B.C.’s former chief electoral officer loses cancer battle
Robert Patterson, B.C.’s former chief electoral officer, has died after being struck with cancer. He was 72.
Patterson began working for Elections B.C. in 1978 and was the chief electoral officer from 1990 to 2002.
During his time as the deputy and chief electoral officer, he oversaw seven general elections, five enumerations and two provincewide referendums, Elections B.C. said.
In a statement, it said Patterson took early retirement and shared his expertise on electoral administration around the world with the United Nations, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, Foreign Affairs Canada and many other organizations.
His obituary says he leaves behind his wife Heather, his son, daughter-in-law and a grandson.
Patterson died Jan. 27 and a celebration of life will be held on March 9 in Victoria.