Condolence From: VI Turner
Condolence: Cathy & Family. I was shocked and sorry to learn of the passing your husband. Please know my sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss. God Bless.
Vi Tuner...Ottawa.
Friday June 13, 2014
Condolence From: Joseph Welch
Condolence: I went to the forest to work today, only to think about the great times spent in the woods with Pat. He will be missed in the Lakehead community.
Thursday June 12, 2014
Condolence From: Kevin Thomson
Condolence: Sorry to hear about Pat's passing. Pat was one of the best parts of taking forestry at Lakehead. Whether it was cutting and skidding wood at Jack Haggerty or conversations in the hallway he taught and spoke with us as equals. Teaching us the fundamentals and then giving us the time to try on our own with sutle pointers when needed. Pat always spoke highly of his family. He was a proud father.
Thursday June 12, 2014
Condolence From: John Rafferty, MP
Condolence: My heartfelt condolences go out for each and every one of your family members during this time of mourning. My thoughts are with you.
-John
Thursday June 12, 2014
Condolence From: Vicki (Hildebrandt) Rivers
Condolence: To the family my deepest sympathy and condolence.
Vicki
Thursday June 12, 2014
Condolence From: Gary & Jill MacKay
Condolence: It is with great sadness we learn of Pat's passing. We remember our years at UNB and a great friend we found in him. His kind hearted nature and sense of humour during those 5 years was always a pleasure to be around. Since graduation we all spread out across the country and beyond but I was lucky to see Pat in Thunder Bay on occasion, now a proud family man and enjoying his tenure at Lakehead. We'll miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and the family. He was a great human being.
Wednesday June 11, 2014
Condolence From: Eric Hibbert
Condolence: My condolences to Cathy and family. I am another LU Forestry Grad that was so fortunate to have the opportunity, and privilege, to work with Pat during my education at LU. I certainly enjoyed my time being one of 'the lads' in what would be his final full year at LU. I hope it is some comfort to the family to know that although Pat has passed on now, his wisdom and knowledge will be carried on into the future within the hundreds of forestry students he so eagerly shared his time with. Pat shared not only his knowledge of forestry, but gave me so many little pointers on how to be successful in life in general. This is what made him a great educator. He was an even better man though, and I would like to thank Pat's family for sharing him with the rest of us. He lead a life that deserves to be celebrated for all he achieved.
-Eric Hibbert
Wednesday June 11, 2014
Condolence From: Susan Willis (McCormick)
Condolence: I was deeply saddened to hear of Pat's passing. He was a great educator and individual. He was certainly one of the best parts of my time at Lakehead. You could always tell that he was passionate both about the forest and about the well-being of his students and the knowledge he was passing on. Harvesting 3 (ie. Friday's with Pat) was certainly one of the most influential classes I've taken both from a practical knowledge standpoint and from the personal experiences gained. Pat was never one to lose the forest for the trees when it came to realizing that the experiences you share with your teachers and fellow students are just as important to your education as the facts.
One of my favourite moments from our time harvesting out at Silver Mountain was right at the beginning. Pat was over with the guys reviewing saws while a few of us were with Dr. Pulkki doing laps in the skidder. Dr. Pulkki had failed to mention that Pat had a strict ban on moving the skidder out of first gear and I thought it was time to kick things up a notch. Instantaneously after that shift Pat was running across the field, waving his arms, shouting, "No second gear!!". The speed at which he responded really put it into perspective how in tune with the operation he was and his concern for both our safety and of course, the safety of his skidder.
The faculty has lost a significant member and I am honoured to have been able to share my time at Lakehead with him.
Sincerely,
Susan
Wednesday June 11, 2014
Condolence From: Corey Lile
Condolence: My deepest condolences! Pat always had a smile on his face and was quick with a joke. He was such a great role model and mentor. He will be missed by many.
Wednesday June 11, 2014
Condolence From: Penny Ratushniak
Condolence: Dear Cathy and family,
My sincere condolences. Pat was an excellent teacher, always made sure you understood and made sure you took part. He was a true forester who never forgot what it was all about. This poem is fitting for Pat and his love of the forest.
Woodsmans Prayer
Mine is no gentle wish with folks about
To pity me the day I go out.
O'lord of storms, whenever it may be my time to go
Uproot me like a tree!
I dread the sapless pause...the sick delay...the agony of waiting day by day.
Better the pine that feels a sudden puff of angry wind
And knows it is enough.
When I grow weak, worn by blow and shout
Swift as a tree that falls, let me out!
E.Wren
Sincerely, Penny
Wednesday June 11, 2014
