Contributions to the tribute of Patricia Sophie

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The family of Patricia Sophie uploaded a photo

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

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The family of Patricia Sophie uploaded a photo

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

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Tina posted a condolence

Friday, December 9, 2011

I ment Pat on-line on a game site, Mplayer. She was a hoot and really enjoyed all. She taught me backgammon and she always was happy. On her trip to Mexico, she drove through Amarillo and stopped over at my place in Canyon. There she had car trouble and very briefly she was upset. Nothing could keep her down. I just found out of her passing close to a month after she left us. Joannie Boyd thank you for the wonderful tale of her life with you and the family. I ache for her passing because of us left behund, but I know she is there already awaiting all her friends' arrival.Patt, I love you, miss you, but I will see you again.

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Joannie Boyd posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Eulogy for Pat As Part of this holy Mass we celebrate Pat Sophie's life. My name is joannie Boyd, I'm Pat's cousin. I lived with the Sophie's for a little while when I was a child. Pat and I were close in age and close play mates and friends. We remained close all these years. Pat was Unique. She was true to herself and lived her life as a free spirit, independent, with a wacky sense of humour and an infectious laugh. She had a heart of gold, was kind, compassionate and humble. She never judged and rarely complained. In her graduating year at high school she was crowned Miss Notre Dame. She was admired by her peers and teachers for her enthusiasm, witty personality and involvement in school activities. After graduation she entered the convent to become a nun. She quickly discovered the convent was not for a free spirit who needed to soar. One of Pat's favourite old songs was "Don't Fence Me In". In the convent it was frowned upon, especially during periods of silence, to try to make the other novices laugh. She had a gift for making others laugh. After the convent she moved to Vancouver and for many years was successful in business and building life long friendships. Pat had a need for adventure that took her to many parts of the world. She was interested in different cultures, their people, art, food and languages. In Europe she purchased a car and travelled for six months, sometimes sleeping in the car. She went behind the iron curtain when there was one and visited Rio during Marti Gras. She was curageous. She had no qualms about driving by herself in Europe and all the way from Toronto to Mexico to begin a new adventure. However, she always returned home to her roots. Her other favourite old song was "Going To Take A Sentimental Journey"...home. Her love of family kept drawing her back, sometimes for a few years at a time. Family traditions and special occasions were important to her, she wanted to be home to share them whenever possible. Pat developed deep and lasting friendships. She was loyal and supportive to her friends and had the ability to make new friends wherever she went. She had a wide range of interests and an active mind. She loved reading and searching the net. She tried her hand at painting and ceramics. She loved music, especially Elvis and played a wide variety of games. She was interested in sports and enjoyed baseball, swimming and skiing, both water and downhill. Pat was fascinated with genealogy and when she was home, we worked together to discover our roots. With each new piece of the puzzle she would get so excited. Together we traced our relatives back to the 1700's. She would be thrilled to know we are now over 1000 on our family tree. When the travel bug would bite again, she would be off. Her last major adventure was to Fresno, California. She packed up her car and made the long drive by herself visiting friends along the wasy. She was in her mid sixtys...Wow! In Fresno she shared an apartment with her dear friend Sisy Dutton. Both attended university, Pat to audit a course and Sisy working on her degree. There Pat was diagnosed with cancer and when her insurance ran out, the doctors told her to return home, put her affairs in order as she only had a few months to live. They didn't know Pat's determination, her positive attitude and she just was not ready to throw in the towel. With the love and support of her family, and especially the dedicated help and encouragement of her sister Judy, who had Pat to an oncologist the week she returned, she lived another three years...and live she did. When she was feeling good she was in her car visiting family and friends, she took in the Elvis festivals, Octoberfest, she went with David and I to the jazz/blues festival. Not long ago she travelled with friends to Las Vegas. Of course, during the three years played lot of cards. Pat never met a deck of cards she didn't like. This trait runs in the family. She was truly a unique and wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. On a personal note I loved and admired her. I will never forget her extraordinary generosity and caring when my father, her uncle Bill, was dying. Pat moved into his home and cared for him. Dad adored her. When he was feeling good she would take him to the legion and they would play cards with his friends. When my Father's end was near, Pat was with me during many days and nights. She put her life on hold to comfort him and me. Her loving spirit helped us both. It says a lot about the person she was. The family would like to thank her friends and relatives who cheered Pat with their cards, phone calls and visits. Thanks to Terry of Ruby Jean House who cared for Pat throughout her stay and with compassion during her passing. A very special thanks to Sisy Dutton and Wanda Wood who were at Pat's side and cared for her in Fresno, when she became very ill. Thanks to her close friend of many years, Sigrid Sheather who supported Pat in many ways through the good times and the tough times. Pat was a treasure. We were so lucky to have her in our lives.

