Of Strabane, Northern Ireland

Peacefully, in the presence of family, on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at the age of 75. Beloved husband of Margarette (Rita) nee Nolan, of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and cherished father of Stephen (Rachel Charron), Owen (Danielle), Mark (Jody), Sharon (Phil) and Darren (Monique). "Papa" will be sorely missed and forever loved by his grandchildren Nicole (Roman), Nolan, Jessica, Alexsandra, Kaela, Meaghan, Shannon, Erinn, Devon, Logan, Julia, Jacob, Naomi, Morghan, Connor, and great-grandchildren Taya and Malachi. Also loved by Kim Freeland and the Brown family, Laurie-Ann Crampsie, Sue Legault and family and friends in Northern Ireland, Canada and the United States. Our hero fought for many months and showed us the true measure of a man's heart. From his earliest life in Ireland, he shirked no duty, bent to no unjust authority, compromised for no one and cherished his right to live as he saw fit. From farm boy, to body builder, to soldier and finally on the arm of his life's love, Pat charted his own course. In marriage, across three continents and too many cities to count, he sacrificed and searched for the best place to raise his family in peace and prosperity. His mission was accomplished, and we were blessed to find Windsor and the many friends we have here. Pat was a longtime employee of Ford Motor Company, a proud tradesman welder who taught us all the value of honest work. He was an accomplished guitarist and vocalist; there was always a song to sing and our house was never quiet. His music will be with us always. Wherever he went, he sided with and fought - literally - for the underdog and in the days of Apartheid spent a weekend in a South African jail. This, of course, will pass into family legend and give us all something to live up to. Pat defended his wife against all foes, held his children to the highest code of conduct, brooked no disrespect and offered no apologies for putting his family above all others. He doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom knew to expect a twinkle in his eye, a quick pun or two, and a mock interrogation about the latest boyfriend or girlfriend. Family was life and he aspired to nothing more.

We gratefully acknowledge the compassionate efforts of Dr. Mariel Brackstone and the staffs of Victoria Hospital (London) and Metropolitan Hospital (Windsor). Those who knew Pat will tell you he would never accept charity but never begrudged the best for others. In this spirit, if you so desire, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Cremation services have taken place. Memorial visitation Saturday 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Families First, 1065 Lauzon Rd. East Windsor (519-969-5841).

Féadfaidh an laoch a fháil chuid eile

(The hero may find rest)