April 19, 2023

After a long life well lived, Pat Chapman of Kamloops passed away peacefully on April 19, 2023, just shy of her 95th birthday.

Pat was born at home in a log cabin in the hamlet of Vanrena, near the town of Fairview, Alberta.  She was brought into the world by her mother’s lifelong friend Thelma.

When Pat was a young child, her family made their way to Vancouver, BC where she and her siblings would spend their youth during the Great Depression.

Pat met her future husband Alex in Savona, BC while she was visiting with her sister and her sister’s family. In 1962, she and Alex moved from Savona to Prince George with two children in tow. While the children were young, she would join the Order of the Eastern Star, began curling, took up oil painting and began a lifetime of volunteerism.

Pat and Alex and the children moved to Kamloops in 1967.  Pat was an active and devoted member of The Order of the Eastern Star Adah Chapter for over fifty years. She looked forward to Grand Chapter and General Grand Chapter sessions. She was fortunate to have been able to attend sessions in cities such as Toronto, Portland, Nashville, Anaheim, Seattle, Atlanta, Orlando and Memphis. She had a close-knit group of “Roomies” whose friendships she cherished to the end.

Pat played many sports but curling and golf would become her favourite.  She and Alex were instrumental in establishing the North Kamloops Curling Club, also serving on the executive committee.  Even when her back and knees would no longer allow her to play, she became an official with Curling Canada volunteering at many memorable local events. She enjoyed watching Alex, who continued to curl into his mid-eighties.

Pat and Alex were avid golfers and were long-standing members of the Kamloops Golf and Country Club, also serving on the executive committee.   Their shared love of golf and travel allowed them to meet people from around the globe and were thrilled when they were asked to serve as Marshals at the Hawaiian Open held annually at the Waialae Country Club. Pat’s love of sports always gave her something to do in her later years as she enjoyed watching everything from baseball to curling. She and Alex, and their large group of friends held legendary Grey Cup parties, complete with homemade jerseys. They were season-ticket holders and enjoyed many years in the stands cheering on The Kamloops Blazers.

They felt very fortunate to have been able to travel throughout their lives. They made two trips to Europe, enjoying visiting various countries via numerous modes of transportation. They also enjoyed many cruises and loved spending time at their place in Birch Bay, WA, made extra special as her brother Del and his wife Kitty were just a few doors down. No matter if they were on land or sea, good friends were always at the centre of their adventures.

Above all else, Pat and Alex had a love for Hawaii which began in 1972. Over many seasons, they travelled to various islands including Molokai.  Most winters they would travel with their close friends Don and Doreen.  Their many golf games were always followed up by “Happy Hour” Hawaiian style.  Their decades-long friendship was remarkable, sharing joy and sorrow always with an abundance of humour.

Pat was predeceased by her siblings; Doug, Curly, Mary and Del. She was also predeceased by her husband Alex and by her son Gary. She is survived by her daughter Debbie, her granddaughter Kayla (Mike) and her dearly loved six-month old great grandson Jett.  Pat is also survived by her brother-in-law John, many nephews and nieces as well as their spouses, children and grandchildren. Also left to miss her are her special friends Doug and Marg.

She was fortunate to have lived independently right up until the morning of her passing. We would like to thank all the first responders for their kind and compassionate care. A special thank you to Pat’s family physician Dr. Lesch (and Marisa) who were always there to provide outstanding care.

We would also like to thank the members of Adah Chapter No. 16 and the local Masonic Lodges.  She so enjoyed her last “Ladies Night”, organized by the Masons.  Thank you to all who made her feel special.

At her request, there will be an informal service which will be held later in the fall.

• Date : 2023-04-19
• Location : Kamloops