Predeceased by her husband of 43 year, Ian Nigel Henderson (May 20, 2020) and her sister
Marjorie Ann Garley (December 2011).
Survived by her daughter Daphne James, grandchildren Colleen (Austin) and Emma and greatgrandson
Cain; son Marcus James (Lena), grandchildren Connor and Brody.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and after graduating from Kelvin High, Pat worked for
five years as secretary to the Deputy Minister in the Department of Health and then in Public
Works for the Manitoba Legislative in the Manitoba Legislative building. She then, with her first
husband Michael James, moved to Oxford, England where she took piano lessons and worked
as secretary to Nobel Laureate, Dorothy Hodgkin. Four years later, they moved to Edmonton,
Alberta to have and raise their two children. Pat continued with her piano studies, helped set
up the Post Doctorate Wives Club at the University of Alberta and was an active member and
the organist at St. Georges Anglican Church.
In 1977, Pat married Nigel and with her two children moved to North Vancouver where they
lived and worked. A few years were spent working in Nigel’s office. She was also an active
member and the organist at St. Agnes Anglican Church, while continuing her piano studies. A
midlife crisis took her back to school, attending Capilano College (then named) to study and
complete a business management course.
Pat was a very active member of the north shore community, volunteering at the Deep Cove
Heritage as President and one year as President of the Deep Cove Cultural Centre. She had
many years of pleasure and close friendships through a classical music group, founded in 1982
by Pat which continues to this day, as well as the great friendships through LGH Medical Wives
Book Club and then joining the Parkgate Singers for more fun and fellowship.
Always thankful, Pat was most appreciative of having a loving family who always came first,
and for the Canadian health system helping her with her many medical ailments throughout her
life. The family would also like to extend their deep-felt appreciation for the staff at Evergreen
House whose endless care for Pat during her stay helped her to be safe and comfortable in the
last few months and making sure that she had extensive visits with family to the best of their
abilities during the unprecedented times.
In lieu of flowers, please give generously to the ALS Society of BC whose support would not
have been possible due to the astronomical cost of the various medical devices required to
battle and stave off of this disease which is not covered by the provincial health care system.
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle”, Christ - Light of
the World
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