Harvey Patterson

Harvey passed away on January 19, 2024 at St. John’s Rehabilitation Centre following a stroke. Born September 21, 1935 in Smithville, On, the only child of the late Irene (nee Moyer) and Harry Patterson, Survived by his wife of 32 years, Jocelyn Shewalter, brother-in-law to Sylvia Nielsen (nee Shewalter) and the late Randy Nielsen, uncle to Melissa Nielsen and “Big Brother” to Mark Kolody.

Early years brought him the love of reading and movies and piano lessons created the passion for music. Many school chums became life-long friends. He enjoyed family trips to visit many aunts, uncles and cousins living in the United States. A lifelong friendship with the late John Moyer guaranteed an enjoyable annual trip to visit his cousin in Michigan.

Decades were filled with a successful career in radio, TV commercials, recording sessions, stage, concert hall and with the CBC. He wrote for shows including ‘The King of Kensington’ and ‘The Wayne and Shuster Show’. His clear tenor voice was the perfect fit for singing with Gordon Lightfoot on ‘Country Hoedown’, ‘The Tommy Hunter Show’, and the ‘Juliette Show’ that followed Hockey Night in Canada. He had extensive coral experience under such conductors as Stravinsky, Isler, Kunzel, Bradshaw, Tapscott and Romanoff. It was here that he met lifelong friends that shared his passion for singing and performing.

Harvey put pen to paper on countless occasions as he composed or arranged music. He was a long-standing choir director at Forest Hill United Church. He sang with the choir at Holy Blossom Temple under the leadership of Cantor Beny Maissner. A trip to Israel with the choir was a highlight and he fondly reminisced about the experience and getting to know the choir members better. Music composed and arranged by Harvey is still enjoyed in the Temple today.

Harvey founded The Canadian Singers in 1988 with a dedicated group of experienced choral singers to present an eclectic mix of all-Canadian music. The music selection ranged from pop songs to serious choral works and they were often joined by such outstanding Canadian performers as Peter Appleyard, Dave Broadbent, Johnny Cowell, Hagood Hardy and Charles Templeton. The talented Bruce Harvey was their accompanist for many years. Their music lives on with several recordings.

In 1990 to present, Harvey was the conductor of the Harmony Singers of Etobicoke, the longest running Etobicoke choral group. Under his leadership, the women sang in three-part harmony and performed regular concerts, entertained at senior residences and participated in local events. Bruce Harvey once again partnered with Harvey. The repertoire included a wide variety of music that was always sung from memory; many written or arranged by Harvey. Audiences enjoyed sing-a-long medlies of familiar tunes and many guests included the annual recipient of the Harmony Singers Scholarship given to the outstanding student attending The Etobicoke School of the Arts.

His love of golf was magical. Any minor aches or pains seemed to disappear and even if his round was disappointing, he enjoyed the walk in the beautiful surroundings. Harvey's love of music touched so many genres including classical, broadway, groups with tight harmony, Brian Setzer Orchestra, Rachel & Vilray, anything by Mario Lanza and his singing hero, Frank Sinatra.

He will be missed by close friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Private family service will follow cremation.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held when the Spring warm weather arrives.

Donations appreciated for Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Toronto (bbbstoronto.com), Canadian Junior Golf Association (cjga.com) or Etobicoke School of the Arts (esainfo.ca)