William Richard (Dick) Pattinson
November 20, 1915 – May 21, 2015
We are saddened to announce the passing of Dick Pattinson on May 21, 2015. Dick was born in Burnaby, B.C on November 20, 1915. He was raised in Burnaby and trained as a radio technician. In 1940 he married Christina Royal in Ottawa. After the war, the couple moved to Alert Bay where he worked as a radio technician on fishing boats and in logging camps for the next 30+ years. During that time he learned to fly and bought his own float plane in order to serve his customers better, as well as his sense of adventure.
In 1977, Dick and Chris chose Salt Spring Island as their retirement home. Here, Dick continued to follow his interest in radios, enjoying the activities and friendships in the local ham radio club. Here too, he started sailing. In 1983 he began his annual adventure– sailing around Vancouver Island. He had so much fun that he did it again, and again. Fourteen times in total, usually leaving in June and returning about 30 days later.
He will be sorely missed by family, radio and sailing club members and the many friends, acquaintances and people he touched over almost 100 years along the B.C. Coast. Dick was a sailor, adventurer, businessman, radio communication expert, innovator, seaplane pilot, explorer and a gentleman. He was truly one of a kind and led a long, healthy, vibrant life that set an outstanding example for all of us.
He was a loving husband and father. Predeceased by Christina, his wife of 68 years and survived by his children Jane, Howard and Alan and four grandsons.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Salt Spring Island Sailing Club 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2015. Donations to Lady Minto Hospital in lieu of flowers.