I was once one of her students with a troubled up bringing when i first start schooling I wasn’t the best student by any means But april was able to see past that and help me find all my strengths and put them into action, It really hard to believe that some of the worse things happen to the best of  people in this world and she was definitely one of them thank you april for the help and encouragement you gave me and everyone else around you.  my deepest condolences to the family who lost a truly wonderful person

Dear Andrew, children and extended family,

God bless you all. My deepest sympathies, Andrew, to you in the loss of your dearly beloved April, and to your children, both parents and in-laws, etc. I thank the Lord for dear April's life. Thank you for caring for her in her last days. Heaven with Jesus is a better place and her pain is gone. 

April always had a bright, cheery smile, loved her family and had lots of get-up-and-go strength. We sat near each other at June and Derek's wedding (21 yrs. ago) where I watched her patiently tend her baby & we smiled back and forth. When my daughter outgrew her pretty red Christmas dress at 2, I passed it along with a book to June to give to April for Julia - and she was appreciative and wrote me a nice card. When June and Derek moved to Isherwood a few years ago, I watched April quickly handle some boxes to and fro the van, and they didn't seem to weigh anything to her. Thank You, God, for sharing Your April with us and for making our lives richer for it. Please send your comforting angels to April's dear husband, children, family and close friends.     


April was that gentle presence always there to help. As an XC coach, she was the one who made things flow - from getting our runners to the start line on time to bringing them Tim Bits for the end of their race. I'll  cherish my memoirs of April and I cheering the kids on together - her kindness, incredible sense of humour and her easygoing spirit will be with me always.

One of my first memories of April was Christmas 2002.  The Patton clan had rented a cottage for a few days over Christmas.  Andrew and April arrived with a Christmas tree, all the decorations from April's childhood in a tupperware bin, the kids’ gifts and stockings, food for an army, and 4 children between the ages of 1 and 5.  She proceeded to raise and decorate the tree while keeping the kids entertained.  Her smile never left her face and she never broke a sweat.  Having no children at the time, I really did not appreciate what a heroic feat this was. 

This was perhaps the first time I marvelled at April’s capacity to remain calm, happy and organized in the face of chaos, but certainly not the last.  After Dave and I married and had a family of our own, I would often observe her parenting and ask for advice, anticipating the next stages that we would enter with our own kids, and knowing she had been there.  I hoped I would be able to parent as well as she did.  She was a natural.  Andrew and the kids were the centre of her life, but somehow she still managed to maintain many close friendships, her fitness, her love of decorating, art, reading and travelling.  She never complained that she did not have time for things, she just did them.  It is a lesson I am still trying to learn from her.

April valued family.  She was always willing to juggle hockey/ringette/soccer games to fit in a visit.  I can’t count the number of times she hosted holidays or rearranged bedrooms to find space for us.  We always felt welcome.  My kids are very lucky to have had her joyful and loving presence in their lives.

I will miss April in so many ways and at so many times.  I am consoled by the richness of the life that she fit into her 52 years.  I wish that she could have lived to see her retirement, and her grand kids (and to help guide me through parenting teens).  I will raise a glass to her while floating in Tallan Lake this summer, and in many summers to come.  

I will remember April for her generosity and kindness. Growing up, she always welcomed me into her home. April had a unique ability to inspire confidence in others. I am grateful for her trust and belief in me.

We want to express our condolences on the loss of a lovely wife and mother. She was a kind neighbour who was always friendly and smiling. When John was young, he enjoyed a warm welcome from April when he went to play with Brendan at your house. Frederick Street will just not be quite the same without her! 

I am so very sad to hear of April’s passing, she was one of my son’s  E.A.’s  at GCI. She was always so encouraging to him. She always told him he would succeed. She will be missed dearly by us and many other lives she touched.
Thinking of her family and sending strength. 

April was my hero. She was beautiful, inside and out and always looked at life with the glass half full.  Her sense of humor was amazing and was always there if you needed a hand. I will miss her smile and her laugh. There will be a hole in book club that will never be filled, but rest assured, she will be in our hearts forever. 
Cindy Anger

It is hard to put into words how much April meant to me and to our family.  I will always cherish the many times she welcomed me into their home when I was living on my own and she and Andrew were starting their family.  I loved being Uncle Dave to her kids and always looked forward to visiting.  When Natalie and I became parents, we could always rely on April for sound parenting advice and insight. In recent years, some of our favourite memories of April include floating in Tallan Lake, painting rocks, and of course the Christmas gift exchange.

It was a profound shock to learn of April's diagnosis in November. April faced her illness with courage and grace, and managed to lift up those around her.  We are so proud of the way Andrew, Brendan, Julia, Cameron and Nolan rallied around April and each other, and we take comfort in knowing that that will continue.

While we will mourn April's loss for a long time, we are grateful for so many happy memories and for the many ways she has enriched our lives.  She will be dearly missed.  

