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
18 Responses
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
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.
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.
Margaret, Colin, Ian, Leanne
Our thoughts will be with you all tomorrow.
Hope fond memories help to face these sad and difficult days.
Dear Margaret, Colin, Ian and Lianne,
We send our thoughts, love and prayers for you all.
A. Henderson
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.
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.
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.