Born in Saskatchewan to parents Mathius (Pat) and Mary Bolen, Pat spent his teens and early twenties working up the ladder at A&W. He became interested in the book trade and became a sales rep for General Publishing before transitioning to working for Julian Books. When that book chain dissolved in 1975, he and his wife Madeline (Mel), purchased a small store in Hillside Mall. He changed the name to Bolen Books. In 1977 he left and opened a bookstore in Calgary and then later in Courtney, where he settled with Debi Williams. In 2015 he moved back to Victoria to be near his children.
Pat is predeceased by his parents, his brother Melvin and his partner Debi. Pat was quick with a joke and always wanted to make you laugh. He was passionate about the CFL and his Saskatchewan Roughriders. He loved nature, animals, a nice glass of whisky and all the comforts life had to offer.
He will be missed by his daughter Samantha (Ron), son Timothy, granddaughter Madeline (Ben) and great granddaughter Willa as well as his many friends and relatives. There will be no service by request but there were two things Pat loved that he hoped you will support in his honour: a local pet shelter or a local bookstore.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Trina Mingo
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Kathy Porcher My deepest condolences to all of Pat‘s family, I will truly miss him and will never forget what a wonderful man he was!! My life was truly blessed to have him as my friend!
I will forever miss him, but I will have all the wonderful memories of him and all his wonderful stories and most of all his jokes❤️ Rest peacefully my friend! You’ll be the best gardener Heaven will ever have
Pat was such a fun loving, easy going friend who always made me laugh! He was kind and generous and taught me how to grow beautiful flowers and tasty tomatoes. I am sorry to hear he has passed and send my condolences to the family.