September 23, 1938 - September 30, 2021
Patricia Ellen Wheatley died peacefully in her home in North Cowichan on September 30, 2021 aged 83, after a three year battle with cancer.
Pat was born near London, England on September 23, 1938. She was the second of three daughters born to Frederick William Calder and Irene Mildred Calder (Dence).
She trained as an RN at Westminster Hospital, London. In 1964 she immigrated to Toronto accompanied by her good RN friend, Alice Evershed. Pat worked there as a nurse.
At a Christmas party in 1966 Pat met John Wheatley, a chartered accountant, and ten days later they were engaged. Their wedding took place in Toronto in the evening of June 30, 1967 (centenary!)
Sons Giles and Clive were born in 1969 and the young family relocated to Cranbrook BC in September 1970. Daughter Harriet was born in November. Three children in 16 months were a handful! The family relocated to Parksville BC in 1974/75, then Victoria in 1982, Metchosin in 1991 (where both John and Pat retired in 1995), Shawnigan Lake in 1999, Cobble Hill in 2003, and then three homes in North Cowichan commencing in 2006. Pat made sure to leave behind a beautiful garden whenever she moved.
Pat loved theatre and came alive on the stage. She performed in many plays at Echo Players in Qualicum Beach (awarded Best Actress in the 1979 NI zone festival) and at Langham Court in Victoria. She served in every conceivable support role except director. Pat played tennis and was active in the Mill Bay club.
Pat took up running 18 years ago and was still running vigorously until struck by cancer in 2018. She won a bushel of medals in the few years that she ran competitively in the BC Seniors Games and the TC 10K.
For the past dozen years she was an active member of the Warmland Calligraphers of the CV, both on the board and as an exhibitor; that gave her a welcome outlet for her great facility with the English language, otherwise limited to doing crosswords etc.
Pat was a peacemaker, above all else. She hated conflict, thought the best of everyone, was loyal (to a fault), and accordingly this endeared her to everyone. She was capable, energetic and well organized and took full advantage of her training as an office manager.
She loved her family and is survived by her husband John, her three children and their spouses Andi, Heather and Jay, and six grandchildren. Pat is survived by her sisters Susan and Marion in England. Pat was blessed in life and was able to give to others so much more than she received.
Pat received excellent medical care, especially towards the end. Special thanks to her doctors, especially Drs Elliott, Wilhelm and Adzich, the staff in the cancer clinic on 3rd floor CDH, and the Home Carers and Supporters from VIHA.
Cremation was on October 6.
Online condolences may be made at www.hwwallacecbc.com
