Mr. Patrick Sells

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of William Patrick Sells on Monday April 18th, 2011 at St. Boniface Hospital.

Patrick leaves to mourn his wife Bonnie; his children; Greg (Brenda) of Calgary, Glenn and Janice; Grandchildren; Sarah and Natalie; sister Ruth, nieces, cousin’s, extended family, friends and “fat cat” Simon.

He was predeceased by his first wife Mildred, his parents and his brother Richard.

Patrick was born in N.W. Ontario on March 8th, 1932 and moved to Winnipeg in his early childhood; growing up in East Kildonan.

He was a very driven and successful business man. He began his working career as a traveling secretary to the VP’s of CP Rail and then formed the Manufacturers Agency, GPA & Associates which he ran for over 35 years. He was an early riser, a diligent, hard working, private man whose successes in business were a result of discipline, a constant strive for perfection and a desire to do things well, with organization and pride. In 1989 he moved on to selling real estate prior to retiring.

He and his wife Bonnie enjoyed warm winter vacations in the Caribbean, California, Florida and Arizona; but his greatest joys in life were hot summers at his cabin at Falcon Lake, MB where he enjoyed his time there for 40 years. At Falcon Lake, Patrick worshiped the hot sun and embraced swimming in the lake; in 40 years he never missed his daily dive off the dock at the end of the day. He played tennis with his wife and friends, water-skied, loved boating and tinkering around the cabin; which remained in immaculate condition and a constant place of pride and enjoyment. He loved all things out doors with a special appreciation for regular cabin barbeques, the trees and birds, long walks and early morning boat rides. He enjoyed visiting his son Greg and daughter-in-law Brenda in Calgary and loved their Montana cabin.

Patrick was an avid music fan, especially the likes of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Harry Belafonte (to name a few). He drove with pride his Rivera’s and Toronados’, sporting a big smile and never without a pair of the latest Foster Grant sunglasses. He was an intelligent, prideful man of good taste and a fondness for quality, both in himself and his belongings. He always looked fit, handsome and presentable.

We are grateful that Pat, along with his wife, was able to enjoy his last months in the warmth of Arizona and we hope that he will rest peacefully.

Our family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and all staff at St. Boniface Hospital 5th floor. We would especially like to thank the amazing nurses who tended to Pat in such a kind and tireless manner. They truly are angels. “The world is a much better place with them in it”.

A memorial service with family, officiated by Rev. Dr. Sharon Wilson, was held on Thursday April 20th, 2011 and followed by a reception with family and close friends at Thomson “In the Park”.

If so desired, donations may be made to CancerCare, Manitoba, 109-675 McDermot Ave Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9.