Honouring an MUHC builder and community leader: Alexander Kennedy Paterson, O.C., O.Q., Q.C., Ad.E. – 1932-2025

On August 6, at the age of 93, Alexander K. Paterson,—a gifted litigation lawyer, generous volunteer, accomplished storyteller and musician, staunch advocate for community services, proud husband and family man, and overall compassionate human being—passed away peacefully. Predeceased by Joany, his cherished wife of 67 years, he has left to mourn those who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing him—including many from the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and McGill University,—as well as four children (Robb, Tim, Angie and Alex) and their spouses, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. 

Called to the Bar in 1957, Me Paterson’s career at Heward, Holden, Hutchison, Cliff, McMaster & Meighen (which became BLG) spanned over five decades during which he wore many hats (and bow ties!), gaining the respect of countless people and organizations. Alex was lead negotiator for the Québec government during the Oka crisis and inquirer on the Poirier Commission in the 1970s in relation to labour disputes in Québec school systems. He represented Sergei Nemstanov who defected from Russia during the Montréal Olympic Games, and pleaded before Quebec courts, the Supreme Court of Canada and parliamentary commissions. Additionally, he was legal counsel for The Montreal Children’s Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Health Centre, Lakeshore General Hospital, and the Reddy Memorial and Barrie Memorial hospitals. Though he grew up in a predominantly English setting and defended access to services in English, he studied French working in Rimouski and La Beauce and believed that being bilingual in Quebec was important, as was Canadian unity. In that regard, he was the founding chairman of Alliance Québec, established the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada and was vice-president of the Québec-Canada Pre-Referendum Executive Committee for the No, earning the moniker of “Confederation Man”.

As some will know, Alex liked to say, “I’m not really good at sitting around.” In fact, he was remarkable at standing up for causes. Beyond the field of law and inspired by his father’s physical disability, Me Paterson was enthusiastic about advancing the goals of institutions in health care, education and the arts through advocacy, fundraising and Board service. He was equally a man of faith, supporting churches in Cap à l’Aigle, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, Pointe-au-Pic and Knowlton. He taught law at McGill and served as the chancellor and an ex officio member of its Board of Governors. Subsequently, he accepted the role of chancellor of Bishop’s University. He also chaired the Advisory Council of the Quebec English School Board Association, and was honorary president of the Summit School’s fundraising campaign.

Alex bridged ideas and interests. He was instrumental in the merger of the MUHC’s teaching hospitals, chairing the steering committee through a five-year period, engaging not only hospital leadership, but also health ministers during four changes in government. He went on to serve as the first interim chair of the MUHC Board of Directors. Over the years, he was also a valued member of the MUHC Corporation Board and an honorary chair of The Best Care for Life $300-million capital campaign, a partnership of all MUHC foundations that led to the building of the Glen site. He devoted his time, knowledge and energy to guide various companies and champion fundraising efforts on behalf of the Montreal Children’s Foundation, Mackay Centre (now MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre, including its adaptive ski program and its foundation), Butters Home Foundation, Adaptive Sports Foundation, MUHC Foundation and Foundation of Greater Montreal. Furthermore, he led a delegation of supporters, including children, to a Baltimore convention in 2005 to keep the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Canada in Montreal, teaching everyone a song he wrote to sing in the parade. In addition, he volunteered for over twenty-five years in various capacities; his twinkling eyes, smile and laugh lit up the Cedar Avenue entrance of the Montreal General Hospital and the faces of schoolchildren who hung on each sentence, as he read stories at the Mackay Centre for example.

Alex Paterson was inducted as an Officer into the Order of Canada and Ordre national du Québec, as a Commander of the Ordre de Montréal and as a Member of the Academy of Great Montrealers.  He received the Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Service Award, Médaille d’honneur from the Barreau du Québec and honorary degrees. He was most deserving.  Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and former colleagues. His legacy of kindness, which he delivered with the perfect measure of wisdom, humour and altruism, will be remembered with fondness and gratitude.

Lucie Opatrny, MD MSc MHCM FRCPC
President and Executive Director, MUHC