Patrick John Desjardins

Pat and I met at UBC where we became good friends, tipped many a pint of ale, played hockey and went on some memorable trips. We were later room-mates for a short time, where I learned to appreciate Pat's guitar playing and love of the rythm and blues. He was an excellent musician.
Pat had a great sense of humour and a quick smile that lighted up his face, just like in the photo. Pat, we were blessed by your presence and friendship and will treasure the memories.

I was very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I enjoyed all my interactions with him, both professionally and at the rowing club. He was always considered an athlete that put out his best and got results. He will be missed!

When I first heard of Pat's passing I was shocked and deeply saddened. It was only a week or so after we had talked over zoom and he was so positive and upbeat about his treatment and how it was progressing. That positivity was a big part of who Pat was. I first met Pat in 1985 when he joined the B.C. Geological survey branch and for the first 5 years Pat and I worked together on a geologic mapping project in northern BC. We continued working together on various digital mapping projects and remained friends over the years after I left the GSB. Pat was a good field geologist and could be relied upon no matter how difficult the work was. Pat and I, along with a number of other geologists from the GSB also played hockey for the "legendary" Sooke Blunderbirds for about 15 years. Although not a superstar Pat was a reliable, hardworking, unassuming, even tempered and very competent hockey player. We had so many good times playing hockey together and enjoying a beer or two afterwards. Jackie and I will also remember fondly those nights around the campfire in Smithers, dinners together, going to music concerts, camping weekends at Long Beach and that very memorable trip to Nelson in 1991 to hear Joan Baez and discover a new young singer by the name of Sarah McLachlin. Pat has left us but our lives have been enriched by the times we spent together. Thank you Pat for being you. We will miss you so much.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Pat’s passing, and my condolences go out to his partner Heather, and all his family.

I worked with Pat for many years at the Geological Survey Branch and played softball with him as well. We even partnered up for a game of pool once after a softball game. He will always be remembered as a kind, gentle man with a passion for life and a great sense of humor. When we last spoke he had a big smile and talked about his love of rowing. He joked about the rowing team accepting anyone, even him. Those memories of him as well as so many others always brings a smile to my face. I will miss looking for him running around Elk and Beaver Lakes.

One of the most honest, humblest, men I’ve ever known. Great athlete, friend, geologist and much more…especially the humour. We will miss you “Chico”.
Jim

I first met Pat in 1974. Seems so long ago but it really isn’t. We had alot of great times together.

Over the last many, many years I’ve had the pleasure of visiting with Pat numerous times; more recently thanks to my sister, Shyrl and brother-in-law Mike in Victoria. I will always remember those visits with Pat.

It’s so hard to believe that one so young, who lived life to the fullest and embraced each and everyone of us always, has left us. Pat, you are in a better place now and I know you will watch over us. You were a very special person and loved by all who knew you. You will always have a special place in our hearts.

Rest in peace my friend💖

I just learned that Pat had passed away; such sad news. I met Pat when I worked for the GSB in the early 1990s and was his roommate for a while and he helped recruit me as a hockey goalie at GSB hockey, great fun that I got to share with him....lunch time hockey followed by beers at Spinakers....Pat also played guitar and sang at my and Connie's wedding. We only connected a few more times when I travelled back to Victoria, and through social media, once I'd moved away, but I always treasured the time he'd welcomed me when i first moved there, and will remember him as a good friend....that's a great picture of Pat, that genuine smile is how I still see him when I think of him.

On behalf of all your friends, competitors, and some-time crew mates at Victoria City Rowing Club, we send our deepest condolences to the family, and your teammates.

Racing until the end, Pat was always a fierce competitor, and challenged himself as much as anyone. We will miss him on the water, and I am sure the Gorge club will miss his leadership around their boathouse.

I met Pat when I first started working at the BCGS, many moons ago. I valued him as a work colleague, we chatted often and quaffed a few ales together. He was a good hockey player and that's where I knew him best. His rowing and running was inspiring. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

I am so sorry to read about Pat's passing. Pat and I briefly overlapped as colleagues at the Ministry of Energy and Mines in Victoria just before he retired, and I mostly got to know him as the volunteer coach for the Ministry's corporate rowing team. Pat was a dedicated athlete and generously brought enthusiasm, discipline and the love of sport to his role as coach, inspiring folks from all backgrounds (including office workers with no rowing experience) to give it their all. Coming to a sport late in life was no barrier for Pat as he was a living example! We also shared the experience of having lived in Nelson, B.C., although we were there at different times. Through his stories, it was obvious that he was so proud of his childhood home. Rest in peace, Pat. My condolences to Heather and all the family.

It was with great sadness that Gisela, Elka and I heard the news about Pat's untimely death. For three summer seasons (1981-83) Pat was my young loyal field assistant while we mapped the Coquihalla-Ladner area in southern BC. During that time we became close, in part because we shared numerous hair-raising experiences coping with the steep terrain and wet weather. Pat was a hard working, admirable, reliable, kind and gentle man whose company I always enjoyed. He died far too young, and his death is a sad loss to his many friends and admirers.
Gerry Ray, An Bang, Vietnam

Pat…friend, colleague, geologist, rower, golfer, skier, musician. It is with great regret to have to write this remembrance too soon in his life; it is a tragic loss. He fought AML courageously and was very proactive and persevered with his treatment plan. Ingrid and I fondly remember stopping in at Vancouver General Hospital this past summer to visit with Pat and Heather. He remained positive with the tremendous support of Heather.

We will miss his soft-spoken humour and friendship.
George and Ingrid

We were heartbroken to hear of Pat's passing.
Pat came into our lives when he first moved to Victoria and was a good friend ever since. We shared many dinners, hikes, the Nelson connection and so much more.
Our love and deepest sympathy goes out to Heather and all the Desjardins family for the loss of this amazing man.
We will miss you Pat; you will always be in our hearts.

Love Charisse & Rob Pagan

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Pat.
He was a lovely gentle soul with a beautiful smile. My heart felt condolences to all of Pat's family.

It was a privilege to train with Pat for indoor rowing events and challenging local trail runs in our provincial parks.
His integrity, intellect , physical ability and enthusiasm made the long training sessions a welcome growth experience .

Pat’s positivity led to inevitable success in his sports endeavours and it was mirrored in his disciplined, scientific approach trying to have a quality life despite the challenges of the disease he suffered. To describe his efforts as admirable is a gross understatement.
Pat didn’t lose a battle, he lived and achieved throughout trying circumstances. He never complained.
A winner until the end.

Pat always had a smile for everyone and a great sense of humour at school ... so sorry to hear of this and we our prayers are with the family in this difficult time.

Pat was a wonderful friend during our elementary years. It was always a pleasure to bump into each other when he came to Nelson. His smile and humour were amazing. My condolences to his family and partner. Also a hi from me to the family. Thanks for putting up with me when I was at your home!!!

So sad to hear of Pat's passing. Went to school with him in Nelson BC. Patrick always had a smile on his face and good attitude. RIP friend.. John

Pat was the salt of the earth. A great friend, colleague and teammate.