Patricia “Pat” Atkinson (née Norman) passed away at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on October 20, 2018 and will be greatly missed by her children, Michael (Marlys), Maureen (Mike), Peter (Lorinda), and grandchildren, Shanae, Kieran, Graham and Finn. Pat will also be keenly missed by her many close friends.
Pat went to high school in Langley then earned a degree at UBC. In the UBC choir, she met her soulmate and husband of 54 years, Glen Atkinson, who left us at the end of 2014. Pat taught primary school and later ESL, delighting in learning about students’ birth countries.
She and Glen brought their three kids to a small town in Northern Queensland Australia – Atherton – in 1974, where both taught for two years before travelling home to Canada. Their time in Australia led to many enduring friendships and many visits of overseas friends. Both Pat and Glen were great appreciators of nature, always looking for new adventures (and new birds).
Pat and Glen backpacked through Southeast Asia with their three kids in 1976. The pair’s wanderlust led to many more travels, to exotic locales such as Papua New Guinea, Galapagos Islands, Sulawesi, and Africa. Adventurous travel tendencies were also kindled in the three kids and their families. Pat and Glen arranged two wonderful family adventures, bringing all their kids and grandkids to the Queen Charlotte Islands and to Costa Rica and Panama.
The many rollicking parties Pat and Glen hosted included themed affairs and their annual Christmas Eve party for family and friends, full of singing and games. Music, particularly singing, was a shared passion of Pat and Glen. Pat was an integral offstage member of the Grandview Quartet and Trio and a central member of The Gems (a group that came together out of the Crystal Singers). Patricia was an excellent bridge player, and engaged in competitive games of all types with zest, humour, and youthful enthusiasm.
The decades of weekly hikes and sincere conversations with her great friends in the Wednesday Wanderers group were a particular highlight for Pat. Pat was an extraordinary mother and grandmother and a gentle soul, very loving and giving to all in her life.
Pat’s life will be celebrated at the Strawberry Vale Community Hall, 11 High Street (just off Burnside Road), at 2:00pm, Thursday, November 1.
Feelings and memories may be shared below.
McCall Gardens
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18 Responses
My sincere condolences to all of Pat’s family. It was a pleasure to sing with her in the Crystal Singers, and “The Gems”, and to listen to her wise comments in Book Club. She will be greatly missed by many many people.
Pat was my cousin. She looked after my father and my step mother’s special needs for years. I loved her deeply and will remember her always.
I will always remember Pat with a big smile on her beautiful face, radiating her positive and helpful spirit and energy. She will be sorely missed.
A fond memory of Pat is how she infused fun into Crystal Singers parties, and I remember with a smile her signs and props (and acting out) “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. She had so much fun bubbling inside of her.
Hearing of her passing is very sad news and I send my sincere condolences to the family.
Lesley Lockie (Crystal Singers)
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Mike – our condolences to you and your family. What a wonderful description of Pat’s life here. She had such a full, bountiful life!
Pat always found interesting things about the author or subject of a book for our monthly book club. She will be sorely missed:(
Condoléances to her family
I have such wonderful memories of growing up with Mike, Maureen and Peter! Trips to Long Beach, Hornby Island and Parksville to play croquet! I especially remember the laughter and singing. Pat and Glen led the way – always so cheerful and full of fun! I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing – truly the loss of a dear soul. My heart goes out to the family❤️
Pat was a wonderful Mother, friend and great role model to many of us over the years. She will be missed. Rest In Peace dear friend.
So sorry for the loss of your Mother You will always hold the memories close to your heart.
I must add that Pat was not only an “offstage” member of the Grandview Quartet/Trio as she was an integral part of our shows as she would entertain the audience by playing old songs while we were setting up. Everyone loved her.
Allan
Pat was such a wonderful, precious, special lady and will be sorely missed.
Allan (Grandview)