Dave Patterson

Sep 22

Long time country music supporter and media staffer Dave Patterson joined colleagues in Sky Studio September 17, 2022.

Dave is known and recognized by many across Northern Ontario and elsewhere for his long serving and dedicated role in creating and maintaining The Northern Ontario Country Music Association (NOCMA) as well as his time meeting clients’ advertising needs while with Sault This Week as well as serving clients and listeners while in radio. His online profile includes his 1976 through 1994 work association with Gilby Canada.

From the Northern Ontario Country Music Association website:
“Back in the 1960s Grace Kozak, a local well-known performer and promoter, started using the term "The Great Northern Opry" in her music shows, but she did not register that name.

“The organization that gave birth to the country music effort in Sault Ste. Marie, was the original Country Club and was created by the efforts of Al Mooney, George Pinder and Carol and Dave Patterson in 1989. From that, The Sault Ste. Marie and District Country Music Hall of Fame was formed back in 1991, by those same founders, with Don Ramsay as the first inductee.

“In 2000, the original Country Club was replaced by The Northern Ontario Country Music Association (NOCMA) and the Sault Ste. Marie and District Country Music Hall of Fame was replaced by The Northern Ontario Country Music Hall of Fame with Carol & Dave Patterson, as founders registering both the new names. The Great Northern Opry, registered by the Patterson's in 1993 remained intact, but now with country talent being inducted from across Northern Ontario.” Northern Ontario Country Music Association :: History (nocma.ca)

Dave was with FM 100.5 in the early 1980s and later at Q 104. He also spent many years at Sault This Week in sales.

Former broadcaster and sales representative for radio/television and later print, John Chambers says, “Dave and I were friends and working acquaintances for close to 30 years. He was very friendly and would go out of his way for anybody. I’ll miss him.”

“Very good memories working with Dave in formation years of the Country Club,” recalls colleague and former broadcaster Bruce Krause. “His enthusiasm benefited his organization and Q104 at the time as well. Condolences to his family. His legacy will continue.”

Musician Ric Datson commented, “He helped keep country music alive for Northern Ontario over these 30 plus years and we appreciate all you've done. I have been honored to be the drummer for most of the shows since day one, with the induction of Don Ramsay into the Hall of Fame, doing all the singing contests for the Country Club with New Country, the great Northern Ontario Tour with the Texas Street Band, and backing up countless performers with Mike Case & White Stallion. Rest In Peace and thank you Dave for your love of country music. You will be missed."

Deb Kaye, a Sault Ste. Marie recording and performing star internationally was inducted into the Northern Ontario Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.On her Facebook she posted, "I am so sad to hear of the passing of one of the most tenacious men I have ever known..He lifted the country music scene of Sault Ste. Marie into the atmosphere. Against all odds and nay sayers, he managed to create a way to honour and celebrate the many talented artists in our city in ways that we never dreamed possible. Dave Patterson! He was made of country music right down to his boots.Thank you sir for your commitment to us and to the music of Ontario. My heart goes out to his whole family. There are no words that soothe at this time. We are here ... standing by you."

Dave left us as he was dancing to and enjoying country music at a Saturday matinee event.

(Thanks to James Warner-Smith for efforts in the Messenger Group, source for some of the recollections included in the above.)

Tribute story by Brian Kelly, Sault Star:
https://saultstar.com/entertainment/local-arts/patterson-recognized-northern-country-talent

From ShawTV, 2017 a video with Dave, Al Mooney and George Pinder....
Northern Ontario Country Music Association - YouTube

Special announcements:

https://www.sootoday.com/obituaries/patterson-william-david-dave-5841646

William Patterson Obituary - Sault Ste. Marie, ON (dignitymemorial.com)

Dave Patterson

Art Osborne https://artosborne.com