PATTENDEN, Eric – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eric Pattenden on August 25th, 2017. Eric was the beloved husband of the late Emily Pattenden, cherished father of Lori Hintermeister (Mike) and Heidi Pattenden, devoted Grandfather of Tom and Rudi Hintermeister (Julia) and proud Great-grandpa of Harvey. Eric was born in London England in 1931, living in a tiny house with his father James, Mother Winifred and brothers, Jim (Daisy). Tom (Kitty), Ron (Marguerite), Brian (Jean) and Peter (Margaret). He loved racing his bike, making model airplanes, rough housing, cars and Smarties. He was always on top of current affairs and made sure we were too. Eric loved music! When other kids were singing pop songs we were learning the words to Gilbert and Sullivan. Eric sang like an angel, but wished he had sounded like Paul Robson. Eric was a child of war torn London. He and part of his family were evacuated to Canada in 1940 and returned to England in 1945. In 1947, after an adventurous war time, (to say the least), most of his family immigrated to Canada to start a new life. Eric had completed his Tool and Die apprenticeship in England and in Canada worked at CLM, on the Avro Arrow, at Massey Ferguson and finished his career at General Motors in Oshawa. At the age of 20 he married the beautiful Emily Jones. They moved to Ellington Drive in Scarborough during Hurricane Hazel. There they lived for 56 years where they brought up their daughters at a time when all the kids played outside until the street lights came on. Eric was a little crazy, passionate, opinionated and loyal. You always knew where you stood with him and he never held a grudge. We always knew we could count on him to come anytime we called and to help us out of any jam. For all his bluster, he was a kind person. Eric always wore his heart on his sleeve. He was extremely funny, with an English sense of humour and a quick come back. Eric ended his days at the Wellington Terrace where he received wonderful care from the staff on Apple Valley and Maple Ridge neighbourhoods; a place where his entire family felt at home. Right now Eric is in his own version of heaven walking hand in hand with Emily and his Mom and Dad on the village green. If you are so inclined, a donation to the Wellington Terrace or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be gratefully received. A memorial get together of friends and family will take place on October 28th at 2:00 in the Keating Lounge at 20 Station Square in Elora.
