Philmer Booije Pattison

Philmer 'Pat' Pattison (1919 – 2007)

Brief overview:

Pat (88), an ex pilot was beaten with a hammer and murdered inside his Eikenhof smallholding garage at around 18:00 on 17th June 2007. His grandson, Hubert, who lived on the same property, saw Pat drive in from a family celebration of father’s day, but, after half-an hour, had become curious as to why Pat had not put off the lights to his bakkie (pick-up). Along with his father, they went to investigate,and found a black man hiding in the vehicle. They pulled him out, and he escaped. They jumped in their own car and searched for him. In the meantime, the intruder had returned to the garage and stole Pat’s wallet and cellphone. Upon their return, they did not find Pat inside his house, as expected, but his battered corpse inside the garage.

Brief Biography:

• Other Victims/Family
• Funeral/Memorial
• The Farm/Smallholding
• The Region (Land disputes, other incidents etc.)

Attack Details:

• Date and time of attack
  • 18:00 on 17th June 2007
• Weapons
  • Hammer
• Items Stolen
  • Wallet and cellphone
• Investigative officer/SAPS Case No:
• Torture, Gratuitous violence
• Indications of Hate Crime? Threats etc.

Perpetrator details:

• Number and Descriptions
• Arrests
• Name/s and age/s of Perpetrator/s
• Country of origin of Perpetrator/s
• Trial/Conviction

Additional Biographical Information:

"Death of an Aviator: Pat Pattison"

Philmer (Big Pat) Pattison, a former Domestic Fleet Captain of South African Airways sadly was murdered on his smallholding outside Vereeniging on Sunday afternoon 17 June 2007 – robbery is the suspected motive. Pat was one of the few surviving pilots from SAA who flew the first ever jet airliner, the Comet. The popular Captain Pat Pattison was a well-liked gentle person who retired about 33 years ago as Fleet Captain, Domestic Services. The Fleet Captain was an exalted position, now known as Fleet Manager, Domestic Services. When Pat retired, the flagship of the SAA Domestic fleet was the 727-100, which was much loved by pilots for its fabulous performance and handling characteristics and also by the passengers for the silken and quiet ride this aircraft gave.

Pat was 88 years old and is survived by his son Don and granddaughter Debbie.

With fond and respectful memories for Pat who has “slipped the surly bonds”

The memorial service will be held at the Biggles Bar & Bistro at TAC (Transvaal Aviation Club) on Friday 22 June at 11:00"

from: https://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=22265

Born in Durban, Pat joined the South African Air Force in 1945, after which he fought in World War II. He then joined the South African Airways where he finally retired at age 55 after being asked to stay for another five years.

ID Number :1808055022086
Cause of death : Unnatural causes

Links to Media articles:

• http://web.archive.org/web/20070630141321/http://www.news24.com/Bee...