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Patrick Holden

Image by Nick Andréka

PATRICK HARVEY HOLDEN

November 11, 1963 - December 10, 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Marie Gledhill

December 10, 2024 at 8:34 AM

Hey Patrick- your little sis Marie or as you like to call me since we were toddlers "Mimi". Today is the one year anniversary of your passing and man I miss you Brother. I think about you pretty much every day and I especially miss your big beautiful laugh . Your momory lives on Patrick we all love and miss you. I will be setting a place for you at Chritmas and toasting you as I know you loved the Turkey and fixins. Until we meet again later Bro

 

Mel

February 24, 2024 at 12:24 PM

I’m so sorry and would like to pass on condolences to his family. 💔 Pat & I met probably about 34 yrs ago through a common friend.  I have many, many fond memories of Pat & loads of pics & stories through the years!  One thing was our common love of scrabble, and trying to defeat him as he was a very skilled player.  We played countless games & I eventually learned how to play like Pat and the day came where I beat him. He was happy as he knew he had taught me well.  I’ll miss those games with him!  He had messaged me recently asking me how to make my Swiss steak as he had attempted it in a frying pan and it just wasn’t the same! I told him he needed a electric skillet and his would be  as good as mine.  I never did find out if he made it again.  Pat would be over all the time and he was the type that it was never boring, we had good banter, there was always something to do,  Friends episodes to watch,  movies, or playing video games, or going to a social and deciding we’d hitch a ride from someone ( we missed the last bus)  at the social so we could stay & dance!  His love of comics and going to Comic factory, the Simpsons and the list could go on & on, he was a jolly fellow and I’m saddened by his passing. Pat was a part of our family & he will be greatly missed!  Love,Melanie, Matt, Greg

Chris Hlady

January 20, 2024 at 5:12 PM

Steven Black is: "Thinking of ewe." Me, too. ewe REV you 😁 Love you, buddy.

Melanie Geraghty

January 17, 2024 at 4:19 PM

Patrick, I will miss your voice and sense of humour. We worked together for so long that the workplace will never be the same without you.

Daemon Nightshade

January 16, 2024 at 11:12 AM

I first met Pat when he was working at Saratoga Lanes in the early to mid 80's, an arcade on Donald Street that was one of the video game stops me and my other friends would hang out at when going downtown for the day.  I met his roommate Baxter (then Andru) around this time and the lot of us became friends along with Chuck, Serge, Kelvin, Mike, Richard and others.  I remember going over to his and Baxter's place in Colony Square, listening to music and just engaging in good conversation. We would often head out to dinner for such culinary delights as all you can eat spaghetti night as Pizza Place downtown or at Mr. Greenjeans in Eaton Place (the current City Place). I remember one excursion to Mr. Greenjeans where Patrick polished off a substantial meal and then bet the rest of us that if he could finish off a desert known as the Hat's Off (9 scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, jelly beans, brownies, and more served inside an inverted top-hat shaped container). We agreed that if he was successful, the rest of us would pay for his entire meal. He gave an impressive showing, but eventually announced "I could have done it, if it weren't for the jelly beans...they are like frozen marbles..." We lost touch with each other years ago; our lives diverged and went in separate directions. He reached out and Facebook friended me about a year ago but never really said anything. I only discovered his passing in another old friend's Facebook thread. Rest in peace old friend.

James Davidson

January 15, 2024 at 8:40 PM

I worked with Patrick for the last decade, in my first few years at Ipsos I was a bit shy and tended to keep to myself at the call centre but gradually befriended Patrick as he was always interested in what others were up to and was a friendly presence in the office. He was an interesting person to have conversations with and seemed to have a sensible, agreeable opinion about everything. I’ll miss our chats about lottery games and 20th century popular culture. Rest in peace buddy!

