Pat was born in Trail, British Columbia on Christmas Day, 1953 to Tom and Edith McEwan. He passed away at home on January 29th, 2011, in Richmond, BC.
Pat attended St. Michaels’ and high school in Trail, graduating in 1971. Following an early start in the grocery business with Super Valu in the Kootenays he started work with Canada Safeway in 1975, where, over the years, he held a number of managerial positions. Pat left Safeway in 1993 to become the vice president of Olivieri Foods. Despite health problems that began in 1994, he subsequently returned to work with Oppenheimer, Buy-Low and Island Farms.
He had a wide circle of friends in the food industry and as a result of other activities and associations. Pat was a superb natural athlete, a fine ball player, an accomplished skier and an avid curler. His greatest passion, however, was golf, which he played with remarkable skill, most notably his length off the tee. He never forgot a course, even those he had played only once.
Pat is survived by his son Daniel, his father, Tom, his brothers, Mark (ex-Bev), Bill (Donna), Chris (Louise), Ken (Jacqueline), and Tim (Cynthia), twelve nieces and nephews and one grand niece. He was predeceased by his mother, Edith McEwan.
Pat was a devoted father to Dan, and an engaged and supportive brother and uncle; witty, insightful, affectionate and accessible. He kept up a large number of contacts with friends and colleagues and cousins, and always took a particular interest in the younger members of his family. Pat met his personal challenges with uncommon fortitude and grace, and was both an inspiration and an example to all who knew him.
Prayers will be held at St. Anthony’s Church in Trail on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Celebration will take place at St. Anthony’s Church on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 10:30 a.m., with Father Matthieu Gombo as celebrant. Internment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Bill Clark of Personal Alternative Funeral Services “Carberry’s Chapel” is entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, 178-1081 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6.