Pipe Bands Australia records with deep sadness the passing of Steven ‘Paddo’ Patterson, who died earlier today.
After being able to spend Christmas with his family at home, his six-month battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma ended earlier today. He will be sorely missed by all of us in the piping and drumming world and our heartfelt condolences are offered to his family.
Paddo’s long association with piping and drumming began in 1978 when he started learning chanter at The Scots College. He quickly moved to snare drum and on leaving school played with Clan Mcleod Pipe Band, NSW Police Pipe Band and The Scots College Old Boys Pipes and Drums. Paddo’s connection with his school band remained true as he became a key and very passionate member of the school’s Pipes and Drums Support group, serving for some time as president of that organisation.
Paddo was someone who went above and beyond just being a playing member of our organisation. For a number of years he served as the National Secretary of the Association and was, up until his passing, the secretary of the NSW Branch and also VP of Rules and Administration. His commitment to the betterment of our organisation and its members was unquestionable. In NSW he was an active contest supervisors and we are certain he will be missed by bands with his absence felt most at the start line where he is known for a customary greeting in his highland dress and black fedora.
Paddo was generous; a case in point being his willingness to offer up his business facilities to the Association for a variety of events. Many members will recall having attended committee meetings, participated in workshops, and sat exams on the banks of the Parramatta River at Derivan.
Paddo was a great and true friend to many people both in and outside the piping and drumming world and there is no doubt that his passing will be a source of great sadness, and a cause for reflection, for people right around Australia. His family has indicated plans on holding a remembrance service for him sometime in April 2026.
As an association we will strive to ensure that members remain informed with details on that when they become available.
It is not customary for the national body to publish notices of this nature, as this responsibility ordinarily sits with the relevant Branch. In this instance, however, Steven himself held the role of Branch Secretary, and it was therefore appropriate for Pipe Bands Australia to acknowledge his passing directly.