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Sue & Jim Howard posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Pat came into our lives at McGrath Carpets in Richmond, B.C. in the early 1980's. Like so many people she touched we just hit it off and became tremendously close friends. Parties, laughter and outrageous events were everyday occurrences. Where do we start? Well there was one day when the challenge was: "How to get her bed upstairs at the really cute, but weird house on River Road?" Her friend Willy's comment was: "We'll just take a step out and then the bed will fit" OH SURE..Not so! A staircase later or rather no staircase later The bed was up, never to come down & no way to get to the 2nd floor. "Of course a staircase was eventually added back but it was not ever going to permit the bed to come back down . It just didn't fit the opening . <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Oh Yah !! And then there was the time "Let's share a room at Harrison Hot Springs Resort" Anyone out there every shared a room with Pat? Yup ! We shared alright. Two of our kids in the Bedroom in the Beds. Pat on the balcony outside with the sliding door closed tight so as not to let outside noises (such as snoring)in. Me (Sue), in luxury, on the bathroom on the floor. Oh Wow!!! the Sheer Elegance of Harrison Hot Springs. During the night she gets up to use the bathroom and walks on my face, then goes back out to sleep through a storm which takes many balconies off the side of the Hotel. Of course, she sleeps through the whole thing. ``````````````````````````````````````````````` Oh, here's one I bet none of you ever heard "Can I stay with you?" Of course. You've got the living room couch. Please don't do anything weird ..there are no curtains there. We all know Pat could not do much that was not weird. This time it was her "Patricia's Robe of Many Greens (and ugly yellows and ..??? " . This "gown?? was obviously designed to parade in front of Living Room windows. MAN o' MAN - Enuff to scare the "H..." out of a Wicked Witch. Enough said. But the good news is: we did not get kicked out of the neighbourhood and Pat was on her way in a few days. Well.. almost on her way . She had packed up to move from B.C. to Ontario. Her home had sold and all of her worldly possessions including Hitler (the Cat) were in the car Oh yes.. did I mention there was also a smoke alarm in the car? So, Pat jams her clothes in, slams the trunk shut, Startles Hitler, he jumps, hits the alarm that's hidden under something and goes crazy when this gawd-awful noise fills the street. No, of course we don't know where it is, nor how to get through all the stuff piled to the roof. Anyway, Steve our oldest son starts taking the contents out one piece at a time till the alarm is found. Our driveway is now covered like a garage sale (incidentally, one of Pat's favourite venues) just in time for the police to arrive. Maybe they are going to start buying Huh??? The now totally destroyed alarm can be carefully hidden with the parts never to meet again. At least not during the drive across Canada I could go on forever. I can tell you about the uneventful days……….? Ooops !! there never were any. Every moment was filled with Crazy Jokes, Strange Looks , Side-Spitting Laughter & Wonderful Pain. Guess I shouldn't forget all the alcohol & Great Food either Pat we hear your laughter and know we always will. Love. Sue and Jim P.S. Please send details of how you always win at cards

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Barbara Aubry posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Camping with Pat The first time I met Pat Sophie, in 1976, she was working in Vancouver and I was working for the same company in their Calgary office. Our first encounter was over the phone, when she introduced herself, warmly welcomed me to the company and promptly gave me a hassle for not filling out a form correctly. Right then I knew we would become firm friends. How could you not be friends with Pat? She had such a warm smile, a whacky sense of humour, a spirit of adventure and a zest for life that made her so much fun to be around. One May 24th weekend in the early 80's Pat suggested we meet up in the Okanagan for a camping trip. Camping was not really my forte, and as I soon discovered, not really hers either, but we met up at a campsite in Peachland and proceeded to pretend to be comfortable being "outdoorsy" people. Our camping skills didn't even extend to lighting a fire, and of course she had no propane gas for the stove in her small camper van, but fortunately there was a very decent pub and restaurant near by so we managed very well. Pat set a goal that weekend to teach me how to fly fish! That in itself was a tremendous challenge as I had no interest in fishing whatsoever, and as witnessed by the posted photo, the weather conditions weren't exactly conducive to standing on the shores of a lake fishing. After witnessing my inept attempts at fly casting, and repeatedly rescuing my line from the surrounding clump of trees, she gave up on me and we did the only sensible thing left to do, headed for the pub! Pat was such a good and loyal friend and we will all miss her, but the good news is anybody who knew Pat would have many happy memories of the time we spent in her company. Cheers Pat, rest easy my friend.

