sad to hear of Hugh’s passing so sudden. He was a wonderful man and one of kind. I will cherish the memories of the time I spent at your place always. Hugs to you all.
Sueanne
Katharina Coolman
Pat and Family
Sincere Sympathy to Pat, Suzanne, Catherine, Sarah and Family at this difficult time.
Kathy Coolman
Janet Corbett
Pat and girls and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a husband, dad and grandad leaves a big hole in our hearts. Sending our condolences to all of you.
Janet Cowan Corbett and Jeff Corbett
Paul and Jan Jeffery
He was an amazing man, our sincere condolences to all his family,
Paul and Jan Jeffery
Joan Patterson
So sorry to hear about Uncle Hugh-he will be missed. We have lots of good memories . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Judi and Joni Patterson
Jim & Verla Russell
Pat and Family:
We are sincerely sorry with the passing of Hugh.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Lori
Suz, Cath, Sarah, and Pat, what a beautiful dedication to a wonderful, inspirational man. Our hearts are with you,
Love John and Lori
Regan Mancini
Suzanne and family, While I didn’t know Hugh, I definitely see the huge impact he had on Suzanne as she embodies much of his spirit. I’m sure that spirit lives on in all of you. My heart is with you all as you traverse this difficult time.
Laura Wilder
Dear Pat
Sending much love and big hugs during this difficult time.
Betty Stoneman
Pat,girls and grandchildren.This is a shock to read this.Hugs to all.My condolences to the families.
Barb
Pat, Cath, Sarah, Suzanne (i.e. Hogtown Cuties)
My heart broke hearing the news of your dad’s sudden passing.
Everyone should hope to live life as well as your dad and to leave the world a better place, as he certainly did.
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller