Robert passed away after a long and courageous battle with Cancer on January 27, 2019 in Victoria, BC.  He was born on June 14, 1946 in Dawson City, Yukon.

Robert is survived and deeply missed by Heather, his wife of 45 years; his son, Ryan; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer and his grandson, Ryder Allan. Robert made an enormous and immediate impact on all of those he met and will be missed by many other relatives, co-workers and friends.

For over twenty years, Robert was personally involved with administering the democratic process in British Columbia, having held senior management positions with Elections British Columbia since 1978.  He took early retirement from the position of Chief Electoral Officer of the Province of British Columbia in June 2002 and continued his work in the electoral world as an independent consultant.  Robert worked all around the world for various organizations such as the United Nations, Foreign Affairs Canada, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Carter Centre and many others.  Robert dedicated his professional life to improving and upholding the idea of democracy and believed that every person and every vote counted.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive in Victoria, BC at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2019.  For those unable to attend the service, it will be streamed live online at www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/5825

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Gary Young

    Two years ago out of the blue I get a message from a Bob Patterson asking are you the Gary Young that played soccer for the Burdett beavers and Basketball and track for Sutherland Junior high and NVSSS its me Bob would you like to meet up for coffee. We met for coffee we hadn’t seen each other for 50 years but it was if had been yesterday. We talked about families, our lives how we both had been touched by cancer but were now fine. And then a few weeks ago I’m reading the paper and I see a column in TC about the passing Bob Patterson a former electoral chief, I said this is a mistake this is not Bob he never had a mustache this can’t be right. It was right Robert was gone I attended his celebration of life not knowing anyone but had to say goodbye, could not believe what a special person he was and what a special family he left behind. Good bye old friend wish we had reconnected earlier, will miss you
    Gary

  • SREY, Sothea

    I apologize that i cannot attend your service in person, my friend! Thank you for all those good years you swing (golf) with me every weekend. Thank you for all the lifetime advices. Thank you for flighting all the way from Vancouver Island to attend our wedding in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Thank you for making a differant to Cambodians’ lives as much as to other nations around the globe. You will be missed, rememberred, and remain in our heart until the end of time.

    My heartfelt condolences to the Patterson family!

    R.I.P, my friend!

  • Alex Bolz

    Dear Heather and Ryan,
    My sincerely condolences on Bob’s passing. He did so much for so many not only here but around the world. He will be greatly missed but his spirit lives on in all of us who knew him.
    I am sick with the flu and unable to be with you in person.
    Sincerely,
    Alex Bolz

  • Melvin Brotzel

    Heather,this is very sad news. Our hearts hurt for you,Ryan and family.
    Sounds like Bob was a special man,had an amazing career and will be sorely missed.
    We loved our years in Victoria,fond memories of your family. I can still picture Ryan and our kids having so much fun together and our chats over tea.
    We will be in Montreal when the service is scheduled or we would be there. (Krista and family live there)
    Thinking of you,sending big hugs.

    Truann and Mel

  • McCall Gardens

    Sending condolences to the Patterson Family from Vancouver Yukoners. Your loss is deeply felt. We all have fond memories of the many Yukon relatives who have kept up friendships and close feelings Yukoners have to this day. Blanche Barrett

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