Patricia Kathleen Smith

A proud member of pioneer families, Jean and Antoinette Borde from France via San Francisco arrived on SS America April 1858, Columbia Detachment Royal Engineer John Cox on Thames City 1859 and Menie Gillan Cox on Tynmouth 1862, James and Elizabeth Bland from London via Callao, Peru arrived in Esquimalt on SS President 1859 where they built in 1860 then operated the Halfway House on Old Esquimalt Road subsequently obtaining one of the first brewing licenses in BC in 1861, Auguste Borde, member of Tiger Company, one of three volunteer fire companies in the city, the last elected Chief Engineer in 1883 and Ada Bland Borde.

Patsy was the youngest daughter of Leon and Edith Cox Borde. The family home stood across from Royal Athletic Park near the corner of Pembroke and Cook Street and from here Patsy attended George Jay and Victoria High School. It was at VHS that she met her handsome prince, Sidney Kingston (King) Smith son of Arthur Smith, RN and Florence Newton Smith from Kent, England. King and Patsy wed in August 1941 and shortly after he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, commissioned HMCS Iroquois on the east coast, returning to Esquimalt at the end of the Second World War. They celebrated their Golden Anniversary in 1991.

Predeceased by the pioneers, her husband King (1992), her daughter-in-law April McLeod Smith (2009) and her siblings, Edgar Borde (Norah), Ada Morbey (Edward), Doreen Bouchard (Napoleon) and Frances Hodson (Joseph) as well as in-laws, Newton (Phyllis) Smith and Kathleen Smith, Patsy is survived by her family of whom she was extremely proud; children, Sherri Robinson (Darwin), Gregory Smith (Heather) and Ann Nute (Dave); her grandchildren, Keri-Ann Thomas (Ian), Daniel Robinson (Charlaine), New Zealanders David Robinson (Gregg) and Michael Robinson (Connie), Adam Smith (Jennifer), Roberta Randall (Bill), Andrea Siemens (Jason), Paul Nute (Anjuli);  her great grandchildren, Kristopher, Evan (Chelsea) and Ryland (Kathryn) Thomas, Jonathan, Kathleen and Christina Robinson, Marissa Smith, Kyle Robertson, Haley Belyk, Aliyah, Graeden, Brynleigh and Madden Nute, Jade Robinson; Emerson Siemens, her dear brother-in-law Lawrence (Laurie) Smith, many cousins in France and England, nieces and nephews here and away.

As a Navy wife, mom took on all the tasks to keep the Homefront ‘going.’ She was a great cook, excellent gardener, loved family history and could sew, fix or redo with the best of them. There are good memories. Unfortunately, in later years, dementia took its toll. We take this as a sign to be engaged, to live life to the fullest and to always remember, love is the greatest gift of all. Thank you, Mom, from all of us for the gift of life and for loving us as much as you did.

A special thanks to Dr. Kevin Wylie who cared for mom for many years, then all hospital staff who looked after mom, in particular, Dr. Geoff Inman, Nurse Practitioner Kathryn Ryan and Sasha Norman, RN who was steadfast during the feisty moments. Mom passed in Glengarry Hospital at 6:25 a.m. Dad came to take her fishing.

No service. Mom’s ashes will be joined with Dad’s at a later date.

Thank you to McCall’s, especially Chris Dorrington and Wendy Oppelt who helped smooth the way.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens

www.mccallgardens.com