Died July 10, 2024, in Victoria, BC. Born in Brantford, Ontario, on November 3, 1951, to Norman and Eunice Healey. Patrick was raised in Latchford, Northern Ontario, with his brothers Michael, Gerald, and George, and his sisters Norma and Barbara (deceased).
A child of the Canadian shield, Patrick explored the many rivers and lakes surrounding his small town. He learned to hunt, fish, paddle a canoe, and identify the flora and fauna around him. He gazed on the stars in crystal clear northern skies and watched float planes dip in and out of the lakes. He read voraciously and excelled at school. After short stints in his teen years picking tobacco and labouring for the railroad, he decided to study for the then-emerging (and more lucrative!) field of Computer Science.
A confident man and natural leader, Patrick excelled in his career as a Systems Architect, using all his spare time to travel the world. He toured Europe and North Africa in a rickety van; hiked in the Himalayas; wound his way through much of Asia; and effectively destroyed a cheap rental car navigating the twisting backroads of Mexico and California. He worked in India, Wales, Australia, and the U.S.; snorkelled in the crystal-clear waters in Greece; piloted his own Cessna 185 float plane in Ontario; bought a boat to fish for salmon in Pacific coastal waters; and designed and built two homes on Vancouver Island, including our home on Hornby Island.
In May 1987, on a Greek island, he married Susan who, unlike him, was introverted, indecisive, and afraid of almost everything. Expressly because of the differences in their character, they grew enormously as individuals. Together for 45 years, married for 37, they were never, ever bored. Susan’s family enthusiastically absorbed him into their midst. There were Sunday dinners, autumn picnics, cross-country outings, birthday celebrations, Christmases, and many, many happy hours with his youngest niece, Sara. There were summer trips to Ontario and Alberta to see his Mum, brothers, sisters, and his many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Gregarious and forthright, Patrick made friends as easily as he made decisions. He possessed the fearless heart of an adventurer, a sharp wit, and a deep soul. His quick temper was balanced with frequent descents into unabashed silliness. Fiercely loyal to family and friends, he never hesitated to express love or offer a helping hand.
He was an unbeatable negotiator. He gave good advice, always. Babies loved him. Injured birds recovered in the warmth of his hands. For these reasons and a multitude more, Patrick is missed profoundly.
Susan, Caroline, Sara, John, and Lee, offer their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Barbara Froehner-Bulmer, Dr. Laura Chalfin, Nurse extraordinaire Maggie Ellis, and Sarah and Andrea of the Hornby Island Medical Clinic for their incredibly compassionate care and support. Deep gratitude to Dr. Ashley Freeman of the BC Cancer Agency for her skill, responsiveness, and understanding ─ and to all the doctors, nurses, aides, and staff of the Oncology Ward at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, who treated Patrick with such gentleness and respect during his final days.
At a date yet to be determined, some of Patrick’s ashes will be scattered at his favourite beach on Hornby Island and the rest will be buried at St. Stephen’s Church in Brentwood Bay, BC.
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McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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