JOHN G. PATTE, FCA, BASc

John graduated with honours from the University of Toronto in Chemical Engineering. After two years of working in the engineering field, John followed his basic interest in finance and business by joining the international accounting firm of Clarkson Gordon (now Ernst & Young) where he obtained his CA designation and, in 1975, became a full time tax specialist with the London, Ontario office of that firm. In that position, John developed his skills and knowledge in the tax area through completion of the CICA In-depth Tax Course and by assisting individuals, small and large corporations with their taxation issues.

 Following a brief move to British Columbia, John moved to Durham Region as the Director of Taxation with the Oshawa and Pickering offices of another international firm of Chartered Accountants.

John formed the firm of John G. Patte, Chartered Accountant in 1992 to assist individuals, small and medium sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations with their tax and financial needs. This firm was the predecessor of the John G. Patte C.A. Professional Corporation.

Effective November 1, 2009, the firm of John G. Patte C.A. Professional Corporation was combined with that of Douglas R. Freeman, Chartered Accountant. The combined firm operates under the name Douglas R. Freeman, Chartered Accountant. John continues to serve clients through that firm.

In 2006, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario elected John a Fellow of the Institute “in recognition of outstanding career achievements and leadership contributions to the community and to the profession” thus permitting John to use the designation “FCA”.

John has been an active contributor to the Durham community since his arrival in 1983. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce from 1984 to 2004 and was presented with the President’s Award on his retirement from that position; Past President and continuing member of the Rotary Club of Whitby and has been awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship on four occasions by his Rotary Club; Past President of the Central Ontario Chartered Accountants Association; as a supporter of the arts in Durham Region, John served as Treasurer and Business Manager of the Oshawa-Durham Symphony Orchestra from 1998 to 2005.

 John is a licenced public accountant and member of several business and professional associations:

• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario

• Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants

• Canadian Tax Foundation

• Central Ontario Chartered Accountants Association

• Whitby Chamber of Commerce

DENIS MILLETTE, C.I.M.

Denis is a former member of the firm of John G. Patte C.A. Professional Corporation and has now joined the combined firm of Douglas R. Freeman, Chartered Accountant.

Denis graduated from Durham College in Business Administration in 1995 with majors in accounting and computers. Denis holds a C.I.M. designation from the Canadian Institute of Management. Denis joined the firm of John G. Patte, Chartered Accountant in 1995, shortly after his graduation from Durham College.

Having identified the needs of many small businesses for guidance and assistance in setting up and using computerized accounting software, Denis pursued this opportunity to better serve clients by becoming a Certified Consultant for Sage Simply Accounting, the most widely used small business accounting software in Canada. In this capacity, he has also contributed to the development of this fine accounting software by serving as a beta tester for various versions of the product. Over the years, many clients have benefited from Denis’ knowledge – through assistance with setting up Simply Accounting systems, with training in how to use the software and with trouble shooting when clients encounter problems from time to time. Denis continues to assist clients in his new position with Douglas R. Freeman, Chartered Accountant.

Denis is a life-long resident of Durham Region and has made a significant contribution to youth in our community through his involvement in minor hockey, both as coach and as referee. He has served as a director of the Clarington Advisory Board, the Clarington Recreational Hockey League and the Clarington Minor Hockey Association. Denis is a certified referee with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and has refereed hockey for over 21 years.

HETTIE PATTE

Many clients have come to know Hettie as the cheerful receptionist who greeted them when when they called or arrived at my office. Alas, Hettie has retired from this position. However, she continues on as full time CEO of the Patte household!

In calling or coming to the new office, clients will be greeted by Reba Andrew, a long-time staff member of Douglas R. Freeman, Chartered Accountant. Hettie is confident that her former role is in good hands with Reba.