Alexander K. Paterson ’45

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Alexander Kennedy Paterson on August 6, 2025, at the age of 93. Cherished husband for 67 years of Joan Paterson, beloved father of Robb (Heather), Tim (Lynda), Angie (Peter), Alex (Eva-Lott) and adored "Papa" to Alex (Ginger) Paterson, Jean (Dylan) Criddle, Tara (Justine) Paterson, Mimi (Chris) Byers, Robb (Michelle) Arndt, Channing Arndt, Ellie (Ryan) Olsen and Seb (Linda) Paterson and great-grandfather of 10. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara Atkinson, of Vero Beach. Alex was predeceased by his wife Joany, his parents, Jean Irvine (nee Kennedy) and Hartland MacDougall Paterson, and his sister, Katherine Chafe.

 

Alex was born in Montreal on March 7, 1932, and spent his childhood in Westmount, where he attended elementary school at Selwyn House. His high school years were spent at Trinity College School in Port Hope. Every summer was spent at his favorite place in the world, Murray Bay, Quebec with all his Kennedy cousins and aunts and it was there that he first set eyes on the love of his life, Joany. After graduating from Bishop's University, they married in 1955. He graduated from McGill University with his law degree in 1956 and the next 5 years were busy with the arrival of his four children and the start of his law career at Heward, Holden, Hutchison Cliff, McMaster & Meighen. Alex made partner in 1969 and continued to work at the same firm, now known as Borden Ladner Gervais, until he was almost 80. He specialized in maritime and medical law and was awarded the Medal of Honour of the Montreal Bar and given the distinction of Advocatus Emeritus by the Barreau of Quebec. Highlights of his career included being the lead negotiator on behalf of the Quebec government during the Oka Crisis, serving on the Poirier Commission to resolve labour disputes in Quebec school systems and being the Quebec counsel for Sergei Nemstanov, who defected from Russia to Canada during the Montreal Olympic Games.

 

Alex firmly believed in giving back to his community, and his actions and volunteer work resulted in him being awarded the Order of Canada, the Ordre national du Quebec, Order of Montreal and honorary degrees from McGill and Bishop's Universities. He had a great wit, a memorable laugh and a wicked sense of humour, which included deliberately wearing Bishop's University ties to McGill University functions. He gave back to his alma maters by teaching medical law at McGill and serving as chairman of the Board of Governors, and was a member of the board for ten years, and then Chancellor, of Bishop's University.

 

He was an incredible fundraiser for the many charities that he supported and as one dear friend described him "you never said no to your dad when he went after money for needy causes". Some of his more important causes included Pedal for Kids for the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, the Mackay Centre (in particular the adaptive skiing program) and the Butters Home Foundation. As chairman of the steering committee responsible for setting up the McGill University Health Centre, he was particularly proud of the Glen. His BLG partner, John Murphy, described him as being "an impressively versatile man: he could charm nine justices of the Supreme Court one day and then read to school children the next".

 

Known as the "Confederation Man", because of his great zeal for Canadian unity, Alex was the champion of minority rights in Quebec and believed in cooperation, rather than separation, between language groups. He co-chaired the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, was the founding chairman of Alliance Quebec and fought for the 'No' side in the Quebec referendum, all while wearing his trademark bow ties and sometimes colourful pants.

 

For many years, he was an active member and church warden for Saint Peter's-on-the Rock in Cap-a-L'Aigle, St. George's Church in Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Murray Bay Protestant Church in Pointe-au-Pic and St. Paul's Church in Knowlton.

Papa was always a source of great fun for his grandchildren, nieces and nephews: playing soccer goalie while his grandchildren attempted to score on him (unsuccessfully!), organizing fish-feeding adventures in his pond in Knowlton and croquet tournaments (with prizes), writing family plays to celebrate New Year's Eve, reciting his poems for birthdays, delivering special performances of 'A Farmer and a Maiden' with Joany, and if Tony Abbott was visiting, concerts by the A&P. His grandchildren learned a few choice words from his verbal reactions when he missed a shot on the croquet court. He was also an avid golfer. At Braeside in Senneville he would excitedly pull out a thermos of "coffee on the fifth tee!" On the tennis courts, he would drive his opponents nuts with his patented cut shot. He was musically gifted, could play the piano and accordion, and loved to perform and sing on stage and in church choirs. Even when his part had no lines, he stole the show. He was a great raconteur. As many have shared since his passing "he was so much fun to be around."

 

A celebration of Alex's life will be announced at a future date. Should you wish to make a donation in his memory please consider the following: Pedal for Kids or The McKay Center