Pat Horgan lived his life with love, laughter, and a genuine gift of true kindness.  His eyes sparkled at you before you even noticed his beautiful smile.  He loved his children, his grandchildren, his siblings, his friends – his entire family – and that family included every community he lived in. True to his Irish heritage, he could charm the pictures off the wall.

An Island boy through and through, Pat packed a lot of living into his 71 years. He began his work career in Victoria, BC as a salesman, moving into warehouse work for Canada Safeway, MacDonalds Consolidated, and later for Island Foods. He spent his last working years as the Coordinator for the Better at Home program helping seniors on the North Island.

Wherever Pat lived or worked, if he saw a need, he rolled up his sleeves to lend a hand.  He bettered every community he was a part of. While raising his young family on a hobby farm in Cobble Hill, he helped to build the ambulance service at Mill Bay and spent a decade as a paramedic and as an Ambulance Chief – Serving the Lower Island/ Malahat region.

He fervently believed that all people deserved to earn a decent wage, be treated fairly, and have the opportunity to live a good life.  He worked within the Retail Wholesale Union to advocate for fellow employees, and it was the value of fairness that led him to actively participate in the New Democrat party. Pat served on several constituency executives, working as the sign guy for many candidates. He also acted as campaign manager for provincial, federal, and municipal candidates from Victoria to Alert Bay. Pat served on the board of directors for North Island College and on the board of North Island Community Services.  He was a Legion member, a Rotarian and held a membership in all of the seniors’ groups in Mount Waddington.

People gave Pat the greatest joy.  Yes, he did like to hunt, fish, and garden.  He was renowned for his ability to make a great pie, Sunday morning waffles or fruit cocktail muffins. But telling stories, being with family and friends, or just spending time with his pals at Happy Gang is what he loved best.

When Pat found he had cancer last January, he set to enjoy every. single. day.

There were days of radiation that caused him endless nausea but he never once claimed woe is me, or why me?  He just soldiered on.  In fact, the first words he typically heard from people he met were, “You don’t look sick.”

His last year was a gift to all who enjoyed his company.  Pat was especially proud to watch his younger brother become the new premier of our province and absorbed every single item of news about the changes the NDP government was making. He bubbled with pride.

He managed to stay well enough to join all of his kids and grandkids in a week’s vacation in Mexico in October, building memories for all of his children to hold close in their hearts.

In December, the calendar was filled with dinners, crib games, coffee dates, Skype visits, phone calls with friends, and a whole lot of love and food!

Typically, looking out for his loved ones, Pat didn’t want to leave this world on Christmas or New Year’s so as not to have a sad memory of his passing.  Instead, he willed himself to see 2018 and finally took his rest on Saturday, January 06 surrounded by the love of his family.

A Celebration of Pat’s life is planned for Saturday, February 10, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Sunset School in Port McNeil BC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Agency, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5 designated for lung cancer research.
www.bccancerfoundation.com/PatHorgan

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Philip

    My thoughts and prayers are with Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC in loving memory of Premier Horgan’s brother. Dana from North Vancouver and I had very nice conversations when she attended the Winnipeg Wine Festival in 2018 and 2019.

  • Gary Jenkins

    It’s now Nov. 5 2021 Pat. I just read your obituary for the first time since your passing. I am proud to have worked with you and to have known you as a friend also. I too, am going through cancer for the second time. My thoughts are with you my dear departed friend. May you rest in peace. Your old friend…. Gary Jenkins.

  • Steven W Shingles

    Very sorry to hear of your passing. I didn’t work with you long at McDonald’s Consolidated but it very strongly remember you always having our back. Even though…soooo many years ago….when management would try to make a change, I remember you would always say David,David,David. aS i TYPE THIS……I am smiling. Thank you Pat for all you did on behalf of all the “part timers” from Kelly Douglas.

  • Nick Volkow

    My friend and brother in arms in the struggle for workersrights and uniionunion progress.a true fighter for social justice, I will miss him terribly. I’m sure Pat would remind us all, don’t mourn ORGANIZE!i won’t forget you brother.

  • Ryan Painter and Stephanie Pesth

    To the whole family from me and Stephanie, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Let the good times and memories be with you in times of sadness. May you find peace and comfort in those memories, and the arms of those you love. In love and peace.

  • Danielle Horgan

    My thoughts, prayers and love are with you Kelly, Paddy, Sarah and Aidan as you mourn the passing of your Dad. Some of my favourite childhood memories are the times we spent at the Cobble Hill house that our dads built together, while we kids played in the woods. What adventures we had, but nothing compared to the stories Pat & Brian would share of their childhood!
    Pat would always keep us laughing. And though our hearts ache with sadness at the loss now, we will find it hard not to smile when we think of him and his wonderful “Irish” sense of humour.
    He will forever be in our hearts & memories.
    Love and hugs to you, Danielle

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