Tribute

Patricia M. Gould (nee Kirkpatrick)
May 16, 1925 – January 21, 2020

It is with a complicated mixture of joy and sadness we celebrate the life of our indomitable mother, Patricia Gould. After a fall on January 10 and subsequent hip surgery in Duncan, she died peacefully in Lady Minto Hospital in the early hours of the morning on January 21. Her children, Bill, Beth and Jayna, along with their spouses, her five grandchildren and four great grandchildren will miss her always. She is the last of 7 siblings, and her death marks the end of a family generation. Now her children and nieces and nephews will have to carry her legacy on – to be forever curious, always have a positive attitude, be grateful for everything, stop and smell ALL the roses, and above all else, be funny.

Pat’s life was full of adventures, from her early days as a singer and CBC television personality, her long marriage to Jay (the Hon. Justice J. G. Gould), globe trotting after his retirement, and her forays into painting and writing stories, many of which were published in newspapers and magazines across the country. In 2001, being newly widowed, Pat made the brave decision to move to Salt Spring, in part to be close to her old friend, June Perry, and her “favourite nephew,” Jerry Davidson. Shortly thereafter, she introduced Jerry to her new friend, Susan, and the rest is history. Jerry and Susan remained her biggest fans and closest supporters for the next 18 years, and to them we are eternally indebted. Pat embraced the Salt Spring community, and spent several years scouting out stories of unique island people to write for the Driftwood. Our mother lived to laugh and she relished the absurdities of just about everything. Coupled with her quick wit, she could entertain a roomful of people, and as long as she was the centre of attention, the party carried on.

Our family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Lady Minto Hospital, who cared for her over the years for issues big and small, and provided a kind, respectful and very human touch in her final days. We particularly want to thank Dr. Ian Gummeson for his steadfast support and wisdom and the nurses in the Salt Spring Health Unit who saw her on a weekly basis in the last few years. You are remarkable.

And finally, our gratitude goes to Pat’s longtime housemate and companion, Rebecca Shannon-Sharpe, who faithfully watched over her for almost 10 years. And to Kelly Petch, her dear friend, who brightened her life and touched her soul.

At Pat’s request, there will be no service to mark her passing. Instead, we will give her the 95th birthday party she was looking forward to in May, which will be the perfect way to celebrate this wonderful woman. Stay tuned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.