Patricia "Pat" Elaine Brandon

Patricia Elaine “Pat” Brandon passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband and family at the North Island Hospital Comox Valley on Friday, June 30, 2023 at the age of 92 years.

Beloved wife for the past 69 years of Rev. Ray Brandon, both of whom are Ministers Emeritus of St. George’s United Church in Courtenay. Cherished mother to Brad (Nancy), Rob (Lauren), Murray (Catherine), Pauline (deceased 1994), and Lynn (Ian). Blessed with eleven grandchildren - David, Mark, Emily, Rebecca, Jill, Erin, Sarah, Laura, Kali, Heather, Adam, and nine great grandchildren - Rowan, Thomas, Brayden, Lily, Henry, Oliver, Bronwyn, Nicole, Paul, as well as many treasured nephews and nieces. Other important family members are Robin Gibbard, Colleen Brandon (deceased 2001), and Allan Greene.

Born in Lethbridge to James “Jim” and Jessie (Thomson) Paul, Pat spent most of her childhood in Picture Butte, Alberta. She was predeceased by her two brothers Bob (Eleanor) and Jim (Yvonne).

During her teacher’s training in Edmonton, she was selected to be beauty queen at the Engineer’s Ball. Pat taught in a one-room school house in Peace River before marrying Ray, whom she had known since childhood through many family vacations spent visiting her grandparents in Alameda, Saskatchewan.

Since the Brandon family moved to the Comox Valley in 1970, Pat was deeply involved in the life of the community. In addition to raising five children, Pat was active in the life of her church - teaching Sunday School, filling leadership roles, counselling, and supporting on a daily basis the work of her husband Reverend Ray (recognized by many as a full-time job in itself). She spent years serving on behalf of youth, women, and those less fortunate in our community, country, and internationally.

In addition, Pat served 12 years on the Board of the Comox Valley Recovery Centre, including 5 years as Chairperson. Pat also served as Chaplin at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 2 years, and went on to serve on the St. Joseph’s Hospital Board of Directors for 12 years, including 7 years as Chairperson. During her tenure, the Board was successful in securing the first CT scanner for the Comox Valley in 2001. As one of the founding directors of the Comox Valley Community Foundation, Pat served on its Board of Directors for 3 years. She was particularly honoured to have received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club in 1997 for exceptional community service, and in 2015, was recognized by the City of Courtenay as one of its Citizens of the Century.

Pat will long be remembered for her boundless creativity and imagination as well as her deep appreciation of the Arts - a storyteller extraordinaire, a source of endless amusement for the children in her life and adults alike. She taught piano lessons for a number of years, and passed her love of music on to her children. She was a talented artist, her home being adorned by her many lovely paintings. An avid reader, gardener, baker, chef and seamstress, her days were always filled to the brim with activities. Cribbage was a favourite pastime, as were her daily crossword puzzles and word games. Pat had a passion for the natural world, passing her love of the outdoors on to her family. She was especially known for her many imaginative interpretations of cloud formations and didn’t allow clouds to get in her way. More than anything else, Pat was devoted to her family beyond measure, providing valuable guidance with her children’s education at every opportunity. Her generosity was remarkable, opening her home to all people, especially those in less fortunate circumstances. Particularly important in her life were Hein and Phuong Truong who were lovingly welcomed into her home for several years as Vietnamese refugees.

The impact of her compassion, strength of spirit, generosity of heart and genuine kindness was profound. She loved people and was able to see the good in everyone - always leaving people and places somehow better than when she found them, ever inspiring us through her positivity and wisdom. Difficult times were made more endurable and even enjoyable through Pat’s wit and humour.

Pat’s friendships were abundant and deeply treasured, even to the end of her days. Her beautifully hand written cards, letters and notes were always heartfelt and so thoughtfully and articulately crafted. She took the time to write out hundreds of family recipes that have been shared and passed along to her friends and family and are now part of her precious legacy. From her famous cinnamon buns to beet pickles, peach jam and Mur’s favourite chocolate cake-top pudding, her kitchen was a trove of yumminess! Her cooking was like so many things in her life - it was about opportunity to strengthen bonds with family and friends.

She was loved beyond words and will be deeply missed.

The Brandon family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the numerous friends and relatives who have been part of Pat’s life over the years and have offered their support, prayers, and condolences. Thanks also to Dr. Nancy MacFadden, and to the physicians, nurses and staff at the Comox Valley Hospital, as well as Paramedics and Home Care workers. The attentive care provided in her final days by the overnight caregivers of Nurse Next Door was lovingly appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Georges United Church on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Comox Valley Hospice Society or the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation.