1925-2007
Pat, late of Abbotsford, BC, passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, to be with his Lord and Savior September 11, 2007 at the age of 82 years at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.
Pat was born April 1, 1925 in Suffield, Alberta. For a short time that same year the family moved to Dog Pound, Alberta before moving to a small rented farm at the corner of 264th and 16th Avenue, Aldergrove. In 1929, the family moved to a dairy farm in Glen Valley, and then to Charlie Lamson’s farm on Sumas Prairie located at the end of Lamson Road (now the Jacobs Farm) in 1937. In 1940 the family moved once again, this time to the Reed Farm on Bates Road (now the Malkin’s Farm) before purchasing their first farm (the Bates Farm) next door in 1944.
Pat met and married the “love of his life”, Denie Dewit, on December 12, 1945. Shortly thereafter they purchased a small property on Vye Road across from the Upper Sumas School. A small house was purchased from friends Harold (late) and Wanda Zurowski from their farm on Fadden Road and moved onto the Vye Rd. site. As they started a family, Pat became a janitor at the Upper Sumas School and also drove school bus. Pat and Denie then purchased the Sumas School Store next to their home. From the store Pat sold gasoline, provided haircuts, and delivered groceries to several Sumas Prairie customers, including recent immigrants to Canada. From 1951 to 1956 Pat drove a milk truck for Mosie Zannata, picking up milk cans at several locations, mainly throughout Sumas Prairie. In 1956 he began driving truck for a newly formed Company, Vedder Transport, where he was immediately asked to take the place of an existing partner, Hector Carslake. Pat’s first contribution to this new upstart company was to drive Vedder’s first truck, an Austin, where, among other things, he moved freight for Cascade Foods in Yarrow. Pat was a business partner in Vedder Transport Ltd. until his retirement in early 1991.
In his early years, Pat loved to drive trucks, and later, to operate heavy equipment, and participate in the development of their Company along with his three business partners, Neil (late), John, and Jake Wiebe, and their numerous employees who contributed to their success throughout the years. He was a long-time member of Gateway Community Church in Abbotsford.
Pat is survived by seven sons and one daughter: Don, James (Shirley), Len (Ruth), Patricia, Alvin (Susan), Bernie (Wilma), Ken (Shirley), Kevin (Angie) and several brothers and sisters: Dena (Dick) Dykshoorn of Lethbridge, AB., Henry (Jennie), John (Marie), Marie, Leonard (Jackie), Gert (John) DeJong of Grimsby, ON, Tony (Henrietta), Herman (Leida) and 21 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. Also left to mourn is very special friend, Janna Braber, and the Braber family.
Pat was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Denie in 1994, daughter-in-law Carol, in 2004, brother Steve in 1968, and sister Alice in 2006.
Pat was a humble, gentle, and friendly man who loved his family, and numerous friends. His Âbrothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, children, grandÂchildren, and great grandchildren dearly loved him. He will be lovingly remembered, and sorrowfully missed.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 2:00 pm at Sevenoaks Alliance Church at 2575 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford with Pastor Bert Slofstra officiating. A graveside service for family and friends wishing to attend will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery at 1:00 pm.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Emergency Staff at MSA General Hospital and the entire Medical staff of Royal Columbian Hospital, particularly the ICU for their excellent care, support and understanding.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre. Please make cheques payable to: A Campaign for Health Care Excellence c/o MSA Hospital, 2179 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, BCÂ V2S 3P1