We at the JudeoChristian Foundation and Church of God Webcast are sad to announce the death of Jeff Patton. His reliance on God and his motivation to preach a ‘sola scriptura’ message that fulfilled Jesus’ charge to his disciples was the inspiration and driving force behind our ministry. Jeff loved to share the biblical stories along with his research into history and archaeology that supported the message of the scriptures. He was concerned about the need to build bridges within the Church of God community and he wanted to support the brethren in their study of God’s word, so they could ‘give an answer’ when asked to explain the scriptures and their hope in God.
Jeff always desired to maintain friendships within the Church of God community. As a co-worker wrote when writing of their shared experience in serving the French-speaking brethren : “He was warm, positive, caring, hospitable and generous.” Jeff valued the people God brought into his life and he actively worked with a variety of fellowships to promote our common heritage in the scriptures.
Inspired by Jeff’s example of faith we will continue to diligently accomplish the work of teaching the truth of scripture and uniting brethren in the love of Christ, the Word of Truth.
Jeff Patton Tribute
Jeff 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. 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.’
Some memories from a few of Jeff’s family, friends and coworkers that shared their messages at Jeff’s celebration of life
Sarah
Jeff was a dear and kind man with a wonderful spirit. His generosity, love for his family and good heart will remain with me always. My love and condolences to you all. Xxx
Helen
Only known for a few days, long ago, part of the teachers travel network, we appreciated your hospitality and kindnesses. May God bless you and your family as you celebrate the life of this remarkable man! In my thoughts and prayers
Bill
That wonderful laugh and sparkle in the eyes tell of a beautiful spirit that ran within Jeff. “Instant friendship” is what I responded to in both Jeff and Carolanne. You both were greatly appreciated by me.
Marguerite
During my AC years, Jeff was my immediate boss in the French department. He was warm, positive, caring, hospitable and generous. He certainly had a “joie de vivre”. When we were required to work extra hours to get a job done, he would encourage us by providing a huge wheel of brie and baguettes. As francophones and students, it was a real treat and a boost. 🙂 He was certainly a gifted man and did a lot of good to many.
Marlene
A wonderful Christian man, and so willing to help others. Much love..
Ken
Carolanne, this is quite a sad milestone in your life, your family’s life, and for all of us too, who loved, admired and respected your Jeff.
He certainly was a “profitable servant” of the true God.
Jeff’s place in the First Resurrection is assured, and is a great inspiration for all of us septuagenarians and older, to likewise be there with him, by God’s grace.
Matt
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, my Uncle Jeff… it seems like he was able to live quite a full life with the time that he had. From my memory I’ll definitely never forget his infectious laughter, he seemed so cheerful and fun to be around.
Jill
Carolanne, so sorry for your loss. Our world has lost an incredibly talented, gifted and creative philosopher. May his legacy carry on through you and your boys. He fought the good fight and his reward is waiting. All the best to you and yours. Bless you during this time. He was one of a kind.
Reginald
We missed you guys immensely after we left SoCal. Jeff was truly sui generis. He was the genuine article. We are all better people for having experienced his authenticity, warmth and enterprise. Till we meet again!
Linda and Wolfgang
We got to know Jeff Patton at the beginning of 1975 at the Ambassador College campus in Pasadena.
At that time we were preparing our wedding to be held in the sunken Italian Garden of the Pasadena Campus. Jeff heard about it and offered to be our wedding photographer. We hadn’t thought about this essential detail and we gladly accepted his proposal.
As far as we remember he was enrolled in the Photo Journalism class and had an assignment “to tell a story.” Without fail he was unobtrusively at our side throughout the day, capturing the atmosphere and key scenes.
One set was in B/W photos beginning with the bridal hair style up to Mr. Raymond McNair signing the official marriage certificates. The other collection was in colour for our wedding album.
Those B/W photos became a unique attraction for our guests that unexpectedly snagged their attention.
