I sadly announce the passing of my brother, Patrick, on Dec 10, 2023, at the age of 60. 

 

Patrick was a kind man who enjoyed the company of his many friends. He had a group he dined with on the weekends. He had his Scrabble and chess friends, as well as many work friends he made from his 25-year career at Ipsos. Patrick enjoyed going to movies and was a comic book collector and an avid Simpsons fan.

 

Pat was always willing to help and share with his friends. He was the first one to greet the new employees at Ipsos and make them feel at home. He prided himself on knowing everyone's name and became friends with many of his coworkers. Patrick was very approachable and congenial to all people he came in contact with.

 

As far as his competitive side goes, he was very offended when he lost to someone at Scrabble, and he worked desperately to let them know it was not their skill but rather good luck, and they really should not have won.

 

Patrick was very anti-vegetable. Once, when invited for lasagna by his friend Nancy, he became very offended to find out she had put chopped up broccoli in the lasagna. Apparently, vegetables are not allowed in lasagna, and to further prove that point, he would quote Homer Simpson, "I'd be a vegetarian if bacon grew on trees.” Patrick was the kind of guy who could make you roll with laughter, cry out of frustration with his stubbornness, but you also wanted to give him a big ol' bear hug, all within a 15-minute time span. He was true to his own self and never let others shape him or influence him.

 

Patrick was predeceased by his father, Wilf, and his mom, Bev. He leaves behind his sister Marie, brother-in-law Allan, and his nephew Garrett. He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 

Below is a beautiful poem that Patrick's coworkers read when they had a rose ceremony for him to commemorate his passing. It seems so fitting and it echoes Patrick's sentiments as he never wanted people to make a fuss over him.

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Excerpt from Poem "Let Me Go" by Christina Georgina Rossetti

 

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

 

Miss me a little, but not for long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the friendship that once we shared

Miss me, but let me go.

 

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone.

It’s all part of the master plan

A step on the road to home.

 

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know.

Laugh at all the things we used to do

Miss me, but let me go.

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There will be no formal service, but a celebration of Patrick's life will be announced at a later date.

 

"I keep myself busy with all the things I do, but every time I pause, I always think of you.”

 

Rest in Peace, Brother.

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Patrick's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.