A Jasperite who suffered a head injury at Marmot Basin is now recovering at Seton General Hospital after spending the past two weeks in an Edmonton hospital.

Roy Patterson, 46, was transferred to Jasper on March 24 in order to be closer to friends and family. He has received an outpouring of support from visitors, and friends are noting signs of improvement in his condition. Friends feared the worst, but hoped for the best, and have had the chance to see him progress in town.

Jasper Community Outreach Services worker Ryan Verge has been working with Patterson for the past year. He’s been visiting the hospital every day and has seen progress in his recovery.

“He’s in town, but we’re told it will be a short stay. He’s recovering nicely,” Verge said. “His personality is coming back.”

Verge said there’s a chance Patterson will be moved back to Edmonton for rehabilitation, however nothing has been confirmed at this point. The accident originally affected his speech and the use of his arms.

“He’s able to move his arm and his speech has improved. He’s gradually making progress,” Verge said. “In Jasper, he has access to visitors. His best friend Cliff is visiting him every day... people who know him are popping by to say hello.”

Patterson fell while skiing at Marmot Basin on March 11, and struck his head. It was originally thought he may have aggravated a brain injury he sustained more than 30 years ago, and he was put on oxygen.

Having suffered a previous brain injury in 1979 that originally put him in a coma and has left his speech and mobility impaired, he has been an advocate for helmet safety in Jasper for years. He was wearing a bike helmet at the time of the accident instead of his ski helmet.