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Robert J. Ritchie Paterson,
a public accountant, practicing his profession in Lethbridge, was born
in Greenock, Scotland, January 23, 1890, his parents being William and
Elizabeth (Sutherland) Paterson, who were also natives of the land of
hills and heather, in which country the father passed away. He was a
retail grocer throughout his life and died at the age of sixty-five. His
father was John Paterson, who was a crofter and farmer but William
Paterson turned toward commercial pursuits and devoted his life to the
grocery business. He was a well-read man, progressive in relation to all
public interests as well as his business affairs and his life was ever
guided by his belief as a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics
he was a Conservative. His widow is now living in Lethbridge. She is a
daughter of Robert Sutherland, who was a Scotch farmer. In the family
were two children, the younger being Isabelle Whitson Paterson, who is
now connected with the public library of Lethbridge.
Robert J. Ritchie
Paterson pursued his education in the Greenock Academy and when he left
school entered an office as an apprentice accountant. He completed his
course at Greenock and at Glasgow and in 1913, well equipped for
professional duties, he came to Canada, settling first in Winnipeg.
There he was employed as an accountant for three months, after which his
firm transferred him to Lethbridge, in April, 1914. He continued in the
employ of others for two years, acting as manager of the office at the
same time and was then admitted to a partnership, which relation also
existed for two years. On the expiration of that period he purchased the
business, which he has since conducted under the name of Ritchie,
Paterson & Company. He is accorded a good clientage, his business
growing year by year, as the public becomes familiar with the
thoroughness and efficiency of his methods. That he is now successful is
indicated in the fact that he has a branch office at Medicine Hat. His
work takes him frequently from home, as he does accounting over a
considerable territory from Lethbridge. Today he employs a staff of
eight people, devoting practically his entire time to the business and
his professional record is a most creditable one.
Mr. Paterson is
independent in politics. His interest in civic affairs and in the
improvement of business conditions in the community is shown in the fact
that he is a member of the Rotary Club. He also belongs to the Masonic
fraternity and has membership in the Knox Presbyterian church, serving
at the present time as a member of its board and taking active and
helpful part in everything that tends to promote the material,
intellectual and moral progress of the community. |
