Regimental Number: M56286
Rank: Lance Corporal
Bud Patterson was born on August 22, 1917, the eldest son of Rex and Grace Patterson. The Patterson’s had originated from Iowa and arrived in the Peace River Country in 1916. The original house, after two additions, is still standing at the original location. The Bezanson Log Hall was located across the road from their residence which made it very convenient to attend the many functions that were held there.
Bud, at age 11, suffered a broken arm and leg in a farm accident. Although the accident kept Bud from active sports for quite some time, he did become an excellent horseman and had a favorite horse by the name of “Nancy” on which he won many prices for barrel and pony races. Many wild escapades were had with his pals, the McLaughlin, Moon and Stark brothers and on one occasion Bud was thrown from his horse, suffered a concussion and was hospitalized for a week.
In 1939, Bud bought SW 34-71-3-W6 which was the homestead quarter of Archie Minchin Sr. The following November, Bud married Allie LaValley of the Lindsay area. Once married, Bud and Allie started farming on their own. However, hearing the call of duty to Country, Bud enlisted in the Army in February 1942. He was sent to the Calgary area for basic training. Allie was expecting their first child when Bud entered the Army and she delivered a baby boy, David on May 29, 1942. As Bud was in basic training and had not left Canada yet, he was granted a leave of 2 or 3 days to see his son. He left immediately and landed in England from where he was sent to serve his County in Sicily, Italy, France, Holland and Germany. While in Italy, Bud was wounded when he was hit in the arm with shrapnel. One of Bud’s orders was to drive the ambulance from the battle fields to makeshift hospitals. As well, Bud drove the Germans who were taken as prisoners to POW camps. By then Bud had mastered some of the German language and could converse with them. As the war was over as of September 2, 1945, the military offered the soldiers courses to occupy their time while they wanted for their orders to return home. Bud used that time to train as a cook. Bud returned from the War in December 1945 and was reunited with his wife and 3 1/2 year old son that he had only seen once as a newborn. Two more children, Valerie and Keith arrived to complete the family. Bud and Allie were very active in the Community with Bud’s favorite activity being the Bezanson Stampede.
On August 1, 1958 Bud died in a farm accident when his arm became tangled in a baler. As it was close to dinner-time and he did not want to be late, he did not turn the tractor off before attempting to detangle the baler. The Community was devastated to hear the news and shortly thereafter in true Bezanson spirit, a crew of 80 neighbors arrived at the farm to haul and stack bales. The wives served two meals per day until the haying operation was done.
The following July (1959) the Stampede Committee and audience stood for a moment of silence in honor of Bud – a man who had survived service to his country through a devastating war, a man who was a great contributor to the Community and a man who was a wonderful family man.
Bud’s legacy lives on through his son David and daughter Valerie and their children. A son Keith passed away in 2015.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Interview with Val (Patterson) Williamson