Patrick Zachary Plishka

PLISHKA, Patrick Sadly, on Friday May 10, 2019. Predeceased by his parents Helen and Paul. Brother of Karen (predeceased by Kelly), Paul (Helga) and Andrew (Wendy), cool uncle to Kane, Maddy, Mikayla and Krista, soulmate to Michelle.To know Pat was to know his lifelong love of sport and athletics. He was a natural team leader with innate athletic ability, excelling in downhill skiing, hockey and of course, Football. To the Queen’s football community he was known simply as “Arnie”. He was a key contributor to the success Queen’s teams enjoyed in the late 1970’s – a leader both on and off the field and a fierce competitor. Winning the Vanier Cup in 1978 was one of his proudest athletic achievements (along with, later, signing a CFL contract with the Toronto Argonauts). He was the guy at the “back of the bus” on all the road trips, spinning tales to make everyone laugh and liberally using the words “clowns” and “buddy”. For those who came in touch with him at Queen’s, he was a great friend, brother, teammate, team captain and coach. To his countless students over a 34 year teaching career (every one of them spent at O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute), he was “Mr. P.” – a master teacher, coach, mentor and inspiring role model. His dedication to his students’ success was unparalleled and he made real, positive, life changing differences in many of their lives. He met you at the level you were at and then he raised you up. Everyone wanted to be in Mr. P.’s class. It was no surprise he was nominated for the Ontario Teachers’ Federation “Teacher of the Year” award in 2006. To his Live Nation and Northwest Protection colleagues during his decades of concert security, he was the “Greek God of the Barricade” and a favourite of both the talent and their representatives. There were two sides of the Budweiser Stage concert venue: stage right and “Pat’s side”. He took great pride in his level of accountability and it showed in his meticulous planning and dedication. He often showed up before he was officially “on the clock” because it was never a job for him. It was his passion.Pat may have passed on, but in our hearts he will remain the larger than life, razor-edge humoured, stand up “go to” guy that he always was. Rest in peace, #44. His family would like to recognize and relay their gratitude to the First Responders, Doctors and Nursing staff at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, for their determined efforts to assist Pat in his hours of need and to support the comfort of those around him. Our sincere thanks to you all. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Wednesday, May 15th from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday, May 16th at 2 p.m. with one hour visitation prior. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or to a charity of your choice.