August 8, 2015
1526
Les Patterson's 90th birthday blew in like a storm - literally! But it was the best birthday ever! His daughter, Janet Browne of Kincardine, recounts what happened:
"Three of us drove down to Toronto, Saturday, Aug. 1, to celebrate Dad's birthday with my brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Mary Patterson. They are moving permanently to a beautiful new home in Tofino on Vancouver Island this week and were unable to come to Kincardine.
"We returned to Kincardine with Mom and Dad (Jean and Les Patterson), Sunday, Aug. 2. The drive was beautiful - nice, sunny weather, hardly any traffic, uneventful really. Until, that is, we could see up ahead, starting in around Teviotdale, that bad weather was approaching.
"Upon entering Bervie, wham, the storm hit! A big fireball exploded in the sky ahead and we knew we were in for it! Our truck was rocking, branches were falling, rain was swirling, everyone thought it must be a tornado! We quickly found a spot to pull over, away from trees, and waited until the worst was over.
"As we pulled out to continue our journey, we saw Highway 9 was covered with fallen hydro poles and other sideroads were covered in fallen trees. Eventually, a clear path was found and we made it home. The power was off, but our generator had come on automatically and powered several lights, and all the essentials. My parents remained calm throughout. Dad said it was a birthday he would never forget!
"Monday, Aug. 3, several friends visited for birthday cake and the wonderful entertainment provided by Jennifer Farrell, pipe major of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band; and Victoria Lockhart who performed four songs on the piano. Those in attendance were: Judy, Dave, and Victoria Lockhart, Janet and Dave Browne, Mary and John Kloosterboer, Shelley (who provided an amazing chocolate cake) and Ritchie Van Veghel, and Ann, Scott, and Wesley Ellis.
"Les and Jean Patterson met at Old City Hall in Toronto where they both worked. Dad went on to work for the City of Toronto for 44 years, several years as co-ordinator of public works. They spent a lot of their time in Peterborough where Dad's relatives, on his mom's side, lived. Peterborough and the Kawarthas were a second home for all of us growing up. Dad's mom was a professional vocal soloist and passed on her love of music to the whole family. Dad is a self-taught harmonica and keyboard player. Both Mom and Dad supported all of us in our pursuit of musical activities - attending as many concerts as possible, right up until recently - including Kincardine Community Concert Band events!
"'This is the best birthday I have ever had,' exclaimed Dad. Mom and Dad, wearing his 48th Highlanders beret, enjoyed chatting with everyone and thoroughly loved their visit! Thanks to Judy and Dave Lockhart who moved to Kincardine in 1976 to teach, followed by Jim Patterson who worked at Ontario Hydro for a few years, before moving to Ontario Hydro in Pickering, followed by Janet and Dave Browne in 1986, also teachers. Our family has become a part of this wonderful community! A big thank you to everyone who took part - especially Jennifer Farrell for making this a very special birthday for Dad!"
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