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Died Jan. 2, 2025
Obit below shared online (via the AC Pasadena Reunion website) by Jeff's wife, Carolanne.
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Jeff Patton was born into the Patton family whose motto is Virtute adepta, meaning “acquired by virtue,” and he lived this motto all of his life. Though his battle was not by the sword of his ancestors he wielded the word of God with honour and strength for over fifty one years. He began his life-long commitment to walk with God when he was baptized in Jerusalem in 1973. After completing a French-language year abroad program and having a harrowing experience behind the iron curtain he began studies at Ambassador College where he obtained a journalism degree and worked as a writer for the Portfolio and the World Tomorrow telecast.
He relentlessly pursued his wife, Carolanne, and they married in 1976, and were eventually blessed with four sons and their families – Joshua and Heather, Jeremiah and Leah, Josiah and Jeffrey and five grandchildren, Christina, Daniel, Elian, Elizabeth, and Phinehas. They took as their personal motto a passage from the book of Isaiah, “God has given us the tongue of a teacher to comfort the weary with the Word.” Jeff was known for his hospitality, his generous spirit, his ‘joie de vivre,” his infectious laughter, and his care for his family, his church brethren, and his many homestay ‘sons.’
Jeff was active in local church congregations and hosted youth outdoor living summer programs. His love for his family and friends motivated him in all of his activities. Whether keeping bees to share the gift of honey, making fruit wines, or studying Hebrew and Arabic, he was devoted to learning new things that could be a benefit to others.
For a decade Jeff was mail processing and circulation manager for the French department of the Worldwide Church of God and he enjoyed his travels to Europe and Quebec to meet those he was serving.
After pursuing some months of study at Hebrew University he became managing editor for the Global Church of God where he developed the World Ahead magazine and other literature to support the mission of preaching the gospel - God’s good news of his Kingdom - to a worldwide audience. Later he wrote, ‘Walk a Straight Path in a Crooked World’, to encourage people to take up the challenge of following God in a post-Christian world of materialism and meaninglessness.
Pursuing his love of the scriptures, Jeff researched many recently discovered historical, and archaeological facts about the migrations of the ancient ten tribes of Israel and their descendants as they related to the biblical evidence. He shared this research with the United Church of God helping to write, ‘The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy,’ and then compiled the information in, ‘Your Roots Your Destiny.’
While in England, Jeff (a certified teacher) worked teaching history and religious studies in the British school system. On Sabbath he was given the opportunity to preach in the local church congregations in London and Tonbridge. In England and Cyprus he pursued his love of history with the family and visited many sites of historical and biblical significance. Returning to Canada, Jeff served as an elder in the local congregation and eventually developed with his sons an independent web-based ministry, COGWebcast.com. You can read Jeff’s blog at worldtomorrow.ca.
Jeff was a passionate storyteller at heart. His adventures across Europe, North America, and Israel still echo in his books, articles, and sermons. In 2005 he started his video journey as producer as he partnered with his son Jeremiah and created Cinnabar Vista Productions - a film company with an eye to making meaningful documentaries and capturing authentic stories. Their first major production, ‘EJ. Hughes, Triumph Over Hard Times’ won a Leo Nomination. While their video, ‘My Dad’s Dentist Story’ represented Canada in a Cannes Film Festival. Since that time they have produced many award-winning pieces for their clients to communicate positive messages through creative story-telling.
Jeff loved being outdoors hiking and camping with his boys and exploring the local islands. He appreciated working in the garden on his ‘wee green spot’ where he planted his own vine and fig trees. His hope for the future was to be among those envisioned by Isaiah who would be ‘repairers of the breach and the restorer of paths to dwell in.
With so many of Jeff's friends and family scattered across the globe, his son, Jem, recorded and uploaded videos from the memorial service to Youtube. Carolanne expressed hope the service would speak to hearts:
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Mike Dunn (1974)
Very sorry to hear of jeff's passing@ such a young age. Apart from the sadness of that, it sounds like he lived quite a fulfilling life and I'm glad that he was able to enjoy his family so much In doing that. My heart goes out to the family. It has.to be a terrifically terrible thing to have to endure, i pray God will give all his family members the piece of mind and strength that comes from the love of god and knowing that they'll all be able to see him again one day I didn't know Jeffvery well, at AC, but the picture of him here is exactly how I remember him, very friendly, with a warm smile, and that's how I always saw him on campus. I look forward to seeing him in the resturrection.
Mike
Carolanne Gibson (Patton) (1974)
You can view Jeff's labour of love over the past couple of decades on cogwebcast.com and Rumble.
https://rumble.com/user/JudeoChristian
Steve Frandsen (1975)
Hello Carolanne,
I'm very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing recently. My condolences and sympathy to you, your children, extended family and friends. I didn't know Jeff well but I did meet him. He was a very nice person. My prayers and thoughts for you at this very difficult time. Steve Frandsen (Hamilton, ON church)
Mike Dunn (1974)
Jeff's smile is something i have always remembered, his sincerity of friendliness was authentic & appreciated.
May God give comfort to Jeff's family & friends. Quite sad to see our class of 74-75 diminishing in numbers, but thankfully we have many wonderful memories to rcall.
Mike
Mike Dunn (1974)
Jeff's smile is something i have always remembered, his sincerity of friendliness was authentic & appreciated.
May God give comfort to Jeff's family & friends. Quite sad to see our class of 74-75 diminishing in numbers, but thankfully we have many wonderful memories to rcall.
Mike