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Sandra Baumgartner posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I met Pat years ago through my sister Susan Baumgartner, when Pat and Susan were working at elan Data Makers. As Susan said in her story, I ran into Pat about 12 years ago at a Spanish class in Chapala, Mexico. Pat and I spent the next couple of months hanging around Chapala and Guadalajara in her beat up Volkswagen Beetle. I will always remember Pat's warmth and enthusiasm. She was always easy to be with. Like Pat, I have also done alot of traveling, and now live in Egypt. I relate to Pat's free spirit. Pat - I'll see you in heaven!! Love, Sandee

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Barbara & Skip Aubry posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

To the family and friends of Pat Sophie we send our condolences and deepest sympathy for the loss of a spirited and loving soul. May the many happy memories you share comfort you at this sad time.

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Mark and Nicole Rosen posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Dear Judith and family, We would like to send our sincere condolences at this time. We are deeply sorry for the loss of your sister. We wish you peace and love. Mark and Nicole Rosen

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Judith Anne Sophie posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

As Pat's sister, Judy, I would imagine that Pat would like to say a message something like this. TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVED ME: When I am gone, release me, let me go.... I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears; Be happy that we had so many years. I gave to you my love, you can only guess, How much you gave me in happiness, I thank you for the love you each have shown, But now it's time I travel on alone. So grieve a while for me, for grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a while that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on: So if you need me, call and I will come, Though you can't see me, or touch me, I'll be near, And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear, All of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say, "welcome home".

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Nan and Helen posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. You have our sincere condolences on your loss.

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Susan Baumgartner posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

I first met Pat Sophie in 1974 when we worked for élan Data Makers in Vancouver. When introduced to her I recall the warm and wide smile with which she greeted and welcomed me to the group. We became good friends over the years enjoying many laughs over too many glasses of scotch. When Pat left élan in the early 80's and allowed her 'itchy feet' the freedom to discover the world, I was envious of her ability to find joy and wonder in all of the countries she visited. Upon her return she confessed she wasn't ready to settle back into a 9 to 5 mundane routine just yet and asked my opinion of what to do. I suggested she travel south to New England and if she found a hotel for sale to call me. Sure enough one Friday morning the call came from Pat to say she had found a hotel for sale in Vermont that would be perfect for us. Calling our mutual friend Barbara Lee Smith who worked for élan in Calgary, we made a plan to fly the red-eye, me from Vancouver with a stop in Calgary to pick up Barb, to Montreal where Pat met us at 6am - Barb and I much the worse for drinking the bar dry of scotch on the flight. We piled into Pat's car and headed south into Vermont. Arriving in Burlington we were met, feted, wined, and dined by the town's local business groups who seemed to enjoy the thought of three single women wanting to establish themselves in their community. A wonderful weekend ensued including a magnificent dinner at Zack's on the Rocks followed by a Sunday morning brunch at our condo which took 5 hours to cook because Pat kept adding more items to our menu, drinking Barb's must-have breakfast champagne and listening to Willy Nelson's Stardust LB over, and over, and over. Even though we decided, for better or worse, not pursue this dream, I believe all 3 of us considered it one of our best weekends - I certainly did. Life took over and I lost contact with Pat for many years. Having married and moved to Mexico, where my sister was visiting, came home one day to tell me she had a big surprise. Going to Ajijic the next morning I found my big surprise - Pat Sophie. She had come to Ajijic (Lake Chapala - south of Guadalajara) for a visit (itchy feet again) and had succumbed to the beauty and laid-back life style offered to foreigners living the Mexican ex-pat life style. She was the same old Pat - funny, enthusiastic, fully involved, and loving every minute of the time she spent there. Deciding she needed to work again in order to support a permanent move to Ajijic she returned to her home in Toronto with the intent of working for a few more years and then returning to Mexico full time. Again I lost track of Pat until today with the sad news of her passing. Thinking of her, I had hoped she had returned to Ajijic and envisioned her in her favourite bar enjoying the sunny afternoons. Patsy - I raise a glass of single malt to you and say - Travel well my friend, embrace your new adventure with the same enthusiasm and wonderment with which you enjoyed life.

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Meikle Family posted a condolence

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Our sincere condolences for the passing of your sister and daughter. We will have you in our prayers. Louise, Garret, Dennis and Elyse

In loving memory of

Patricia

1941 - 2011