Almost every time we walk by them we think of Jeff and his inspired idea to help us start a new life together.
Crystal
Carolanne, I’m so deeply sorry to hear about Jeff. My heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time. He was always such a strong and cheerful man. He’s going to be so dearly missed. Sending you love and praying for the peace and comfort that can only come from our great creator. We are all thinking of you.
Melody
We are so sorry for your loss in the death of your husband, Jeff. We remember him as being faithful in his walk with God, and fervent in his desire to study God’s word. What a blessing he has been.
Sandy
I was saddened to hear of Jeff’s death. It’s a sad but stark reminder that we’re on the same trajectory. I’ve appreciated hearing about you and your family in your festival updates. Although I had quite a few interactions with Jeff over the years, mainly in the 80s and 90s, it was when we were thrown together in the early years of the Global Church of God that I got to know Jeff the most. Jeff suggested we buy the property together, and then split the lot … it was a pleasure to have him and his family as my neighbours for a few short years.
Vicki et Al
Al and I were so sorry to read of Jeff’s death. He was clearly a man of convictions, and also a man who liked fun. One time, that fun was pointed at me–and rightfully so! I was driving the two of us in Beverly Hills. I don’t remember where we were going, but … I pointed out, “We’re now at Rodeo Drive.” I must have been living under a rock all my years of living in CA, because I pronounced it the way you would if you were going to a show of cowboys lassoing cattle! I can still hear his laughter when that was the way I pronounced one of the most upscale shopping streets in the world!
We’re never ready to lose a good spouse, and the more we age, I think, the more we’re able to feel for someone when that happens to them. However, I am always happy for the one who died in the faith. If we would be asked, “Would you like to close your eyes, and when you open them, Christ will be returning?” who wouldn’t like that, especially as the world becomes a more and more “perilous” place? So I’m not sorry for Jeff, but we deeply sympathize with you and the boys and pray that God will give you His comfort.
Sue
I knew Jeff to be a kind, creative, happy, deeply converted leader—who loved to serve others. My favourite memory was a day hike trip with him and his family. He drove us somewhere to mountains in CA where there were beautiful groves of aspen trees to hike through. It may have been during spring, as I recall the leaves being bright green. What a lovely day we all enjoyed together. Nearly four decades later, I still treasure those and many other memories of “adventures” and meals shared.
Mike and Debby
Your family were only in Britain for about 6 months but you made a huge impression on us. Our Tonbridge congregation in the south east of England was small and only 3 years old when your family joined us. Your family made a big difference to our social life, with your ability to sing songs, play guitar, demonstrate dances and with your willingness to enjoy simple things in life such as long walks, visiting places of historic interest, and enjoying good food. Your dad gave some thought-provoking sermonettes and sermons, particularly one on “sola scriptura” and another one on “access to the king” (inspired by your visit to Hampton Court Palace). We used to pray that your mum and dad could get enough work so they could stay longer in Britain, but sadly for us it didn’t work out and you had to return to Canada. It was a big loss for us.
Your dad was very interested in history. The Pilgrims Way is a long distance footpath from Winchester to Canterbury, pilgrims would have walked this route to see the bones of Thomas à Becket. Leeds Castle is one where Henry VIII stayed (Leeds is a small village in Kent, not to be confused with the big city in Yorkshire in the north of England). “Kit” is short for Catigern, a Celtic prince of Kent who died in a battle with Saxon invaders. “Coty” is an old English word meaning house. Your dad was fascinated with this stuff.
What more can I say? We loved spending time with you all. Your dad had great humour and an infectious laugh, but was also a serious teacher. We remember him fondly.
Philip
You both have always stood out in my mind as undoubtedly among the very best top 10 examples of love, truly joyfully loving each other, and your mutual respect so obvious with you two– has inspired me and so many others. You don’t temporarily have Jeff right now but you have the memory of having the best husband and a phenomenal man of God. We are all with you in your hurting and sorrow and just know you truly are not going through this alone. Our hearts are broken with you, even as we also look forward to the great promises and joy we all will have in the greatest reunion of all time that’s coming. We love you so much Carolanne and we miss Jeff too.
