Michael Anthony Patterson

Michael Anthony Patterson, 37, of Westville, passed away suddenly in Calgary on May 1, 2026. Mike was deeply loved by his family and close friends and will be forever missed.

Mike was born on November 17, 1988. He was a beautiful and exceptionally intelligent boy. Michael was outgoing, energetic, and grew into a fine young athlete. He excelled at skateboarding, stunt biking, soccer, track & field, and loved hockey, basketball, and baseball. Mike won many ribbons and medals throughout his high school years.

Mike was also a self-taught musician from the age of 9, when his cousin gave him an old electric guitar and small amplifier. He quickly taught himself to play by ear, and soon there was music playing every day in our home. During those years, Mike also inspired his younger brother to become a drummer. He continued to grow as a musician, excelling in Music and Music Band classes in high school. Michael joined “The Terrance Henderson Orchestra,” which specialized in jazz music through grades 11 and 12. Michael did very well in all aspects of his school career and graduated with honours from Northumberland Regional High School in June 2007.

Michael continued his education at St. Francis Xavier University in their jazz program. During his second year, he decided to leave university and enter the workforce.

Michael had a varied working career. During high school, he worked at a local grocery store and gave guitar lessons. After graduating, he worked for a summer at an industrial tool supply outlet before beginning work as a window cleaner, including on high-rise buildings. Mike later moved to Alberta, where he became a scaffolder in northern Alberta’s oil patch, eventually earning his journeyman’s ticket and working for many years in the trade.

In 2019, Michael spent nearly a year in Dawson City, working as an ice cream vendor and dishwasher by day, and as a musician by night. He later returned to scaffolding.

Mike was a kind, caring, generous, and gentle person. He never once harmed an animal. He greatly enjoyed making music with his brothers and many musical friends, and especially loved helping his first nephew, Eli, learn to play guitar. Eli loved and appreciated Mike greatly for that, and for being such a wonderful uncle. Mike was especially good with children, who always seemed to take to him immediately.

Mike gave us all one final wonderful gift through Give Life Alberta by becoming an organ donor. He has helped at least five recipients that we know of, receive a fresh start toward healthier and hopefully longer lives. We extend our enormous gratitude to Give Life Alberta, Peter Lougheed Centre, and Evan J. Strong Funeral Services for their kindness, help, and wonderful care.

Mike is now home with us to stay, deeply loved, forever remembered, and eternally in our hearts. Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Rick and Betty Patterson; his brothers, David (Jennifer Lowther and son Eli Patterson) and Patrick (Shantara and sons Garrett and Murray Patterson); his grandparents, David and Maria Patterson; and the memory of Keith and Shirley Snell, both deceased. He will also be lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-grandchildren from both sides of our wonderful family.

Mike has been cremated, and there will be no service or visitation, as he wished. A gathering of family and close friends to celebrate Michael’s life and love will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made in support of organ donation in some form. No other donations or flowers are required.

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