LIFE IS FOR SERVICE
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Patricia; 4 daughters, Marietta (Greg), Virginia, Susanna, Tessa (Steffen) and 8 grandchildren, Kel, Blake, Taylor, Mika, Hannah, Piers, Marissa and Marcus.
Dearly missed by brother, Mark (Jane) and sister, Sharron. Predeceased by father, Dermott and mother, Doris.
Pat was born on Saltspring Island, BC in 1935, oldest son of a larger pioneer family which owned and operated the Harbour House Hotel (1916-1964). A true athlete, he excelled in rugby, tennis and boxing as a young man but his passion for all sports continued his entire life. The world stopped for NHL playoffs, Olympic Games and Grand Slam Tennis. He would have been so pleased that Milos Raonic beat Roger Federer in the Brisbane Final this past week!
After graduating from University School (now SMUS) and Royal Roads Military College, Pat became a proud member of the Canadian Military, serving on a variety of Canadian ships as Navigating Lieutenant, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander, CD (Canadian Forces Decoration).
It was during his second trip to England on defence training at Greenwich that he was encouraged to call on the younger sister of the family Doctor from Saltspring (Dr. Ivor Williams). A month later, Pat proposed marriage to Patricia Williams and brought her home to Canada. Thus began 58 years of love and happiness for “The Pats” as they were called by both family and friends.
Upon leaving the Canadian Navy, Pat worked the family farm and spent countless hours driving and supporting his four daughters in their sporting endeavours (and weekends at horse shows), long remembered marching down the sides of field hockey pitches shouting encouragement and writing briefs of the games…even when not the coach!
The call to community service was strong with Pat. Throughout the 1970’s, he supported and campaigned for many political Candidates at all 3 levels of Government before deciding to seek a role in Municipal Government himself. From 1980-1984, he sat as an elected Alderman for the Municipality of Saanich. He truly enjoyed his capacity to participate in the future of Saanich’s growth at a time when many changes were occurring. He was always happy to take a phone call from a Saanich resident in the evening, discussing suggestions or concerns with equal heart. Some daughters not so happy with phone use..
1984-1988: Pat was elected to the 33rd Parliament as the Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich. A big change for the Pats, with a condo to maintain as well as the homestead in Saanich, flights back and forth every second weekend from Ottawa to stay in touch with both family and community events. They enjoyed this time immensely, meeting new friends of all political stripes and reconnecting with old Navy friends, Some of his most memorable achievements include:
Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence.
Member of the Special Joint Committee on Canada’s International Relations.
Member of the Standing Committee on External Affairs and National Defence.
After retirement from politics, Pat continued to participate in the local Community, serving on various local boards including Oak Bay Lodge, Camosun College, Eldercare, Pearson College and Commonwealth Games Society to name but a few. He has been a PROUD member of the Victoria Rotary Club (1991) and Victoria Golf Club (1973). The Pats are big supporters of local charities and always happy to participate in fundraising activities. They have also been very active in their church, St. Peter and St. Paul’s.
Pat made a huge impact on the lives of many. He was always a willing ear to a budding politician, young entrepreneur, friend or family member seeking advice or just a kind word. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him and especially to his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and grandnephews who looked to him as a wonderful mentor.
Thank you to both their wonderful friends as well as cherished neighbours at Mariner’s Landing that have added SO MUCH to their lives.
A service of Celebration to Pat’s Life will be held on January 30, 2016 at 1pm at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria BC officiated by the Ven. Lon Towstego.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charity of choice.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Michael Lambe
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Kathy and Tom Donnelly It is with great sadness we read of the passing of Pat. A truly great Canadian, good friend and neighbour and super golfing buddy for Tom.
We are so happy we had the pleasure to know Pat and will miss his smiling face and happy greeting whenever Tom spoke with him or when we met him riding along the path.
Our condolences to Pat and entire Family.
Sincerely,
Kathy and Tom Donnelly
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Bill Moore To all the Crofton Family. Shannon phoned today to let me know of Mr. Crofton’s passing. As sad as we all feel, I still think of the times are families got together for dinners. The great time, food and conversations. Mr. Crofton accomplished a lot in his life leaving a great legacy in and for his family. I’m sorry that I missed the Celebration of Life to honour him. I only found out today. My thoughts are with all of you.
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Ian Moore I am saddened to hear of Mr. Crofton’s passing. I have fond memories of our family get-togethers and our common interests in cattle. 🙂 Pat has now joined my parents (Dick and Mavis Moore) and I am sure they are enjoying an animated conversation. I would have loved to have attended the memorial but only heard of his passing today.
Sorry for your loss.
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Russell Moore As a young naval officer in my first ship Pat provided the encouragement and leadership that lead to my 36 year career in the the navy. Our paths crossed frequently over the years and I remain inspired by his many fine qualities and service to community and country.
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Terry and Leslie Farmer TO THE LADIES
Leslie and I were so upset to hear of Pat’s death. We have so many wonderful memories of you all at Snowater and many parties at home which the two Pats invited us to. He was a wonderful man and friend and so proud of all his daughters. We hope that your Mother is okay and she is also a wonderful and kind person. I (Terry) am in Maui but Leslie will be at the memorial tomorrow. Love to you All
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Bill Leaman Pat Crofton was one of the finest officers I sailed with in my time in the RCN. A leader and true gentleman. A great loss to British Columbia.
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Lloyd Morin I developed the greatest admiration for, and appreciation of Pat when he was a member
of the Camosun College Board of Governors. We have lost a rare gentleman.
