Friday, April 18, 2014
I have known Pat all my life.My parents met Pat 's parents on the ship while immigrating to Canada from Britian. Her parents,Joe & Margaret Reid were from Scotland & my parents from England & Wales. That was June of 1951 . After being in Canada only a short time both families ended up Uxbridge, Ont. Pat 's Dad & my Dad started a carpentry business together. Pat was born in 1952 in Uxbridge and I was born in 1953 . Pat & her family stayed in Uxbridge until Pat was in high school & they moved to Oshawa ,which remained her home until she went to university in Toronto ,where she met the love of her life,Ken. We experienced all the things young teenage girls do. Spent weekends at each other's homes. Our families camped together & there was the infamous reunions held our our home in Greenwood. This was a celebration of our families arrival in Canada. Lots of fun, music ,food & drink& always ended with a loud chorus of Auld Lang Syne..Great memories. There were actually 4 families that always celebrated. The O'Brien family of Uxbridge remain friends also . Pat&Ken were married 40 yrs. ago last June & I was one of her bridesmaids . Life went on & we always kept in touch no matter where we lived or what stage of our life we were in . Always supportive of one another even up until the last time Pat went into the hospital. I had to reassure her if she needed someone to talk to she could call on me.One day last week ,we did face time which was a great way for us to communicate,as I live about a 2 hr. from T.G.H. I last saw Pat last Sunday.she opened her eyes & said I just need to rest for a few minutes & added that she did not feel well. We had a short visit , had lunch with Ken & returned to her room to say goodbye.I gave her a kiss & told her I loved her & she said she loved me . As my husband,& I & Ken walked away I knew I probably wasn't going to see my best friend again. Pat s death will leave a big void in many peoples lives. My heart felt sympathy goes out to Kevin& Ken & everyone else that Pat loved &cared for..She was a kind & generous person that wanted the best for everyone & for everyone to do their best. Thanks, Ken for taking such excellent care of my best friend.
