Vale Norm Paterson, ‘mayor of Cooke Plains’
A stalwart of the trucking industry, Country Fire Service and Liberal Party in the Murraylands has died at the age of 91.
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Tributes are flowing to a stalwart of the trucking industry, Country Fire Service and Liberal Party in the Murraylands after his death at the age of 91.
Norman Donald Paterson OAM, better known as Norm, passed away on July 7.
Born at Loxton and raised at Alawoona, in the Mallee, he was known for his service to the community of Cooke Plains, where he and his wife spent the greater part of their lives together.
The couple moved there in 1958 to take over the Cooke Plains Gypsum Company, mining a material used in construction and fertiliser; and would later establish Paterson Bulk Transport.
Both companies remain in the family to this day.
He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2009 for his services to the road transport and fertiliser industries.
In his spare time, he gave 70 years of service to the Liberal Party, including as a campaign manager and treasurer of the Barker branch, and received a distinguished service award.
He spent more than 60 years volunteering with the Country Fire Service, including as captain of the Cooke Plains brigade, and was awarded a medal for his long service only last month.
He and his wife also volunteered with Neighbourhood Watch in Murray Bridge in their later years.
Federal MP Tony Pasin described Mr Paterson as a friend to many who would be sorely missed.
State MP Adrian Pederick called him a legendary Liberal: “a great man for the community and a great supporter of business”.
Mr Paterson is survived by his wife of 69 years, Margaret; their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held at Murray Bridge Racing Club at 1pm this Friday, July 19.
