Patrick Bingham

      Patrick Bingham was known as many things to many people. A dedicated police officer, an outstanding husband, a loving father and a friend. He was a remarkable man who always thought of others well being first, counted his many blessings and viewed the glass as half full. He lived a simple but very happy life. He will be remembered for his gentle kindness, his sense of humor and most of all for just being the wonderful man he was.

      Patrick was born on March 4, 1927 in his mothers bedroom in Belfast, Ireland. He was the son of James and Maria Bingham. Patrick spent the first 21 years of his life in Belfast prior to immigrating to Canada.

      Patrick had nine bothers and sisters, five older then he and four younger. Growing up in such a large household, during war time,in Northern Ireland, Pat's childhood consisted of many adventures. I will recount just a couple. As a young boy Patrick once threw the golf clubs of a gentleman that he was caddieing for into a lake. It was his first job as a caddie and he had been told to follow the gentlemans instructions to the letter. Well, after several very poor shots the gentleman instructed Patrick, "Throw those clubs into the lake!" Patrick did so and within moments the gentleman threw Patrick into the lake as well!! Patrick, like most youngsters could make a toy out of most anything. He and his friends were found floating around Belfast harbor in empty oil drums which had been sawed in half. This was a particularly dangerous adventure as Patrick (like most children born and raised in Ireland) could not swim.

      At the age of 21years Patrick's family gave him the gift of hope and a new life. Singling Patrick out as the most likely to suceed in a new country, the family bought him ship passage to Toronto Canada via Elis Island in New York. Patrick spent a brief amount of time doing odd jobs before he decided to join the OPP and head out to training camp. It was shortly after he began his career as a police officer that Patrick met and married Mildred Bingham. He once described Millie as his 'Waterloo'. His bachelorhood had been captured and defeated.

      Married life brought with it more ups than downs as well as added responsibilities. Namely three children Karen, Karla and Patrick. Life was full and it was good. Eventually Patricks three children married and Patrick became a Grandfather to Jenna & Kayla, Kimberly & Charles Patrick as well as Dana. Patrick had very recently become a GreatGrandfather to a little guy named Hunter.

      After almost 35 years with the OPP, Patrick had moved extensively around Ontario and had advanced through the ranks to become Traffic Sargent in Sault Ste. Marie. He spent the last twelve years of his career in Sault Ste. Marie and retired in 1985 at the age of 58 while he was still able to enjoy retirement.

       Golf had always been a passion for Patrick and with retirement he found more time to pursue the game he loved. If not at home fixing something around the house he was most likely with his son or wife and perhaps a few other golf friends at one local golf course or another. Patrick also enjoyed curling and bowling but golf was his one true passion. In the winter months Patrick enjoyed catching golf or hockey on the television.

      Travel was also something that Patrick learned to enjoy a bit later in life. He travelled to Vancouver to visit his oldest daughter Karen as well as taking driving vacations to southern Ontario to visit his in laws as well as his middle daughter Karla. In his lifetime he made several trips back to his homeland of Ireland to visit family and friends. One of his most memorable trips was to Barbados with his wife.

      The Bingham household more often then not contained an animal member. While Patrick enjoyed and loved all of the animals that became part of the family, his favorite and longest lasting was 'Cindy'. Cindy was a Tea-Cup Poodle and weighed 3pounds when fully grown. She was part of Patricks family for 16years.

  Patrick passed away on November 16, 2008 at Sault Area Hospital - Plummer Site with his wife and children at his side. Patrick is survived by his wife Mildred, children Karen, Karla and Patrick, grandchildren Jenna & Kayla, Kimberly & Charles Patrick and Dana, and his Great Grandson Hunter. His only surviving sibling, Oliver, lives in Belfast Ireland.

      Simply stated, Patrick was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Patrick leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Patrick Bingham.