One of the most dominant receivers in Montreal Alouettes history, Harold "Prince Hal" Patterson passed away on Monday at age 79.
Patterson electrified CFL fans for 14 seasons, including seven years with the Als from 1954-1960. The favourite target of legendary Alouettes quarterback Sam "The Rifle" Etcheverry, Patterson was named the league's Most Outstanding Player in 1956.
Among his memorable achievements was his long-standing club and league record of eleven 100-yard receiving games in a single season set in 1956. The benchmark stood until current Alouettes receiver Jamel Richardson broke it this past season with 12.
Following his illustrious playing career which included a stint in Hamilton where he won Grey Cups in 1963, 1965 and 1967, the hardworking Patterson returned to his native Kansas to tend to his family's dirt construction business and farming.
A three-time CFL All-Star, Patterson was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1971. The Alouettes recently honoured his brilliant career by retiring his No. 75 on November 21, 2008.
Patterson is survived by his three children Angela, David and Tammy, siblings Keith, Sue, Mary, Roberta and Myra, as well as his granddaughters Jessica and Brittany.
Never saw him play (except for games on tape/rerun), but had the honor to met him at 2008 Grey Cup legends Breakfast where the Alouettes retired his jersey....also got his autograph on a football with Sam "The Rifle" Etchevery.....
RIP Prince Hal !
