Patricia Louise Mackintosh

Celebrating Pat - A message from Murray

I'd like to say a few words today about Pat, the finest person in my life. She was a wonderful, generous complex person who touched the lives of everyone she met. She is with us still, in our hearts today and always.

She had a forgiving and truly generous nature, always willing to give another chance or try another way of getting something done-she was great at "managing the unmanageable"-she certainly managed me well enough and I was often unmanageable. Pat said that we could muddle our way through practically anything, and was fond of describing us as pretty good muddlers.

When I met Patricia, she not only had her two children with her but two other teenage girls who were staying with her because this was better for them than whatever was at home. She welcomed people with a simple openness that was disarmingly honest. She was always willing to share and never put herself in the limelight.

We felt such affinity for each other and shared so many ideas and values that what started out as camaraderie soon became a deep and abiding love. When we were married she showed her family loyalty by wanting to marry in Ottawa so her father, who was not well could be present.

An illness in my family left a nephew in need of a temporary home and Pat opened the door and her heart and became my nephew Scott's strongest advocate. This relationship flourishes to this day and enriches all our lives. She was a loving and kind and people responded to this.

Pat was an energetic worker and organizer who pitched right in and always shouldered a little more than her share of any load. Anyone who worked with her in her various careers can attest to that.

She had that Scottish stubborn streak too, and anyone who tried to get around her when her mind was made up was in for a losing battle. When we first started dating, she was invited to a large celebration with her sister-in-law's family but, of course, I wasn't since I was "the new guy". Well, she got her back up and wrestled an invitation for me and then of course I had no choice but to go. And, it was there that I met Alexandra, Douglas, Bill and Sandy-a whole new family.

Pat loved the martial arts, it was her (and my) hobby, pastime and vocation. We trained together for more that 20 years and it was all fun. She was promoted once by judo master Frank Hatashita because she worked through pain and injury and never complained. She was one of the guys, and had more true martial spirit than any of us.

Pat wasn't self centered and enjoyed the accomplishments of others. Even when she was sick she was still interested in martial arts and was overjoyed when our teacher, Ric Cameron, received a promotion in a Martial arts federation and insisted that I tell friends about it.

She faced her illness with the same straightforward courage she showed in her whole life. Pat didn't want to travel somewhere she just wanted to stay at home so we did that. We planned for future events we weren't sure we would get time for but that is just life. Even when she became very ill, she planned for and got a birthday present for me.

Pat was simply the best:

The best wife, best partner, best love and truly the best part of my life.

Most of all, she was my friend, the best friend I ever had and the one who has stood by me through everything right to the end. If love is a song then my life with Pat has been a symphony and I keep that music in my heart.

This gathering is really about gratitude. It's about being grateful for every day we had and shared together, often with many of you. Fate could have made our time shorter or even arranged things so I wouldn't have had her in my life at all. But we were blessed with 25 wonderful years. I am deeply grateful to God for every day of that time and the enduring memories we have all shared together.

Pat and her love will stay forever in my heart and, I hope, your heart too. May we remember her with joy.