Leslie S. “Les” Paterson, of Scarborough, Ont., formerly of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully at 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at Providence Centre in Scarborough.
He was born June 5, 1915 to the late John and Clara Paterson in Kenora, Ont., where he received his early education and began his life’s work with the Kenora Paper Mills, Ltd. He eventually transferred to Fort Frances with Mando and Boise Cascade Paper.
Having served them for 40 years, he retired in 1980.
Les had enlisted in World War II and served with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a rear gunner and with #38 Squadron Royal Air Force, in North Africa and the Middle East. At war’s end, he received his honourable discharge and transferred to the R.C.A.F. Reserve in 1945.
Enrolling in the University of Toronto in 1946, he met and married Ethel Message on Dec. 22, 1951 and together upon graduation, they took up residence in Fort Frances.
Les’ greatest interests were gardening, golf, curling, and bird-watching. He was a past member of the American Ornithologists’ Union and the Ottawa Field Naturalists, and was a long-time member of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists.
Les’ proudest moments were spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly.
Les is survived by daughter, Wendy (Rhys) of Scarborough, Ont.; son, Stewart and friend (Brenda) of Thunder Bay, Ont.; brother, Jack of Vancouver, B.C.; sister-in-law, Christine of Southampton, Ont.; former daughter-in-law, Vivian of Thunder Bay, Ont.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by his wife, Ethel, in March, 1999; brother, Bruce; and sister, Audrey.
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. An announcement will be made.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
