Patricia Lynn Rogers

Lynn passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, August 21, surrounded by her family in their North Vancouver home.

Patricia Lynn Henderson was born October 23, 1955 in Calgary, Alberta. The eldest of three daughters to Gerald and Beverley Henderson, she enjoyed a childhood of Girl Guides, horseback riding, skiing at Banff, family vacations in the Okanagan plus travels to Ireland to visit relatives.

Upon graduation from Henry Wisewood High School, she attended the University of Calgary, though at the encouragement of a friend she transferred to the University of Alberta in Edmonton for her final year, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Early in the university year, her friend organised a “coffee party” (very trendy at the time) for Calgary students to meet Edmonton students. There she met a young man, Philip Rogers, who caught Lynn’s attention by ordering tea at a coffee party! This was the start of their lifelong relationship. Upon graduation, Philip moved to Vancouver and Lynn soon followed. They were married December 16, 1978 in a small ceremony at St. Francis-in-the-Woods Church in West Vancouver. `

Lynn started her career at Chevron Canada as a clerk in the credit department, handling customer complaints. Her bosses quickly noticed she was smart and hard-working, possessing excellent intuition and communication skills. She received several promotions within the office before she went into the field as a sales representative, initially on the retail side of the business then later moving to the wholesale side. This was a significant challenge as a female sales rep whose customers were all men. Through her professionalism, relationship-building skills, honesty, hard work she overcame each challenge that came her way. When she retired in February 2004 after 28 years, she was a Company Director and Manager, Wholesale Operations, Chevron’s senior position responsible for the commercial fuel sales operations. While Lynn’s career achievements were significant, to her the most cherished memories were of the people - those she worked with, worked for, managed, those who mentored her, and those she mentored. She wanted each person to reach their full potential. Her focus on the success of the people she worked alongside rewarded her with lifelong friendships as well as remarkable professional achievements.

Family was the most important part of Lynn’s life, she and Philip were thrilled to have two boys. Their son Andrew arrived in 1986, followed by Stephen in 1989. Initially, Lynn and Philip were both working parents, but after Stephen was born they took a non-traditional step with Lynn becoming the family breadwinner while Philip stayed home with the boys. This busy life required Lynn to balance a busy and flourishing career with what she loved most: being a mother to her two wonderful sons.

Lynn was incredibly proud of Andrew and Stephen, spending many weekends on the sidelines of soccer pitches and hockey arenas. Her greatest joy was watching her sons grow into the fine young men they have become, and having the family expand to include two loving daughters-in-law, Tessa and Sophie, and recently, a beautiful granddaughter named Sunday.

In 1986, Lynn’s parents built a beautiful home on Kalamalka Lake in Vernon, BC. This became her happy place, a home where family gathered and made memories. One of Lynn’s favourite activities was relaxing at the end of the dock with a cup of coffee and a book on a warm summer morning. Kalamalka Lake was a destination for many summer vacations as well as long weekends and special occasions.

Whether the family gathering was in Vernon or North Vancouver, Lynn took the lead in entertaining family and friends. She was an excellent cook and gracious host. She took great pride in ensuring that every guest felt welcome and accommodated in her home. Interesting people, excellent food, and an appropriate beverage ensured a lively and memorable time for all.

Lynn was as disciplined and hard-working in retirement as she had been in business, except now she could focus on family, friends, home, garden and health. Lynn was very productive, she had a to-do list each day which she always accomplished. After talking with a friend, a shared love of reading fiction inspired the creation of The Deeply Shallow Mystery Book Club. Lynn was the club’s organiser, a responsibility she took seriously. The book club was near and dear to her, not only for the books read, but also the wonderful group of women who all became friends. The club’s monthly meetings were not to be missed! Retirement also allowed Lynn to spend more time caring for her garden and decorating the family home. Recognizing the importance of fitness, she (mostly) indulged Philip’s insistence that they visit the gym multiple times a week. We believe the traffic officers were appreciative of her efforts from inside the vehicle at trying to encourage her lead-footed husband to stay closer to the speed limit. Retirement also allowed Lynn and Philip to travel to Australia, take multiple trips throughout Europe and spend winters in Palm Desert.

From a health perspective, Lynn encountered some serious challenges. She was a two time breast cancer survivor, bravely enduring chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In 2022, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, though after significant treatment the disease could not be overcome. She always presented strength, grace, a positive outlook and humour. She never felt sorry for herself or dwelled on the significant challenges she was dealt. Lynn’s courage was a tremendous inspiration to her friends and family.

Lynn was predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Beverley Henderson, and her sister Gail. Lynn leaves behind her husband of 44 years, Philip, sons Andrew and Stephen, daughters-in-law Tessa and Sophie respectively, sister Tara, brother-in-law Gordon, granddaughter Sunday, grand”dog” Burger and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed as a wife, mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and outstanding community member.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the BC Cancer Foundation.

You are invited to share memories of Lynn in an online guest book through First Memorial Funeral Service. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for October 2023.