Calvin "Pat" Patrick Embree

It is with great sadness that the family of Pat Embree announces his passing on Sunday, May 3, 2020 of a sudden brain hemorrhage. Born in Montreal, QC, Pat spent much of his childhood in Port Hawkesbury, NS. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Pat enlisted at just 17-years old. He served his country for 35 years, in a variety of locations, including in the former Yugoslavia and Germany. He often shared stories of his proudest moments from his deployments, including performing in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, playing with the Baden Rube Band and meeting Queen Elizabeth II.

A dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), Pat returned to Canada in 1993 and served 11 years at CFB Gagetown, NB, where he drummed with the 2nd RCR Battalion. Pat met his wife, Dianne, in 2002 while performing at the The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, a place where he cultivated many long-lasting friendships. Two years later, Pat was posted to CFB Halifax, where he continued to serve and play drums with the 12 Wing Pipes and Drums Shearwater.

Pat was a caring, generous man with a heart of gold, a bright smile, and a kind word for everyone he met. Pat’s family and friends often said that he would ‘give you the shirt off his back,’ and that was true. Pat thought the world of his family and his family thought the world of him. After retirement, Pat gave his time as a loyal member of the local RCR Association, Veteran’s Canada, and to the Halifax Citadel Army Museum. He was also a valued and much-loved member of St. James United Church, Dartmouth, as well as a committed volunteer to the Alderney School community where his wife, Dianne, has taught for the past 19 years.

Pat is survived by his loving wife, Dianne; daughters, Jennifer Cleveland (Kyle Paulsen), Laura Stewart (Spencer), and grandson (little buddy), Nolan, who was the light of his life; in-laws Ian and Irene Flemming. Pat is also survived by his brother, Wesley (Gina); nephew, Dawson and niece, Tanisha, and a large extended family. Pat was predeceased by his mother, Jill McConnell-Williams; grandparents Beryl and Jack McConnell and Evangeline and Freeman Embree Sr. A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to St. James United Church, 181 Portland Street, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 1J5.