"Pat" Gladys Blunden

“Pat” Gladys Blunden made her final transition home on July 14, 2023, after participating in a social outing with her South Granville seniors’ group. On this occasion, they had ventured to the Harrison hot springs pool for a relaxing soak; something that Pat had been keenly looking forward to and to a location that held special memories for her.

Still fiercely independent at age 85, Pat had successfully navigated Vancouver’s public transit system once again wearing her signature ensemble backpack, fanny pouch, and walking shoes when she joined up with her group. The last recalled memory of Pat was of her wide beaming smile exclaiming her satisfaction at floating atop the hot water looking so serene. Perhaps she knew what was coming next. That she would be going home, and the welcome party would soon be there to greet her.

Pat was born in Hong Kong on December 31, 1937. Raised as an only child, she lived with her parents in the Kwok family compound. They divorced when she was a young girl, and her father got sole custody. Pat’s beloved mother was forced to return to her family home in Vancouver and the two embarked on a fastidious written correspondence to stay in touch. It would be many more years before they would be finally reunited, and Pat was by that time an adult. It is her handwritten letters and cards that remain one of her trademarks that people remember most about her. As she was always quick to give written thanks or say hello to friends and family for their kindness and generosity towards her.

Pat was sent off to boarding school at the prestigious St. Stephens’ school college in Hong Kong where she would meet lifelong friends Diana and Rosanna who she visited with regularly in Vancouver. On weekends and school holidays, Pat would stay with her extended family relations who took pity on her because her father was busy elsewhere enjoying his single life. She rallied but never got over that hurt and heartbreak from early on. Consequently, it made her more resilient and ever more sensitive to the needs of others, especially those who were all alone. And for them, she provided home cooking, a non-judgmental ear to listen, and a safe place to stay a while. Pat internalized her grief and became a natural care giver to others, in the process.

At age 17, Pat’s father sent her aboard to the UK to complete her final year of studies. The huge change in culture, school curriculum and locale had a disastrous impact on her scholastic progress and aspirations. And as a result, Pat’s grades were not sufficient for her to attend university. She was devastated but kept it to herself. And instead, Pat devoted herself to her training at the St. Thomas school of Physiotherapy in London, England. Eventually earning a diploma in physiotherapy and another lifelong pen friend. While working there as a staff member, she met her future husband Roy and the pair soon married. Shortly thereafter, in 1963, they emigrated to Vancouver, Canada so she could be closer to her mother, and meet her half-sister, Christina. From there, her focus was on creating a home for herself and her three children that would follow.

Pat found work as a physiotherapist at Shaughnessy Hospital which exclusively treated veterans. Through these interactions and friendships, Pat’s appreciation for the sacrifices these soldiers had made grew and a lifelong passion for learning more about World War history and the shared experiences of the people affected began. After her eventual retirement from the George Pearson Center, a rehabilitation hospital and work with the Department of Veteran affairs, Pat embarked on many trips to war memorials & cenotaphs throughout Europe to pay homage to the fallen soldiers and traverse areas where live battle had occurred. During these adventures, she made even more friends to correspond with. And in reading some private letters, it appeared that she had found some love too.

Pat was divorced in the late 1980s and her life revolved around raising her three children. Never one to sit idle and complain to others, she stayed busy at her job so she could provide for her family. Ensuring that they were well cared for and given all the opportunities she did not have. She made it possible for them to attend university, believing that it was the secret to success and fulfilment. As her kids grew older and became more independent, Pat slowly branched out to make new acquaintances and have some fun too. She continued her path of lifelong learning through reading, taking non-credit academic courses and attending lectures. But soon it expanded to include Tai chi, musical concerts, and travel with her new friends. Pat was finally living her best life on her terms. And best of all, Pat had been able to realize her dream of higher education for herself. First earning a degree from UBC in 1981 and following this up with a diploma in Gerontology from SFU in 1983. In pictures of her graduation, it is easy to see how happy and proud she was. And experiencing this great feeling of accomplishment is why it became so important to her to share this opportunity with others.

To assist people in reaching their full potential, Pat made regular contributions to her favorite charities including Covenant house, VGH hospital foundation, UBC & SFU. In fact, there is a bursary endowment bearing her name from SFU that will live on in perpetuity. It is available to any undergraduate students in financial need from all programs. Pat believed that anyone who is given an opportunity can become great and productive. And through her generosity and example, she is making that possible.

Pat never dreamed of becoming a physiotherapist, but she made it a success because of who she is. An unbreakable spirit who found pleasure through helping others. Long after she had retired, she provided foot massages to the patients at VGH hospice where she had volunteered, and therapeutic treatments to countless friends and acquaintances who were recovering from various surgeries. Many still comment on how much her healing hands and warm heart has helped them. And what a beautiful caring person she was to know.

Pat is survived by her sister Christina More (John), and sons Christopher, Marc (Michiko Oto), and daughter Melanie Rose (Len). She is pre-deceased by her parents, “Godrey” Yan Kwok & “Lucille Pearne” Mee Gawn Yip.

A gathering to celebrate Pat’s life will take place on August 10, 2023, at 11:00 at the Mount Pleasant Universal Funeral Home in Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, Pat had asked that donations be made to the VGH Foundation. Even in death, she longs to make the world a better helping place for others in need.