Dave’s life ended with a sudden medical event while out in forest lands near Nahatlatch Lake, BC. At the time, he was searching for edible mushrooms – a favourite hobby. Special thanks to his friend Mal, BC Search and Rescue, and the RCMP for looking after him.
Dave was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but lived most of his life in Victoria and Vancouver. He graduated from Esquimalt High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Victoria in 1982. He pursued a career in Information Technology, working for Wang, having his own consulting company, and ultimately working for the BC Government Ministry of Justice.
Dave inherited a keen interest in mapping from his Dad and became a key contributor to the Degree Confluence Project which logs worldwide visits to latitude and longitude confluences. He also travelled twice to Japan as an invited researcher, providing expertise related to the use of data from this project.
Time spent with friends on hikes, mushroom hunting trips, and helping them with projects was very special to Dave. He also loved spending time with his family and devoted many hours to helping them with building and renovation projects. He especially enjoyed watching his niece and nephew grow into fine adults and he also enjoyed, and took great pride in his work.
He was predeceased by his parents Norman and Evelyn Patton, and leaves his sister Margaret (Colin Kopp), his nephew Ian Kopp (Karolina Karas), niece Lianne Kopp and Jett, along with extended family, close friends and work colleagues.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at McCall’s Reception Centre, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Monday, June 20th, 2016 at 3pm.
Dave had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He enjoyed many activities including hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, windsurfing and mushroom hunting. We will all miss him tremendously, though we are happy that his last moments were spent doing what he loved.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the BC Search and Rescue Society in Dave’s memory. http://www.bcsara.com/donate/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Erik Kirknel
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Patricia McDonald I wIll always remember the gentle and helpful spirit with which Dave assisted colleagues in the workplace. I regret not having the opportunity to know him better, but appreciated his wry humor and beautiful photos of his travels. May the family find comfort and restoration in the memories you share.
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Jim Toner I only worked with Dave briefly but we remained friends ever since. He was indeed gentle and kind and always ready to help. We last spoke in May and sure enough, he expressed his excitement over this year’s morel picking opportunities. I will miss him.
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Pauline and family Margaret, Colin, Ian, Leanne
Our thoughts will be with you all tomorrow.
Hope fond memories help to face these sad and difficult days.
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From your family in Ireland Dear Margaret, Colin, Ian and Lianne,
We send our thoughts, love and prayers for you all.
A. Henderson
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Wayne Vince Very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My condolences to Dave’s family and friends.
Dave and I worked in Vancouver for Wang Canada at the time.
Wonderful person. Wonderful man.
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Neale & Katie Patton We’ll always be grateful to Dave for sharing his love and knowledge of the outdoors with us on our trips to BC. Our thoughts are with Margaret, Colin, Ian and Lianne at this most difficult time.
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Jane Stewart Dear Margaret and Colin, Ian and Lianne,
I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear brother and Uncle. My thoughts are with you all.
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Susan Dziadyk I have a real sweet remembrance of Dave. It was exactly 30 years ago! Dave was living in Vancouver and was over here visiting his Mom and Dad. They kindly asked me over for one of the many, many dinners I had at their home. It was to celebrate my dear friend Margaret’s 30th. I spoke of my plan to go to Expo 86 in a couple months. Dave kindly offered me his hide-a-bed! He was like that, very kind and generous. I took him up on the offer a few months later in the summer. He was living in Kitsilano at the time. We both got up early, he was heading off to work, and I was heading off across the bridge into the Expo grounds for the day. It was such a nice thing for Dave to do, but even sweeter was that he made me home-made bread, and home-made jam! How sweet is that!? I was there two nights and we would have a cold brew together and watch the fireworks from his place. I will always remember his gentle kindness.
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Caner Budakoglu I am at a loss for words and deeply saddened to hear of Dave’s sudden passing.
I have known Dave for more than 6 years. We worked together at the same department at the Ministry of Justice before 2010 and have kept in touch since then. He was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful friend, with a fine sense of humour, and a talented technology professional. As a passionate mushroom hunter, he also introduced me to the world of mushrooms and took me on a couple of mushroom hunts. A couple of weeks ago, we met on the sidewalk on our way to work, agreeing we should meet again for coffee to catch up after his vacation. He always had time for his friends and would offer his genuine and carefully-crafted advice about various topics without any hesitation. I always appreciated the way he spoke so precisely when he talked about technology.
It has been a privilege to have counted Dave as a friend.
My thoughts are with the Kopp and Patton families in this time of sorrow. In the days ahead, may you find some small comfort in your many happy memories.
Rest in Peace, Dave.
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Jonty Parker-Jervis Dave and I never worked together but we worked along side each other for years. We would always stop to chat when we ran into each other, and we often took the bus home together. I will really miss his kind soul, and I pass on my sincerest condolences to his family.
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Ken & Susan Prosser To Margaret and Family: Our thoughts are with you as you deal with the loss of a loved one. May the grief be softened by fond memories of your brother and remembrance of a life well spent.
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Jim Hughes Words do not really capture how deeply Dave’s loss is felt. During working hours I spoke to Dave at least once a day for the 2 years he worked with us. He was dedicated to his work, he brought a detailed sense of organization that was truly needed and will be missed. Dave was also incredibly funny and always shared a good quip to keep me smiling.
Over the years I also had contact with both Margaret and Colin though CJBs interactions with their respective roles at OCIO. I always enjoyed my dealings with them and my heart goes out to them and the rest of the extended family.
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David B Godfrey My thoughts go to Dave’s family. Dave was an exceptionally kind person, and I will miss his advice, stories, and humour.
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Lance Morgan My condolences to all your family
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Laurel Worth Very sorry to hear this news….thinking of you all, with love,
Laurie, Bob, and family
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David and Trish Margaret and family, so very sorry for your loss.
Dave was so enthusiastic about his work and wilderness trips.
You are all in our thoughts at this sad time.
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Linda, Victor and family Margaret and Colin, Ian and Lianne: We’re so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you now at this sad time. Big hugs to you all.
We have missed a good friend in our map group, just heard it, everybody in the group feel a great loss
Condol. to the family
E. Kirknel, Denmark