Patricia Marylin Chetwynd (Wilson) drew her last breath, in the arms of her daughter and her virtually present son, on July 21, 2022. Patricia was born in Sheffield, England, in 1936, where she was raised along with her two siblings, Anthony and Celia. During the war, she remembers her mother putting her down as a vegetarian to get extra fruit and veg rations for the family. After finishing general school, rather than going on, she stayed home to help her ailing mother raise her young sister.
She took a job at Yorkshire Electricity board where, in 1959, she met and, within 6 months, married her husband of 49 years, David. Over the next few years, they started their family, first with a son, Paul, and then a daughter, Nicole. Always the adventuring duo, they decided the pastures were greener elsewhere and it was time to leave England. The criteria on where to move to was simple – the first country back with a job offer is where they would go! The Mississauga Electrical Supply Company was the first to respond, so Canada it was –in November, no less.
Not to be daunted by Ontario winters, one of Pats first stops was to Honest Ed’s warehouse where she purchased skis for the family and herded them to the hills. While she never really mastered downhill, she competed in cross country events and created a life long passion which shaped both of her children’s lives.
In 1979, they once again packed up their family and moved west to Vancouver and landed in Deep Cove near some good friends from the UK. Over the next 40-plus years, Pat made this her home and stayed put after her husband, David, passed in 2009. Pat was a very active in the local community, particularly Deep Cove Stage and the Deep Cove Yacht Club. Not one for being in the limelight, she could be found behind the scenes of countless plays, helping with props, stage managing and front of house. At the Yacht club, they, along with the Yorkshire mafia, could be seen holding court most Friday nights.
Pat travelled far and wide and near and close, nearly fifty countries and only missed out visiting one continent (Antarctic). She travelled by plane, train, RV’s but often adventures would be taken to by bike. She and Dave toured most of the gulf islands, the California coast, England and the south of France. She also loved to be on foot and hiked all over the world. Her last major trek was with her sister where they spent 10 days on Spain’s El Camino. She was 75 at the time.
Pat graduated from Vancouver Community College with a diploma in health sciences and started a career as a home health care aide working with many seniors in the Deep Cove area. She was a Youth Probation Officer where she helped steer young adults and their families in the right direction. Caring by nature, Pat was always looking to help out. Taking care of her family was her number one priority –always being there for her children and their wayward friends, and always having their back unconditionally. Becoming a grandparent was a highlight for Pat and Dave, and led to many adventures all over the world as they travelled to see them or with them. Weary travellers, family, and friends always were welcome in the Chetwynd home and were always given a bed, a meal, and a drink (or three).
Pat will be missed by her son, Paul, and his wife, Junco, their daughter, Nicole, her grandchildren, Nesta and Dayna, siblings, Anthony and Celia, and by her many friends. “How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. ”
A Celebration of Life will be held November 29, 2022, at Deep Cove Yacht Club, 4420 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L2. In lieu of flowers please donate to BC Lupus Society.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Patricia Marylin Chetwynd December 7 1936 July 21 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique