He couldn’t stay away the first time, but now this well-known Sorrento doctor plans to try out retirement for the second time around.
Sorrento and Area Community Association (SACA) hosted a potluck dinner to celebrate Doctor Don Paterson’s retirement Monday, Nov. 19th at 5:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
The community came together to say farewell to Dr. Don Paterson, or Dr. Don as he is known in the area, after serving as the primary doctor for 35 years.
During the event, Paterson was presented with a plaque, by SACA chairperson, Barry Stokes.
SACA director Norm Martin presented Paterson’s wife, Doreen with a lovely bouquet of flowers.
Both Dr. Don and Doreen mingled with community members, cutting and serving a retirement cake to all the guests.
The community will greatly miss Dr. Don, who has served several generations of families and provided consistent health care to the community.
Paterson had originally retired in August 2006. But when his replacement moved to Salmon Arm after only serving the area for two years, Dr. Don came back.
He gave up the relaxed life of retirement to help the sick and injured once again.
As of Nov. 15, Paterson has officially retired once again.
While the community is thankful for the time he spent serving area residents, some are expressing their concern.
The area has not yet found a doctor to take Paterson’s place and, as a result, the medical office has remained closed.