Brian David Pate

Brian was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret Jean (Foster). He leaves behind his loving family, Graham (Susan) of Delta, BC, Alan (Noreen) of Calgary, Alberta, Geoff (Liam) of Georgetown, PEI, Sue (Clair) of Ladysmith, BC and Martha (Ken) of Leduc County, Alberta as well as 10 grandchildren (Megan, Kevin (Olivia), Michaela, Kinleigh, Ryan, Stephanie, Justin (Emily), Luke (Lillian), Jonathan and Jennifer (Ryan), and 3 great grandchildren (Raina, Jade and Holly).

Brian was born in Leyton, England on February 11, 1928. He grew up in Chingford, England. Brian graduated with a BSc degree in Chemistry from the London University in 1949. He married Margaret on July 7, 1951 in Chingford, England. Brian earned a MSc degree in Chemistry in 1951. In 1953, Brian and Margaret moved to Montreal. Brian completed a PhD in Chemistry at McGill University in 1955. Three years later, Brian moved the family to the United States. He did postdoctoral research at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York. In 1959, Brian worked as an associate professor of Chemistry at the University of Washington in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1965, the family of seven moved to North Vancouver, BC. Brian worked at SFU and UBC as a professor of Chemistry. He became the Associate Director of TRIUMF at UBC, and was the Director for the UBC program on PET (Positron Emission Tomography). His interests included Nuclear Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Analytical Chemistry and the application of PET in brain research.

Brian enjoyed numerous activities including sailing, hiking, camping, gardening and travelling. Brian and Margaret made visiting their family a priority. They were married for 69 years.

Brian was a member of the Nor-West Model Railway club and NMRA, and co-founder of VanRail. He was a mentor and inspiration to many model railway enthusiasts over the years. Brian received some of the top awards in the NMRA for his model building skills. He donated a model of Dredge No.4 and the KMR railway layout to Parks Canada in Dawson City, Yukon, and a model of Arrowhead docks and surroundings to the museum in Revelstoke, BC.

Brian was a life-long learner, learning Italian and how to play Bridge in his later years. He was passionate about science and enjoyed intellectual conversations. Brian was wise, caring and generous, and maintained his sense of humour until the end.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate care Brian received at Sunrise of Lynn Valley Long Term Care facility.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Pate family.