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BGen (Ret'd) Murray and Jacqui Ramsbottom Jacqui and I offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Patricia and the Crofton family. Patrick was a fine gentleman who served his country and his community superbly – enthusiastic, determined and selfless. As a member of the Rotary Club of Victoria for 25 years, he contributed in many respects, in particular as a Club Director, Vice-President and President (1995-1996) and he continued to energetically support the Club’s charitable initiatives despite his health challenges. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
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Carol-Ann Howay Dear Patty;
It’s Carol-Ann Howay and I used to Babysit for you when we lived beside each other on Cromwell Road!!!
By coincidence I came across Pat’s Obituary in the Vancouver Sun and so I send my Condolences to you and your Family.
I think of you often and all such great Memories!
Please take care of yourself during this difficult time and I send you many Positive Thoughts.
Sincerely,
Carol-Ann
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Paula FitzGibbon Dear Susanna, John and I are so sorry to read about your Father’s passing in the Vancouver Sun. We only met him once but while I recall a tall good looking man; it was the expression on his face that I vividly remember–he had one of the kindest expressions that I had ever seen and his eyes twinkled with good humour and intelligence. From what you told me about him, you were truly blessed having him as your Father. Our deepest condolences to you and to your Mother as well as the rest of your family.
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Patricia jelinski On behalf of United Way Greater Victoria I extend our deepest condolences to Patricia and the Crofton family. We will remember Pat for his leadership, his kindness and warmth, and for his generous spirit. He made a difference in so many people’s lives and our community will not be the same without him.
Patricia Jelinski
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John Cameron Mark and family and Sharron and family, I mourn the loss of Pat with you. In Navy days I knew him only a little, but – he was a Crofton! Able, empathetic, caring, outgoing. A lovely person and man. How ironic that Pat and Pat had four daughters! He was the perfect Dad to them. Didn’t meet Patricia, but please offer my condolences to Patricia on the loss of such a wonderful husband and father to Patricia’s four, proud daughters, and their progeny.
Will be in British Columbia in August/September en-route to sea. I’ll email you in advance, and hope to bring these condolences to you in person then. A donation will be made. John
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Gary & Evonne Webb It was a very sad shock to open yesterday’s newspaper and find Patrick’s obituary – and we do send our sincere condolences to the family. An incredible tribute for a man who made such a difference, for the better, to so many with such a wonderful happy sense of doing it all. Truly, a prince amongst men. All of my memories of our many years of business dealings have a pleasant tone, thanks so much to Patrick. Unfortunately we are away for the Service – but our thoughts and prayers will be focused on the Cathedral at that time.
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Robin Dear Mrs. Crofton, Marietta, Virginia, Susanna, Tessa and family:
All of us Pettyfers are with you. I have very sunny memories of you all and your Dad since a very young age. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. In the small possibility I am in Canada, I will come for the service. Love to you all, Robin
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Susan Service (Jones) Dear Susanna, Virginia, Tessa, Marietta and Mrs. Crofton,
Sending you hugs and condolences. I have very fond memories of your father and husband and his gentle patient nature. I remember one afternoon getting a comb tangled in my long hair (after being warned by one of the girls NOT to do what caused the tangle) and him spending what seemed like hours calmly untangling it with no judgment or impatience at my stupidity. Other fond memories are from being at an election celebration in the 1980s and again, him taking time to acknowledge my presence when there were so many other important people wanting his attention. A wonderful man who touched many lives and made the world a better place. Love Susan, xoxo
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Don and Else Page Dear Patricia,
We are so sad to read about Pat today. He and I were both LCdr. Weapons Officers in the RCN. Else and I knew him first from our time spent on the east coast. When transferred here to Victoria in 1988, we met again when both you and he knocked on our door is Saanich during his second run for MP. We worked on his campaign that year. Our paths crossed many times on the political front and in simply meeting by chance. We are so sorry now that he is gone and our thoughts go with you and your family in your time of need. We will fondly remember him.
Don and Else Page, Victoria
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Bud & Hilda Rocheleau We were so very sad to read of Pat’s demise. We remember so fondly the memories we shared in the Navy – Weapons Course, serving at sea as Weapons Officers and the times we spent after retirement.
God bless Patricia and family!
Hilda & Bud Rocheleau
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Graeme Roberts Very sad to learn of Pat’s passing. A delightful gentleman in every sense of the word. Our ‘connection’ goes back a very long way through the Crofton family and the Harbour House Hotel beginning in the thirties when I was a wee small boy and my dear mother took me to Saltspring for visits with the Croftons, Wilsons, Boradailles etc. etc. Pat’s Dad, “Paddy”, and his “D” brothers and sisters were all good friends of my mother’s and my uncles (two of whom served with the 16th Scottish Regiment). I used to talk with Pat about my memories of those days and I’m so glad now that I did. Kathy and my thoughts and sympathy go out to Patricia and family. Sorry to say we shall be away at the time Pat’s celebration has been set for.
Sincerely,
Graeme Roberts Brentwood Bay, B.C.
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Mary and David Daubney So sad to hear of Patrick’s passing. He and I (David) were good colleagues in the House of Commons and enjoyed many wonderful times together as couples. Condolences to Pat and family.
Mary and David Daubney, Ottawa
I remember Pat from way back when the family lived on Prospect Lake Rd. What a presence he had…a big, handsome guy with an even bigger smile and handshake! Good memories.
All the best to the Crofton family. Pat will be missed!
Michael Lambe