Patricia "Pat" Anne Kokura

Pat was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, and moved to the Alberni Valley in 1958 after a brief stint in Fernie, BC. She worked for many years as an elementary school teacher, starting off at Alberni Elementary, and then taught grades 6/7 for many years at John Howitt Elementary.

Pat had an adventurous spirit and traveled extensively after retiring in the mid-1990s. She spent time in Igloolik in the Arctic Circle, and then traveled to Mbarara, Uganda, where she ended up staying for 20 years.

During her time in Uganda, Pat started a project to help street children, eventually buying some land and setting up a permanent home for them so they could thrive and complete their education. In 2018, Pat returned to Port Alberni because of health and mobility challenges, but left her project in the capable hands of a capable local leader, who continues to run the project and help the street boys. Pat’s compassion and dedication continue to make a difference through the legacy she left behind.

Pat leaves behind her daughters, Judy (Nicole), Susan, and Mickey (Steve), and two grandchildren, Kaylee and Gage.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the attentive and caring staff at Firpark Village for the excellent care and kindness they provided to Pat over the past few years. We would also like to thank her friends from Jericho Road Church for their support over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to Oaks of Righteousness in Uganda, continuing the work that meant so much to her.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.