Michael D. Knight

January 13, 2024 at 7:59 AM

I'm just getting this sad news very late, it was Christmas and I had not heard anything from Pat, I had just sent him belated Christmas wishes when I found out. I had only just a little over a year ago reconnected with Pat after loosing communication with him for many years, life kinda got in the way, I moved around a lot and apart from Damon who owned the Crypt in Osborne village I lost contact with much of the old crowd. Took life a long while to finally settle down to something stable. I was hoping to have seen Pat at Comic-Con last year where we had our K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider there. I was hoping to take Pat for some rides in K.I.T.T. this summer. 😳 Patrick will be missed and it's sad that life got in the way and I was unable to see him more often 😳 

Chris Hlady

January 9, 2024 at 11:51 AM

I can't believe it. Lovely video. Patrick sure loved his birthday cards. Maybe even more than the scratchers he bought at the Korner Stop every day, along with newspapers.  He also loved to give cards. I have a few. He loved his games nights with friends, particularly at John's place, where we enjoyed ordering pizza, the homebrew, the companý, and the great vibe. I got to be his chauffer for a few years. We'd go to Papa George's, and later, Salisbury House at Pembina and Stafford (where we could even play Scrabble), the odd casini on Regent. I wish my cars would have stopped being trashed by Winnipeg drivers, as I still could have drove him around on his injured foot, but that's other stories. Movies. That was another great pastime. I miss the Towne Cinema.  It was affordable, and so many good shows. Patrick was the best. 

Barbara

January 7, 2024 at 11:34 PM

Working with Patrick at IPSOS,  he was one of the first to welcome new employees. We would share news, or funny stories. Patrick would help make people smile, and have a better day.

Corinne

January 7, 2024 at 9:58 PM

I was honoured to have worked with such a positive gentle soul. He was one of the beautiful people I will always remember..  Prayers on your journey to heaven 🙏🏻  .  We lost you too soon but always in our hearts! Corinne

Vincent

January 7, 2024 at 9:28 PM

Dear Patrick, although I haven't seen you in years, your gentlemanly manner and kindness has always been remembered by me. Rest in Peace Old Friend.

Ron Beaudry

January 7, 2024 at 3:30 PM

I worked with Patrick for many years at Ipsos. He was always a smiling and friendly face in the call center and could be counted on to ask about your day and inject some humor.  Patrick will be missed, rest in peace.

Candice Bodnaruk

January 7, 2024 at 9:11 AM

Patrick was a great friend- he always had a smile for everyone in the office. Although we worked different shifts whenever we met we would always have a great conversation and catch up. Patrick exuded warmth and had loved being around people. He will be dearly missed.

Myra Banman Wynne

January 6, 2024 at 12:04 PM

I attended high school with Patrick. He always, and I mean always, had a smile on his face, a joke at the ready, and there wasn't anyone who he didn't consider to be a friend. We reconnected all these years later on FB and he hadn't changed a bit. Patrick, the world just lost a bright, shining light. Rest in peace, friend. 

Cindy Kelly

January 6, 2024 at 8:33 AM

I had the pleasure to work with Patrick during my time at Ipsos.  Funny and charming.  He will be missed.

Leanne Smith

January 4, 2024 at 12:21 PM

I was a former coworker of Patrick's at Ipsos. He was always friendly and always willing to talk to you. He will be missed.

Nicole Gougeon

January 4, 2024 at 11:11 AM

So long scrabble wizard, Love, Cathie Vail (previous Ipsos employee/friend sent on behalf by Nicole) Your voice and presence is greatly missed in the office,

Jennet Pidgeon

January 3, 2024 at 6:08 PM

I was so sad to hear of my friend, Scrabble buddy and former co-worker Patrick's passing. I got to know Patrick when he would help me solve crossword puzzles at work. I got so I could do them myself. He also helped me become a better Scrabble player to the point where I beat him occasionally. With love! The Cookie Lady! P.S. Yes, he loved my cookies too. I tried to dole them out sparingly!

Anthony Weenink

January 3, 2024 at 11:17 AM

Ipsos really, truly is a family and Patrick was such a very big part of that family!  His passing has impacted many people here.  Thank you Patrick for all the impact you have made.  The time is always too short.

Samuel Lipnowski

January 3, 2024 at 2:03 AM

Patrick was nice to me ever since I started working at IPSOS.  We had many Scrabble and Chess stories and conversations and some food and drink adventures with including Smittys nachos and pizza hotline and Tim Hortons London fogs.  He will be missed by us all.

Kristina Hacault

January 2, 2024 at 9:01 PM

I have many memories of Patrick as I’ve working with him for over 25 years. He was one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. He always had the newspaper and usually a scratch card at his desk. When he found out I was from Lorette he immediately asked if I knew his cousin Rick. Small world as Rick’s wife Joanne used to babysit me when I was a kid and they live near me. I will miss Pat dearly. 
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