August 4, 1936 – February 2, 2022
at the age of 85 years:
Pat was born in the Stouffville area of Ontario, the second of Aaron and Etta’s 5 children. She spent her childhood and youth on the family farms right up the lane from grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. From that time of her life we were told of walking to school along the farm lane with her cousins, maple syrup and apple butter making on the farm and skating on the pond. She recently mentioned the boys (Jake and Dave) setting up lights so they could skate at night. She married Den August 1957. They lived in Ontario until 1981. That year they moved to BC. They have been living in the Sorrento area since then. Pat and Den have 4 children, Yvonne (Randy), Cheryl (Gunther), Sandra and Brad (predeceased her in Feb. 2012). Pat has 9 grandchildren- Wendy, Jess, Becky, Val, Brian, Shaina, Jared, Ben and Dylan. Pat has 5 great grandchildren- Kurtis, Madison, Alivia, Cooper and Beau.
Pat has been busy with various jobs out of the house and kept very busy at home. I do not recall a year she did not have a garden and that meant freezing veggies, making wine and salsa to name a few products from that labour. The biggest canning projects were in Ontario when she would drive to Vineland and load the suburban with peaches! Another of her jobs was keeping the business books organized for Dennis’s masonry business. Some of her other activities were spending time volunteering at the Churches of Salmon Arm thrift shop, helping with potlucks at church and playing piano for church services. Another one of her ‘likes’ was going on road trips. The longest was her and Den’s trip to the east coast of Canada. Pat started driving at 14-her first ride- a 2.5ton farm truck going into town on errands for her dad and Pat enjoyed driving ever since.
In the family, Gramma Pat is known for the best ever roast chicken, butter tarts, countless Phase 10 rounds and Euchre (Never trump your partners Ace!!).
All of her family send out a special thank you to the staff in ‘6’ at Bastion who took such awesome care of our ‘Chatty Patty’ during the 2 years she resided there.
To Pat – thanks for that laughing smile that we are left with. It touches my heart.
Our paths crossed at special times and I especially remember the days at Monetville – those early years with my kids and yours. And I’m thankful.
To Den, I can only imagine the depth of your loss.
Yvonne, Cheryl, Sandy, I still miss my Mom. Tiny moments that stand out like stars in that northern sky. Made the clearer from the surrounding darkness. If you all remember your Mom in a way something like that, you will be blessed, as will your spouses and grandkids.
If I were there I’d hug you all.
Pat and Dennis were among our first friends when I moved to Salmon Arm with my infant twins, and I have great memories of visits with both of them; their helpfulness, Dennis’ laugh, and Pat’s acerbic wit. They warmed my small world, literally and figuratively. My condolences to Dennis and the family.
All of the Reutlinger family sends our condolences and prayers. We each have special memories of Pat that make us smile.
My prayers go out to you all at this difficult time. Cherish your memories.
I was very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I have many fond memories of volunteering with Pat at the Sorrento and Salmon Arm Churches thrift store and visiting over a cup of coffee. Condolences to her family.