GARNER, Margaret Patricia (nee Robertson)
Pat Garner peacefully departed this world on February 9, 2021, at the age of 91.
Born in Winnipeg, MB, Pat was predeceased by her husband Dave and is survived by two sons, Mike (Jeanne) of Golden, BC, and Gordie (Vickie) of Comox, BC; daughters Fran (Bill) of Calgary, AB, Bobbie (Cliff) of Edmonton, AB, and Nan (John) of Penobsquis, NB, plus 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and her dear sister-in-law Vi.
Pat and Dave met at Victoria High School and were married on March 22, 1950. Mom was a stay-at-home wife (who did everything!) and, together with Dad, had some success in raising well-mannered, (mostly) obedient children. She always put her family first.
Our home on Hammond Bay Road in Nanaimo was filled with laughter, music, reading, homemade bread and blackberry jelly, “elephant steak” dinners, the Ed Sullivan Show on our black and white TV, many friends and relatives, cats and dogs (and two hamsters, once), and, of course, the trials and joys that life brings.
Mom was an avid quilter and has left us, over the years, with many colourful and creative quilted works of art. Our parents settled in an apartment at the Royal Inn of Enderby, BC, for their senior years, where they spent many summers exploring the province’s campgrounds and small towns, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. After Dad’s passing, Mom deepened her many friendships with other residents of the Royal Inn, which has become its own sweet community.
By necessity later in life, Mom became active on her iMac computer and used it to do her banking, pay her bills, send emails, watch YouTube videos, and participate in family Zoom calls. A lover of dark chocolate, she enjoyed making – and eating – cookies and cakes (and sharing them with her neighbours) and loved her brandy beans at Christmas. She lived independently until the last ten days of her life, remaining clear-minded to the end.
Mom always took care to make herself “presentable” every morning: choosing her clothes, fixing her hair and makeup, and adding jewelry. She loved us well, lived her life with good humour, style and grace, and was loved by all who knew her.
We are grateful to the kind and caring staff of Bastion Place’s palliative care wing in Salmon Arm.
So sorry for your loss. Pat was a great lady full of spunk and always very nice to talk to when she came in the store.
I will truly miss our little chats. She will be missed by many.
Bonnie (IGA)
I had the pleasure of serving your mother whenever she came into the IGA for groceries. She was always so nice to all of us cashiers. And our delivery people loved delivering her groceries to her when it was too cold or icy for her to make the walk to the store. She will be missed!
Oh Garner family! So hard to imagine you without the presence of your lovely, lively Mom! Though I hadn’t seen her for many years, she will always have a special place in my heart. Sending virtual hugs to all.
Sending my deepest condolences to all the Garner clan on the passing of your beloved mom. She and your dad were both full of life and they lived it with laughter and a sense of fun, a wonderful legacy to their children and grandchildren. Thinking of you all.