Patricia Boyle died on Saturday, 2 April 2011 in Victoria, BC. She was born in Guelph in 1941 and lived in London, Ontario, London, England, Saskatoon and Calgary before coming to the west coast. It was during a brief and lucky stop in Newfoundland that she met her beloved husband of 30 years, Neil.
She will be sorely missed by her husband; her sons, Colin and Iain; her daughters-in-law, Kip, Karen and Nicole; her grandchildren, Naëlle and Owen and by many, many relatives, friends and people whose lives she touched.
Pat was a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother. Her life blossomed when she had her two sons. She raised them with unconditional love, doting affection and sound advice. She had the gift of giving children her absolute attention and always celebrated the special moments of her family’s life. For Pat, family included many of her son’s friends, to whom she was like a second mother. She took the same delight in being a grandmother. It gave her the utmost joy to play with her grandchildren, teach them the names of plants, and read the stories that she had read to her own sons years before.
She was blessed with a husband who loved her absolutely and whom she loved absolutely in return. Their travels together to six continents, gardening and many games of scrabble were part of a deep love that began from the moment they met.
Pat was a true renaissance woman. She lectured at the University of Western Ontario in geography, worked as a writer and editor in the oil patch, was a Calgary School Board Trustee and later, Advisor to the Calgary School Board on Gender Issues. She was a strong feminist role model for all the women in her life – and the men, too, including her two sons. She was particularly proud of her role in ending corporal punishment in the Calgary School Board, her work with male primary school teachers, and the work she did for gay and lesbian students.
In Victoria, she dedicated herself to becoming a native plant gardener with special interests in Garry Oak ecosystems. She was proud to help naturalize the woodlands at Government House, which she coordinated with many other volunteers. She received the Acorn Award in 2009 from the Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team.
She loved many things, including her friends, books, cryptic crosswords, Canadian art, Scrabble, birding, travel, hiking in the Rockies (particularly Lake O’Hara), politics, and people. She had an amazing ability to bring out the beauty around her, in her relationships with people, gardens, and homes that she lived in.
There will be a Celebration of Her Life at MCCALL’S FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 2 pm. Anyone who wishes to say a few words about Pat will have an opportunity to speak, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Pat’s passions are encouraged to consider donations to Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team, Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society, and the Government House Woodlands gardens. She would also be delighted if you could plant a native plant, pull an invasive weed, or put up a birdhouse on your property. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
52 Responses
I had the privilege of working with Pat in the Woodlands at Government House. Her knowledge and enthusiasm encouraged me to join the group. I find it hard to think I won’t hear her say “bad, bad, bad” when asking about a possible invasive. Her love of gardens was exceeded by her grace and love for others. When I pick up a Japanese farmer’s knife, I will feel Pat’s hand on mine. When I pull an invasive or appreciate the beauty of camas, I will feel Pat’s legacy. She is one of the rare people I feel total respect for. You are not gone Pat-you live in all of us who appreciate nature, human rights and the love of family.
Neil, Teresa and I were shocked and saddened on hearing the news of Pat’s passing. Although we have not seen you in some time, I still have fond memories of the annual July Birthday Party that you and Pat would host (for John and I think Drew). I remember Pat as always being so warm and compassionate and greeting everyone with her infectious smile. I was always amazed and somewhat envious of her garden and the fact that she could grow such beautiful flowers in Calgary’s nearly non-existent growing season.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your familly.
Paul and Teresa
We are so sorry for your loss. As we are celebrating Lorraine’s life on Saturday we will include Pat in our thoughts. Though we didn’t really know her all that well we did know of the happiness you experienced as a family and we will share your sorrow, as a part of your family. Please know that my Dad wanted me to pass on his sympathy as well. He can no longer see enough to read and write.
Take care and Love to you and your family!
We spent an extraordinary week with Pat and Neil in the Gallapagos. Their love of the nature and each other was wonderful and special for all of us. She will be missed by all who knew her. Neil if you come East we will have a place for you we are most sorry we have not been out to see you.
For those of us left behind, the good ones always leave too soon . . .
Neil and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her.
Although I claim to be a casual aquaintance of Pat’s, I always enjoyed it when we ran into one-another. I know there are many others in the conservation community who feel the same. She was very gracious about my tendancy to plant florid and rather conventional things in my garden, although she did seem disappointed that I – a botanist – would stoop so low. On the other hand, she did give me several plants and I will think of her when I tend to them. They also fill my resident deer with pleasure.
I am sorry for your loss, Neal. It also saddens me that her path and mine will not cross again.
Matt Fairbarns
You have composed a lovely obituary for Pat. There were tears in our office on Monday (when we first heard) and again today (when we read your tribute). I think you will have a large turnout on Saturday. Our thoughts are in the cards we have sent to Neil.
Betsy Rose
My sympathy to all that loved Pat.
Hi Neil,
We have already touched base about your lose of Pat, but it amazing what comes to mind when thinking about special moments.
This moment took place years ago when you and Pat had invited Peg and I over for dinner. That dinner convinced me that lamb could be prepared in a way that would make it taste like fine roast beef. After my third helping Pat revealed the true protein source. I have not had lamb that tasty since.
See you in Cape Breton Neil.