Born in North Vancouver on St. Patrick’s Day, 1919, and died just shy of 96 on January 4, 2015 in Gibsons.
Predeceased by husband George Shore and brother Roy Birnie. Survived by her loving family: children Sandra (Carl), Linda (Greg), Bill (Sharon) Buckingham and step-daughter Johanna (Dale) Trimble, six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.
As a student at Kitsilano High School in Vancouver, she played cornet with the Kitsilano Girls’ Band and competed in Highland Dancing. Pat was the first in our family to earn the Lifesaving Bronze Medallion.
During WW II she worked as a PRO-REC instructor. She married Bill Buckingham in 1942 and together they raised three children. She re-entered the workforce as a desk clerk at the St. Regis Hotel, and later worked alongside her second husband, George Shore, running Rollerland and PNE’s Footlong Hot Dog Stand. Upon retirement she and George became RV Snowbirds and enjoyed many years circling the continent.
Pat became an avid gardener, volunteer and cat toy maker after settling in Sechelt. Her friends on the Sunshine Coast will remember her for dying her hair an Irish green on her 90th birthday, zipping along the sidewalks on her bright red scooter and playing at least three bingo cards at once. Pat was an optimist and her family will remember her for brightening any rainy days with a little sunshine.
The family is grateful for the extraordinary kindness and compassion shown by the staff at Gibsons Christenson Village. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Good Samaritan Society (www.gss.org), Christenson Village, Gibsons.