Obituary of Stephen Everett Patterson

It is with sadness that the family of Stephen Everett Patterson announces his death at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the age of 89. He was born in Fredericton to the late Everett and Barbara Patterson on February 15,1937.   

Steve was a respected history professor at the University of New Brunswick from1964 until his retirement in 2002. He earned a doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin, specializing in early American History and the American Revolution. He enjoyed academic research and was a dedicated teacher to his students. Over the years he held positions of History Department Chairman and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. He was the University Orator from 1988 to 2005, during which time he researched, wrote, and delivered citations for over 100 honorary degree recipients at UNB Encaenia ceremonies.  Throughout his career his work was defined by his preparedness, well-crafted presentations, and high standards in writing and teaching for which he sought no accolades. 

In the summer of 1961, while working as a park naturalist at Fundy National Park, Steve met Linda, a student nurse who was camping with friends. They married in 1963. After completing his post graduate studies abroad in Madison, Wisconsin, he was pleased to return to New Brunswick to begin work at the newly opened branch of UNB in Saint John where he taught for two years.  He and Linda then moved to Fredericton where they settled and raised their family. They welcomed two daughters, Jennifer, in 1967, and Melissa, in 1969.  These were happy, joyful times. Steve was a wonderful husband and doting father.  He later became the proud grandfather to Matthew, Sarah, Emily, and Alex, all of whom he cherished.  He paid special attention to each family member and took pleasure in contributing to their lives in ways unique to them.

Steve loved the city of Fredericton where he was born and raised. He rarely missed a Saturday morning at the Boyce Farmers' Market which he attended regularly for more than 60 years. He enjoyed swimming and could be found doing laps at the UNB Lady Beaverbrook Gym every lunch hour for decades.  He was a lifelong proponent of music programs and a friend of the Fredericton Music Festival. In the 1970s he joined the Fredericton Heritage Trust which aimed to preserve and protect Fredericton's heritage buildings.  He took an active interest in politics and ran for office in 1978 and 1982 provincial elections. In Skyline Acres where he raised his young family, he involved himself in a Neighborhood Association group to make improvements to the area.

In retirement Steve busied himself with tracing his family history and in particular the communities of the Miramichi. He was also formulating philosophical ideas for a book he hoped to write called Gates of the Sun, relating to the Greek's concept of "the middle way" as it is symbolized across cultures. In the public sphere he remained active in leadership roles. A survivor of prostate cancer, he became the coordinator of the Fredericton Prostate Cancer Support Group, offering information and peace of mind to other men diagnosed with the disease. Always stimulated by intellectual conversation, he facilitated a literary discussion group at the Stepping Stone Centre where participants explored ideas of myth and archetypes in literature and poetry.  In recent years he joined the Fredericton Golden Club where he enjoyed socializing with old and new friends and listening to the Golden Club Singers. 

Music was integral to Steve's life. In his youth he learned piano, sang in choirs and played oboe in the Fredericton Civic Orchestra. He attended music concerts and symphonies, and built an extensive collection of classical records. As an undergraduate at UNB he wrote two musicals which were performed at the university's annual Red 'N Black Revue. Above all, he was a gifted pianist. His repertoire ranged widely from the classical composers, hymns, Scott Joplin, Gershwin, musical showtunes, to movie or television themes he would play by ear.  He did not require written music and could strike up any tune upon request.  Among the most beautiful pieces he played were his original compositions. Though on occasion he played the piano publicly, Steve mainly did so for his own enjoyment and that of his family. The beauty and pure joy of Stephen's piano music will live forever in their hearts.

Steve is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Linda (Smith) Patterson; daughters, Jennifer Johnstone and Melissa Patterson (Bob Hiscock); grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah, Emily, and Alex Johnstone; brother, Christopher Patterson; as well as extended family members, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, George and Rodney Patterson, and son-in-law, Alastair Johnstone.

His family wishes to sincerely thank the doctors and nurses of the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital, in particular Dr. Andrew MacLean, Dr. Jean-Sebastien Daigle, and the nurses of the Cardiac Care Unit for their valiant efforts and devotion to Stephen's care during his hospitalization.

A Memorial Service will be held at McAdams Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 1^st, 2026 at 1:00 pm. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Steve's favourite charities: Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), or to a charity of the donor’s choice.