Patricia Iva Buchan (nee Cameron) passed away peacefully on January 29, 2016, after a brief stay in hospital.

Pat, born on October 3, 1934, lived her life in Victoria, the last 50 years at the family home where she raised her family. Pat was a devoted wife, mom and friend, who spent her life on those she loved. Mom was an A student through school, active in CGIT, dance club and school service clubs in her teen years. She graduated from Victoria High in 1952, voted most likely to become a modern dancer. An accomplished ballerina, she taught ballet at the Clough School of Dancing before moving on to work at BC Hydro, Home Service division. Pat married her high school sweetheart, Al, in 1955. Both were active in the local Jaycee Service club for several years. In 1961, Pat retired from her job to focus on her passion – raising their children. Mom created a nurturing backdrop for our growing years. She was intelligent and articulate, generous, an excellent seamstress, chef and baker, nutritionist, gardener, avid reader, editor, Scrabble and crossword master extraordinaire. She loved entertaining, and frequently made herself and home available for neighbourhood children and friends to hang out. Mom also loved walking, rain or shine, particularly along the beach. She and Al travelled the world via business trips, exploring many European and tropical locales. Mom supported her offspring’s various athletic and academic interests, from billeting teams, supplying baking for fundraisers, laundering uniforms, manning score boxes to pre-test quizzing and essay editing. As her children grew to adulthood, Mom turned her attention to volunteering, and in time, to her much loved, precious grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Her faith undergirded her through it all.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, Vera & Bill Cameron; Al’s parents, James and Agnes Buchan; her beloved Auntie Louella and Uncle Wilfrid Beese; brother-in-law, Bob Major; brother-in-law, Jim Buchan and his wife, Ann. Pat is remembered by her husband, Al; their children & spouses, Lori Marier (Richard), Sharon White (Keith), Mike (Nadine); 7 grandchildren and spouses – Elise (Tyson & great-granddaughter Kate), Jessica (Phil), Elianna, Isabelle, D’Arcy (Katrina), Adam, and Julia. Also remembered by ‘her much older sister’ Val, with whom she shared a lasting, loving bond and many inside jokes; nieces, Sandra (Dwight) & Brenda (Jim) and their families; nieces, Liz (Jim), Alison (Dave), nephew, Cameron (Carrie) and their families; as well as many dear friends and neighbours.

Pat’s family is grateful for the fresh baked goodies, meals, encouraging messages and kindnesses that have surrounded us. We are deeply thankful for the compassionate, attentive care mom received in her last days from the nurses, health care aides, doctors and support staff of Royal Jubilee’s PCC 4th floor North – they made this journey lighter.

Memorial Service and Reception will be held on Sunday, February 7 at 11 a.m. at McCall’s Funeral Home, Johnson & Vancouver Streets.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or UNHCR the UN Refugee Agency would be lovely and appreciated.

From Mom’s desk…To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

  • Cal and Anne Mackay

    Our sincere condolences to Al, Mike, Laurie, Sharon and all your respective loved ones. Pat was a wonderful person and our hearts are heavy to hear of her passing. We are very sorry not to be able to attend the service on Sunday but will be thinking of you and will be in touch upon our return. Best wishes, Cal and Anne Mackay

  • Alison Nuttall

    So sad to hear of Auntie Pat’s passing. It seemed as if she would never stop with her zest for life but her spirit will live on in our hearts. My favorite memory of Auntie Pat was hearing her cheer for me from the stands at a speed skating meet in Victoria. I had no idea she could yell that loud and I had never realized how excited she could get at a sporting event. She was always inspiring and her spaghetti recipe has always been my favorite. May she rest in peace. Our deepest Sympathy to Uncle Al and our cousins. Auntie Pat truly will be missed.

    Alison, David and James Nuttall

  • Sabira Charlesworth

    Well, what can I say. My whole family misses Pat so much already. With our extended family far away, Mr. & Mrs. B. have been like grandparents to our children, and to many of the neighbourhood children. Pat was always bearing gifts, or baked goods. On many occasions, she would bring the cookies directly from the oven to our door – warm, delicious, and they never lasted long! Pat was always full of what seemed like endless energy — cooking, baking, gardening, walking, visiting, doing impossible cryptic crosswords, and chasing raccoon and deer out of her yard (and into ours until we put up a deer fence 🙂 )!! She knew the history of our street — so many interesting things from the past. Pat had the best sense of humour, and was always up for a laugh. Thanks for enriching our lives and our neighbourhood so much Pat. Our deepest condolences to Al,and the entire family.

  • Aalia Hussain

    My husband and I have visited our daughter and family many times over the years and met their next door neighbour Pat almost every visit. She would bring freshly baked cookies, brownies or muffins every time. She was fun to talk to andendr will be sorely missed but fondly remembered. Our sincere condolences to her husband Al and her extended family.

  • Stan & Marilyn Pidsadny

    Our Deepest Sympathy to Al and the Buchan Family. May Pat rest in Peace.

    Stan & Marilyn Pidsadny & Family.

  • Cameron Buchan

    It is sad to hear this news, Auntie Pat was always the smiling face and hearty laugh I remember after the long 5 day family car trip to the West. I am happy to hear She is resting now and to hear She has touched so many in Her time here. I cherish the memories She gave me and I will remember Her smile always, I guess that was Her special gift. Rest Peacefully Pat, God Bless.

Leave Condolence

Type your condolence message into the box below and click "Submit". It may take up to 24 hours for it to appear. Your email address will not be published.

*

Search Website

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR