Norman John Patterson of Scotsville, Cape Breton was born December 31, 1937, the eldest son of the late John and Ada (Bradley) Patterson.
He passed away peacefully on December 6, 2021 in the Halifax Infirmary.
Norman leaves behind his devoted wife of 54 years, Anita (Gillis); son, Frank; daughters, Colleen (Johnny (d) June 2021), Vicki (Michael); grandchildren, Johnathan, Helena, and Layk; brother, Austin; sister, Sadie (d) John Edward); and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Norman was predeceased by his sister, Florence (Porter) and son-in-law, Johnny.
Norman was proud of his heritage and often spoke fondly of his father reading and writing Gaelic, and his mother who came from England to Canada by boat.
As a young man, Norman lived in Ontario but would return to Cape Breton with his wife Anita, where they owned and operated Patterson’s Store, a 46-year business still open to this day.
Norman also ran his own contracting company, operating heavy equipment throughout Inverness County. His love of the open road kept Norman returning to long-haul truck driving, and he traveled extensively in Canada and throughout North America.
After concluding his professional driving career with J.P. MacInnis Trucking in Whycocomagh, Norman still enjoyed traveling throughout the county to Scottish concerts, square dances, and sharing stories of his trips to Boston and Toronto, just to attend a dance.
Norman loved music and enjoyed singing and playing his violin, guitar, and harmonica.
He had a heart for animals, and over the years, he and Anita’s home was a place where stray cats become beloved pets. Norman loved his family and was very proud of all their accomplishments.
Norman was an active member of the community and proudly sat on the Board of Directors for the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, was a member of (TANS) Truckers Association of Nova Scotia, a driving instructor, and a member of A.D.A.M.
Norman knew everyone, and everyone knew Norman.
He was hardworking, generous, and always willing to lend a hand.
He enjoyed spending time sitting at Vi’s table in the corner of the store where he would talk and tell stories to anyone up for a chat. In the summer, his favorite spot was on “Pop Pops Patio” where he enjoyed nature and watching the grass and his grandchildren grow.
He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
“It’s time to hit the Airwaves...turn the music up.”
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 10 from 2-6 p.m. in Inverness Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. in East Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church, East Lake Ainslie with Rev. Louis Ihasz celebrating. Burial to follow in Lake Ainslie Cemetery.
Please note in keeping with COVID-19 Public Health Act requirements, all attending will be required to wear a mask and show photo ID and proof of vaccination before entering.
Memorial donations may be made to Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Foundation, Lake Ainslie Fire Dept. or to East Lake Ainslie Church Cemetery Fund.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