Freebird
Dearest Abba, Thank you very much for Jeff Patton. He was a Wonderful and Faithful pastor and teacher of your word. I was hoping to meet him one day. I’m little bit sad. 😢 I really appreciate his sermons. Please be with his family and give them strength and comfort and a big hug 🫂🥰❤️🙏🏼 and agape LOVE ❤️ during their loss and grief and onward until your return. I look forward to seeing him in the resurrection.
Jeff Patton
Jeff was baptized in Jerusalem in 1973 and began his life-long commitment to walk with God. As a student at Ambassador College in Pasadena Jeff obtained a degree in Journalism while putting his skills into practice as a writer for the Portfolio and the Worldwide Church of God’s (WCG) World Tomorrow, television broadcast.
While living in Los Angeles, Jeff and his wife, Carolanne, worked to host youth summer programs at Camp Riverglen for the WCG Los Angeles congregation. For a decade Jeff was mail processing and circulation manager for the WCG French department under the direction of Dibar Apartian. There he had the opportunity of serving French-speaking brethren around the world and the joy of watching the Pure Vérité circulation climb to over 250,000 subscribers.
As a result of fundamental disagreements over doctrinal matters, Jeff and Carolanne were disfellowshipped from the WCG and marked by Joe Tkach Jr. for questioning the WCG’s move into a liberal protestant view of the scriptures. In an effort to remain true to God and to the understanding of scripture that was fundamental to the New Testament church in the first century AD, Jeff has worked for a variety of churches of God who have maintained the basic doctrines and practices of the apostles and the early church.
As managing editor for the Global Church of God (later renamed Living Church of God) Jeff worked to create the World Ahead magazine and other literature to support the mission of preaching the gospel to the world. He was gratified to see the World Ahead grow into a monthly magazine with circulation of 70,000+ subscribers under his direction. As a free-lance journalist he wrote his first book, Walk a Straight Path in a Crooked World, based on a series of articles he had written for the World Ahead.
Pursuing his love of the scriptures, Jeff invested 6 months in original research and uncovered many interesting biblical, historical, and archaeological facts relating to the migrations of the ancient ten tribes of Israel and their descendants. Some of this material was incorporated by the United Church of God (UCGIA) editors in their booklet about America and Britain in prophecy. Jeff later wrote, Your Roots Your Destiny, as a summation of his research, and is still looking for an opportunity to publish this book.
While in England, Jeff (a certified teacher) worked teaching history and religious studies in the British school system and on Sabbath he was given the opportunity to preach in the local UCG church congregations. This time in England and Cyprus gave him a chance to pursue his love of history and visit many sites of historical and biblical significance.
Most recently Jeff has begun to work as a producer of documentary films, with a vision of producing films to further the preaching of the gospel and the understanding of our Judeo-Christian heritage. He and his team have produced a number of award-winning videos for corporate and non-profit clients, as well as, the Leo-nominated film, EJ. Hughes, Triumph Over Hard Times.
He hopes in the future to delve into a variety of topics promoting the Judeo-Christian worldview.
Jeff is an ordained elder in the Church of God and has served the brethren in Nanaimo for the past six years, first as an independent Church of God and later as a congregation within the Church of God International (CGI). Recent developments within the Canadian branch of CGI have led Jeff to form an independent web-based ministry, COGWebcast to further the preaching of the gospel and to serve the brethren that were being served on-line each Sabbath by the cognanaimo webcast. You can read Jeff’s blog at www.theworldtomorrow.ca.
Jeff’s hope was that his family would continue to build working relationships with other like-minded brethren who hold to the doctrinal principle of Sola Scriptura, and have the zeal to reach out and preach the gospel to a new generation of disciples.