Dave, Natalie, Findley and Noelle

I am grateful for the chance to get to know April and your family in the 20 years since we met at Grandview School when our kids attended . She made rearing four children look easy!  She was a person you gravitated to with her smile, kindness, openness, confidence, wit, easy going manner and fun-loving spirit. 
As the kids became older and needed us less we started our Tuesday night golf group.  Even on the coldest and wet days April was always first to say “let’s go” and some days we wore hats and mittens.  We spent that time every week relaying our stories about raising teenagers to adults, stories of family, personal struggles , and triumphs . We made lasting memories at Jodi and Robs cottage for May long weekends (polar bear swim, games, boating and lots of food and laughter but NO euchre, haha) and at our Niagara Trip for our 50th Birthdays. 
April told me I had to join book club a few years back. I am so grateful for the wonderful friendships I have made with the group because of her.  She always made it relaxed and fun with the best stories. With the group we had a great Niagara-on-the-Lake trip in September that I will cherish the photos and memories.  Last year she gave me the book to read that made her want to start book club.  I think in the end got exactly what she had hoped to achieve in the group with its strong supportive ties as was in the book. 
The ringette dances were also some of the best times.  A fond memory was when she won an office chair on wheels in a raffle(she always won raffles!) and her wheeling across the dance floor to the music after winning that thing! 
I wish I had words to ease your grief Andrew, Brendan, Julia, Cameron, and Nolan. She was so incredibly proud of all of you.  You have an amazing angel watching over your family. 
To all her family my deepest condolences for your huge loss 


We are so sad with April’s passing but are grateful for the countless memories we have shared. We will always cherish those times. From our amazing family camping trips, cottaging and so many special occasions including weddings, birthdays and many new year’s eve parties. We had fun raising our children along side one another and Ben, Zach and Emily have always been honoured to call April, “auntie April.” 
April was a selfless person who enjoyed serving others and bringing out the best in people. Never needing recognition for anything she did for family, friends and her community. We know how important family was to April and she proved that every day of her life.
We will forever hold a special place in our hearts for our dear friend, April. Love, Peter, Kim, Ben, Zach and Emily




In reading some of the tributes posted, they are so beautiful and accurate, I couldn't write anything better.  It is really hard to pick a favorite memory of April when she was a part of our lives for so long.  Aside from being great friends, we talked over the fence at every opportunity, and that will be such an adjustment.  What I will really miss is our long walks and talks on the trail.  Last fall we walked for so long, we had to switch shoes :)  

April was a pillar of strength and empowered all of us with that strength these last 6 months.  We hold tight to our hearts the time we spent with her, on the good days and some of the hard days.  I will always smile when I recall the trip to Hamilton for her last treatment.  She packed up bags of books to donate.  As we were putting them out on the table, Julia said "hey that's my book",  Andrew said "I haven't read this yet".   We laughed, brought some books back home, but that was April, always giving back.  

We will miss April more than words can  say, and everything she brought to our lives.  We are blessed, and truly thankful for the Patton family.  

Andrew, Brendan, Julia, Cameron and Nolan
Wishing you strength for today and hope for tomorrow



April became a member of our family 25 years ago and we have always valued her as a kind, determined and integral part of the Patton clan.  She amazed us with how she approached every day with boundless energy, drive and a unique ability to tackle any challenge that came her way.  Her focus was evident as she consistently made choices to put her family first, while somehow making time for countless other people or causes fortunate enough to have her as a part of their lives.  
April injected fun and energy into hosting large Patton gatherings as well as sharing her thoughts and feelings in a direct and genuine manner that helped us all.
My favourite time spent with April during our days raising our young kids was when she challenged me to run a 10k race in Toronto.  As we began the race I asked her if she wanted to do a minute of walking in between to pace ourselves.  Her answer was so true to her nature -  "no chance I'm stopping....I'm heading straight for that finish line".  That was April - always pushing herself and inspiring us to do the same.
We miss you already but we will all strive to be stronger and do more for others as a result of witnessing your strength and forever be inspired by your amazing spirit!
Mary, Steve, Scott and Christopher

Lynne and I were so glad to have met April last year at Mark's art show.  We send our warm thoughts to all of you at this very difficult time.

My heart is breaking for all of April’s family and friends. Andrew, Brendan, Cameron, Julia and Nolan I am sending you love and prayers to help you through this difficult time. Everyone who knew April was blessed. I met April 30 years ago. Three years later she honoured me by being a bridesmaid at my wedding. Although our circumstances changed, I still treasure all the memories - and adored being an auntie to her beautiful children. I would look forward to their annual visits to Thunder Bay to spend time at Joe and Olga’s cottage. I loved planning a menu to cook for everyone when they were here.  This world has lost a loving soul and heaven now has another angel.  The whole Patton and Busniuk Families are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Tammy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

We met April only recently when she joined Andrew at our Wednesday night tennis league. She was easy going, friendly,  and a really sweet person. We were hoping to continue to see them both in the seasons to come. We were saddened to hear  of her diagnosis last fall. We often thought of April and Andrew during those difficult months. 
Andrew, we want to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. She was a beautiful person inside and out. 

