Patrick Stewart Farmer

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Mary, and by his loving daughters Joanna (of Victoria) and Sandra (Ryan) Jandron (of Calgary), as well as grandchildren Kaleb, Taylor, and Ben, his sister-in-law Helen (of Saskatoon), and many nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Rosa Farmer, and by his only brother, Murray, of Saskatoon.

Pat obtained his B.Pharm. and M.Sc. from the University of Saskatchewan, and his Ph.D. from Portsmouth University in England. He was on the faculty of the College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University for over 40 years, and worked there post-retirement for several more years. Pat was instrumental in promoting and developing the PBL program at the College of Pharmacy, and received a national Excellence in Teaching award for this work. He was a dedicated teacher who spent many hours giving extra help to his students, and he was a popular and congenial member of the faculty. Pat was also a lifelong "helper", giving assistance wherever it was needed. He served on committees and boards, but was happiest giving practical help, such as driving the elderly and disabled to church for many years, working at the Halifax West Ecumenical Food Bank for over 15 years, and always volunteering to pitch in when labour was needed. He was also a lifelong learner, never ceasing to read and attend lectures, take courses at SCANS, and to share interesting news articles with his family and friends. For many years, Pat directed the Bethany Bridge Club, and whenever needed he directed and did the scoring for other duplicate bridge groups.

Pat also found time to enjoy hobbies and activities. An early love was white-water canoeing. When the children were young, he took woodworking classes and made toys and furniture for his family, and he also took photography and painting classes. With the family, he participated in orienteering, badminton, hiking, camping etc. In retirement he took up golf, until back pain forced him to stop. However, he found a fascinating substitute in geocaching, which he and Mary enjoyed greatly. Pat and Mary also loved playing duplicate bridge together, and completing (and compiling) cryptic crosswords. Pat had a wonderful sense of humour, and loved to share jokes on the Internet with others. His laugh was infectious, and was easily recognized by those who knew him.

Pat will be dearly missed by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held for him in the Spring at Bethany United Church in Halifax, and, as he wished, a memorial fund will be set up in his memory for deserving students at the College of Pharmacy.

Grateful thanks to the staff team at the Rehab Centre, for their good care and help with Pat, and to the staff on the ICU at the Halifax Infirmary, for their kind and compassionate care of him during his final days.

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