Patrick Burns

Patrick left with a whisper on October 1, 2024 – a true Irish goodbye! He died of natural causes in his home in a state of love and grace, surrounded by family during his final weeks. He is predeceased by his parents, brother John and sister Eileen. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosaleen; daughters Angela (David), Eileen, Paula and Patricia; grandchildren (and all their partners) Samantha, Dylan, Amber, Megan, Sean, Luke and Dan; and great granddaughter, Callie. He is also survived by his sisters Mary and Rita.  He leaves behind a wealth of other family and friends both here in Victoria and in Northern Ireland.

Patrick was born on August 29,  1935 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. During his early years there, he kept busy, playing soccer, running track, and working several jobs, including being a bouncer at the Boom Boom Room and a timekeeper at local boxing events. Patrick met Rosaleen when they were teenagers, both employed at Inglis Bakery. They dated for seven years, married, and had 4 daughters.

In the mid 60s, paving the way for his family, Patrick left Belfast for Canada, on his own, narrowly avoiding the mounting troubles that were to consume Northern Ireland. He emigrated on a baker’s ticket, but soon wasted no time learning public speaking skills and finding employment as a furniture salesman. (He worked for Standard Furniture, then Eaton’s, and eventually landed at Simpson Sears where he remained until his retirement.) A year after his move, Patrick’s family followed him to Canada. They were bowled over with their new country, a place where no one cared about what religion you were. And for the first time in their lives, they had a refrigerator and a telephone – astonishing!

Patrick was a longtime parishioner at both St. Patrick’s and St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

Patrick loved singing. His beautiful tenor voice was distinct and melodic. He was a longtime member of the St. Andrew’s Cathedral choir, revelling in the music and the friendships forged in their harmonies. In later years, he also joined the Arbutus Singers, being part of their annual Spring and Christmas concerts that brought joy into the lives of many. Patrick always seemed to have a song in his heart, songs he was never shy of singing himself when the occasion called for it. Two of his favorites were “Danny Boy” and “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” He was surrounded and steeped in music right up until the end. When he could no longer sing along, he hummed along; when could no longer hum along, he wiggled his foot, keeping the beat to the sound.

Patrick loved soccer – playing, coaching, and watching it. Manchester United was his favourite team.

Patrick was an incredible grandfather – patient, kind, and challenging. His eyes would light up whenever the grandkids entered the room, or when their latest exploits were part of the conversation. He adored them all, and the feeling was mutual. He was fortunate to have lived long enough to spend precious time with the next generation, his first great grandchild, baby Callie.

The love of Patrick’s life was Rosaleen, his wife and partner of over 70 years. Their decades together brought them ever closer, and in the end he couldn’t bear to have her out of his sight.

An ocean of gratitude for Dr. Anna Mason, the amazing team of caregivers from Island Health, and nurse Nicole Landry, all of whom made his family’s lives easier as they moved together towards the inevitable.

In lieu of flowers his family asks that mourners offer prayers or light candles or even make a donation to your favourite charity and take some time to listen to his favourite hymn, “the Summons.”

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www. mccallgardens.com