Dear Andrew, Brendan, Julia, Cameron and Nolan,

Our hearts go out to all of you right now. It is so unfair that April was dealt such a devastating diagnosis of brain cancer. When we visited at the end of November, she amazed us with her sense of humour and her drive to demonstrate resilience to her kids while facing incredible adversity. A moment from a few weeks ago will always stay with us. While FaceTiming, we noticed that April was starting to fade. When we asked if she wanted to end the call or if we should keep talking, she clearly whispered that she wanted us to keeping talking. Despite the physical distance, we could feel the love, support, and connection between us, and April was fiercely determined to remain a part of it.

Andrew, through challenging circumstances you were a rock. You continue to exude such strength in supporting everyone while being able to be vulnerable and open.

Brendan, what a challenging time to be transitioning to living in Toronto. You sacrificed a lot to be there for your family. Your Mom was so proud of your academic and professional accomplishments.

Julia, we admire your ability to stay connected to your emotions and express them. You have demonstrated great courage. We see so many admirable traits of your Mom’s in you such as your compassion towards others.

Cameron, you were able to comfort and make your mother laugh when most of us were feeling immense sadness and worry. This was exactly what your mother needed. And we will always remember one of your Mom’s favourite stories whenever we see a coyote.

Nolan, we have seen you show such maturity and poise. You completed your schooling and have expressed your feelings with music. Your guitar playing brought her so much joy.

We’re going to hang at least one bird feeder in our garden in honour of April. 

Sending much love,
Mark and Blythe

I was so very blessed to have April as my friend. She had a caring heart , quick wit and could light up any room with her big smile and blue eyes.  
We had a lot of laughs at ringette dances , May long  weekends at the cottage. Drunkopoly , the most innocent  lap dance ever, our annual  May jump in the lake , the fastest round of golf ever due to black flies , and so many more. 
Golfing on Tuesdays in our ladies league was a great way to catch up on our busy lives and as frustrating as the game itself could be, being there with April, Teri and Julie is what it was all about.  
I love you April and will miss you terribly.  ❤️❤️ 
My heart goes out to Andrew, Brendan,Julia, Cameron, Nolan and all of April’s friends and family


Our heartfelt condolences Andrew to you and your family. Having shared the hockey years with our boys it was always a pleasure to see you and April during the ups and downs of the season--nothing but a positive smile from both of you. Lynn and I are thinking of you during this difficult time.

I remember being over at the pattons house for a large part of my childhood and April always welcome me with open arms and a smile. Even when I was a kid I'd stay over night many times and she just treated me as if I were a son of hers. I'll always miss her support and care❤️

I’m am speechless to hear of April’s condition and passing .  My thoughts and prayers are with your family xoxo. I believe I first met April in elementary school, but later in high school is where I had the pleasure of meeting her . We were team mates on the Sir Winston Churchill cheerleading squad , and the track team . Her passion was the cross country running , which I hear she continued throughout her life . I was also honoured to hang out with her and her amazing group of girlfriends where there were many fun memories, those girls will truly miss you . The lord has taken another sweet angel To look over us all . Huge hugs and deepest sympathy to your friends and family ❤️

She always had such a welcoming and bright smile whenever I would be over to hangout with everyone when I was a kid, she definitely was a loving, caring and outgoing person taken too soon❤️❤️

I was so blessed to have met April when I moved to Thunder Bay from New Brunswick in grade 11. I had grudgingly left everyone I had known at 16 and was a little bitter. April kindly listened and then firmly let me know it was time to embrace my new life. We became quick and great friends. Living in the same neighborhood, we spent many hours talking about life as 16 year olds, lying on our beds, walking or just hanging out. Becoming part of our unique friend group is  a treasure to this day. I was so glad back then that April would wear pink polo shirts with me. I wasn’t a cheerleader either....I played sports but she didn’t hold it against me. Her sense of humor, kindness, ability to listen and give honest feedback were a few of her gifts. So many stories and memories...... Green beer and a bus ride......I will miss you so very much my friend. My love and prayers are with Andrew, Brendan,Julia,,Cameron,Nolan,Joe,Olga,Jeff,Joe and everyone that loved her( the list is long) ❤️..
Until we meet again, fly high my dear Grape Ape💔❤️


I am terribly sorry for your loss. Stay strong, and take good care.

