Patricia Sinclair

“Anything is possible.” That is what Patricia Sinclair believed about life. She was a creative woman, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting her. She had faith in her ability to find those solutions. Patricia thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. She possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Patricia was a person who believed that she could achieve whatever she set out to do.

      Patricia was born on May 6, 1958 at home; 95 Birchfield Way, Yew Tree, in Walsall, West Midlands, UK. Her parents were Amy and Ben Clements. She showed her ingenuity even as a child. When she was confronted with a problem, Patricia could develop an imaginative solution, and she derived satisfaction from knowing she had that ability.

      This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Patricia's family relationships. Patricia was raised with three siblings. She had two older brothers David and John and one older sister Pauline. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Patricia was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

      As a young girl, Patricia could be found building and inventing new and different things. She was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Patricia took part in soccer, field hockey, tennis, rounders and netball. She was also a girl guide and in her spare time she liked being outdoors, climbing trees and bike riding. Patricia's memorable achievements included the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

      Endowed with an appetite for knowing how her world worked, Patricia enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Patricia was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. She graduated from Manor High school in 1973. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. Her favourite class in high school was Physical Education and she liked being the best and captain at team sports. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Luke.

      Because she was a quick thinker and adept at picking up on new things, Patricia performed well in college. She was always on a quest for knowledge and she relished the experience. Theories intrigued her, and she was good at solving complex problems. She always wanted to understand rather than judge. Her favourite course was Ontario Police College Training.

      Patricia was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around her. Always interested in her friends’ activities and interests, Patricia was uncritical of her acquaintances. She was sought after by people who recognized that she was generous with her time and energy, and these same friends found Patricia to be very stimulating company. Patricia's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around her. While growing up, some of her best friends were Wendy Simcox and Carol Pittaway. Later in life, she became friends with Debra Ironside.

     Patricia was definitely in her element in her work place. She could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Patricia was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. She could assess all of the options before her and, using her analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. Her personal initiative inspired those around her. Patricia was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. Her primary occupation was as a Police Officer. She was employed for 28 years by Toronto Police Service. Patricia always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Patricia's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for her. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Patricia was always searching for new and unusual activities, she developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things she became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew her, but most friends and family understood that Patricia simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. Her favourite pursuits were travelling and camping.

      Patricia's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served her well in sports. In high school, Patricia played soccer, field hockey, squash and softball. In her college years, Patricia continued to stay active by playing softball. Recreational sports included golf and squash. Patricia was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favourite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were golf, basketball and ice hockey. Patricia completed the Chicago Marathon in 1997 (20th Anniversary of the event).

      Patricia's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something she did throughout her life. She enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Patricia could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing her novel ideas and problem solving strategies. In high school, Patricia was a member of all team sports.

      Patricia was continually concerned with the status of local, national and even world affairs. Her keen interest and strong values led her to become active in her community serving on committees for the Durham Region Accessibility Committee and Durham Region MS Society.

      With all of her talents, her ingenuity, her solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Patricia received public recognition for her competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Patricia accumulated a long list of achievements throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included numerous commendations from Toronto Police Association, including Canadian Police Investigator of the Year and Toronto Police Officer of the Month.

      Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Patricia. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Patricia to expand her ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included camping in Ontario, white water rafting and golfing in the Carolina's.

      Patricia was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Patricia's favourites was her cat Valentino , (rescued on St. Valentine Day. They were best friends for 17 years. Her family was rounded out by her budgie, Joey.

      Even while in retirement, Patricia never stopped exercising her inventive talents, and this new phase of her life provided new opportunities for stimulating her interests. In 2015, her new life involved relocating to Whitby, Ontario. In retirement, she found new pleasure in online Scrabble. Even in retirement, Patricia continued to stay in touch with her old friends and while making plenty of new acquaintances.

      Patricia passed away on July 3, 2018 at home in Whitby, Ontario. She fought a tough battle with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. She is survived by her brothers David and John, and sister Pauline. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Patricia was laid to rest under a Memorial Tree, in her brother John's garden in Canada.

     Patricia was a friend to all and will be remembered as a kind, caring person who lived for adventure even when confined to a wheelchair. During that confinement she managed to do a Tandem Sky dive, Gliding and Indoor Flight at I-Fly (4 weeks prior to her death).

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SINCLAIR, Patricia (nee Clements)

(Retired Metro Police Officer 32 Division)

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018 at 5:21 p.m. was a very sad day in our family. Our sister Pat passed away peacefully and painlessly with her family by her side. Pat, finally succumbed in her valiant and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was a tough customer was our Pat. At times we think that MS thought it had bitten off more than it could chew. Pat worked tirelessly throughout her illness raising funds for the MS Society and helping other sufferers. She lived a good life for as long as she could, travelling all over the world in her search for adventure. We, her surviving siblings, Pauline, John and David can only wish that we had half of her courage and daring. She will be sadly missed by her nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Sunday, July 8th 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Monday, July 9th at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. Memorial donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society would be appreciated.