David and Ann Patterson

"Strong communities are built from within and excellent healthcare is the foundation."

Many people in the St. Lawrence area may know David Patterson as a Canton, N.Y. resident, longtime member of the CPH Board of Directors, and local business owner.

What they may not know is that David and his wife Ann donate to Canton-Potsdam Hospital every year because they have personal ties to both the St. Lawrence County community and the Hospital itself.

In 1921, David’s grandfather came to Canton as a feed salesman – a time when there were more than 3,000 St. Lawrence County farmers. Six years later in 1927, he bought the feed store on Miner Street. It would remain in the family for the next 88 years.

“In 1945, my father joined the business and they formed Wight & Patterson,” David recalls. “When my grandfather passed away seven years later, my father took over the store.”

In 1967, David joined the family business and when his own father died in 1978, he took up the task of running the store. With his wife Ann’s constant support in the business and at home, he was able to successfully operate Wight & Patterson, Inc. for 37 years, until he sold the company in 2015.

“Both my father and grandfather served as the mayor of Canton at one time. There’s still a plaque in the EJ Noble building that bears my grandfather’s name,” David says. “I suppose that I inherited my passion for community service from both of these men who were great influences in my life.”

Today, David Patterson is an Emeritus Member of the CPH Board of Trustees, after serving on the board for 30 years.

When asked why he supports CPH, he answers quite simply, “Ann and I are thankful for the community support we received at Wight & Patterson over the years, and planning for CPH is one way to show our appreciation.

“Both Ann and I know how important this Hospital is to our community,” he adds. 

With the couple’s pledge to donate, and support from others like them, CPH will continue to provide the highest level of care to members of the St. Lawrence County community.

“CPH has provided us with excellent care, so the least we can do is give back. It is important to us that we have a high-quality hospital in our area that will serve family, employees, friends, and the community.”