I remember the first time meeting April in high school.  Diane had her parents car, so we decided to go out for lunch.  I called 'shot gun' and then asked "what are we waiting for?"  Diane said "we're waiting for April."  I said "April Busniuk?!"  She said "yes."  I knew April as a cheerleader, and like Diane.....I was not.  The passenger door flung open, April looked right at me and said "slide over!"  Fast forward 35 years.
I always admired April's no nonsense attitude and fierceness, balanced with her compassion.  And her stories.  She always cracked me up the way she told stories.  I will miss that. 
There have been a group of us, from high school, that have remained friends, and I am so very grateful to have had her in my life.  I love you Ape.  Fly high.

I met April in high school. We didn’t get to know each other well at that time as we mostly walked in different circles. We connected when we each had a pack of kids; her four, my three.  Random emails were exchanged, where we shared a few parenting laughs, especially when our kids were younger.  A few years ago, April, Diane, Sheryll, Debbie, Karen and I, all knowing each other from high school, managed to get it together and  met in Ottawa for an extended weekend. Six ladies, two bedrooms, one bathroom, LOTS of laughs, like no time had passed. I will miss April’s sense of humour and am thankful to have shared fond memories with her. She will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to each of you, Andrew, Brendan, Julia, Cameron, Nolan, & Patton and Busniuk families. 

Words cannot express our sorrow in losing a wonderful daughter-in-law, one with a bright personality and she will be greatly missed.  April was an inspiration to us all with her kind and caring ways, her amazing creative abilities and many talents that she used to bring  joy to others. She was the perfect life partner for Andrew, her husband of 25 years, and a loving mother to her four children. We spent many happy times watching hockey, ringette and soccer games together as her children participated.
In her illness she showed admirable courage and maintained a positive attitude as she faced the future. We will miss April, not only at family gatherings but in our daily lives in which she played a significant part. It has been an honour and privilege to have had her in our lives and we know we will see her again one day.   
Derek and June Patton

April once said to me that before she buys something for their house she always asks herself if it is something that I would buy. I giggled at the time but it is one of the nicest things that anyone has ever said to me. I can't buy a frame, knick knack since without thinking of her. I enjoyed her funny stories at book club and would often run into her on the trail when I walked our dogs. She was lovely and she never took a bad picture! We have had Cam over at our place often and you could always tell that he was raised right, so polite and kind to us. I struggled seeing April as the cancer took hold, I guess I wanted to remember her with those beautiful blue eyes and light up the room smile, untarnished by the disease that so unfairly had a grip on her. My sincerest admiration for Andrew and her children and her parents who took the most loving and tender care of April until her last day. My love goes out to all. 

I remember the day April and I became friends very clearly. It was the beginning of Grade 11, 1984, in gym class. Of course I already knew who she was. She was a cheerleader! And I was.....not. LOL. The gym teacher asked us to pair up. I looked around for a friend. None were to be found. Everyone was paired up except April and me. I looked at her, she looked at me, we both shrugged and paired up. The rest is history as they say. We became instant friends which led to many years of being attached at the hip. We went to university together. We took all the same classes. I spent a lot of time in Joe and Olga's kitchen, eating perogies and trying not to argue with Joe (I love our discussions, Joe!). Then we graduated and I convinced April that she should come to New Zealand and Australia with me while Andrew finished his last year. AWESOME! When we came back we got our first apartment together FAR AWAY from home -  all the way in Port Arthur. We felt very grown up and independant. I was honoured to be April's Maid of Honour at her and Andrew's wedding. What a fun weekend that was.  No wedding stress or bridezilla stories. Just fun.  As we moved on to the next stage of our lives, distance, babies, jobs kept us from seeing each other regularly but our connection was something I could always depend on. When we emerged from baby jail (the best kind of jail!) we were able to connect on weekend getaways again, and we picked up where we left off as if no time had passed. It was awesome. I am so glad to have had April in my life. She will be missed.

We are heartbroken for this amazing life taken so soon. How wonderful that with the gift of her eyes, April's beautiful eyes will shine on and give the gift of sight to another.  When I pick blueberries this year, I will be thinking of her, and though we never saw each other in the past few years, when it was blueberry season I knew she was around somewhere! One of my lasting legacies of hers is the garden relish recipe she shared with me many years ago (or Olga did on her behalf). I used to call it April's Garden Relish, but in recent years re-named it "Tracey's Garden Relish". In her honour, it will be April's Garden Relish when I make it from now on.  Andrew, Brendan, Julia, Cameron and Nolan, Joe and Olga -we are so sorry for your loss and send you hugs, prayers and love.  Tracey, Dave, Kevin, Brad, Greg Gagnon

Please accept my condolences.  I taught the four lovely Patton children at Grand View back when April was a young busy Mom.  What an honour that was for me.  She guided your family with capable hands. 
Thinking of  your family at this most difficult time
Judie Jefferies

OBITUARY

April Dawn Patton

17 March, 1968 – 11 May, 2020

Barthel Funeral Home

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