On the pretence of getting some supplies I walked to the store to find the store owner, Jack, also 'belonged' to the Morris. At this time I owned a 1962 4 door Morris Minor saloon and naturally we managed to spend an hour exchanging stories. It turned out it belonged to his wife, Helen. They found it in 1967 when it was in a trashed condition with mice living in the seats.
Over the years they rebuilt it but at that time we met they had problems finding brake adjusters. I promised to send some from the UK and we exchanged names and addresses. On giving mine, I was living in a police section house at the time, his eyes opened and he produced his RCMP member’s ID. He had just retired as a sergeant after 25 years service and I was 2 years into what should have 30 years service with the Met. Another hour passed and thus began a 30 year friendship.
Over the years we visited each other, exchanging hats and Morris Minor mementos. We were due to met again this May during my 30th wedding anniversary trip. Only hours before hearing the sad news of his passing I had been telling someone at the vehicle restoration class I attend about Jack and the blue Morris Minor convertible in Banff, Alberta. He is a great loss to his family, friends and the Morris Minor community.
I’m not sure if Jack was a member of the MMOC, I guess he was, but I recall the car has featured in ‘Minor Matters’ as having been spotted by a member in Banff. For a vehicle to look so good in such a harsh environment, even if it only came out during the summer months, shows the dedication and skills Jack had. He was a true Gent, in his caring ways and kindness shown to all he met.
Jack Paterson: He will be sorely missed.[frame]
Winston can also be seen on this flickr link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/waukatt1/274750419/
This tribute was first published on the MorrisMinorOwners.co.uk forum.
