It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Patrick John Desjardins on March 12, 2024 after a long and valiant battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
Predeceased by parents Sheila and Marcial Desjardins, Pat leaves behind partner Heather, brothers Paul (Anita), Peter, Chris (Darlene), sister Leonie (Walt), niece Danielle and nephews Blair, Doug, Kurt, Kyle, Kerry, Darren and Brendan.
Pat was born in Vernon, BC on June 25, 1957, the youngest of five. He moved, with the family, to Kelowna, BC in 1964 and then on to Nelson, BC in 1966. Pat loved his years in Nelson where he had the opportunity to snow ski at Silver King ski hill and later at Whitewater. He enjoyed waterskiing in Nasookin Bay on Kootenay Lake where he also showed a great prowess in log rolling. Pat graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of British Columbia in 1984. Most of his career as a Professional Geologist, from 1986 until early retirement in 2015, was with the British Columbia Geological Survey. He was a valued and respected member of the branch. Living in Victoria afforded Pat the opportunity to pursue what would later become a passion, rowing. He successfully competed in regattas in Canada and the US as well as a number of World Rowing Masters Regattas in Europe, the most recent being 2022 in Libourne, France. A talented guitarist, Pat never missed the opportunity to jam with his brothers and friends. Over the years Pat joined his brother Chris on numerous cycling trips and could always be counted on to enjoy a good hike. A devoted uncle, Pat formed special bonds with his niece and nephews and showed a keen interest in what was happening in their lives. Pat was a wonderful, caring, kind man who was always gracious and humble. Loved by all.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday June 9, 2024, 1:00 PM at Starling Lane Vineyard, 5271 Old West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC.
To help us best plan please RSVP to peter.desjardins@telus.net
If you are not able to confirm at this time but determine you are able to join us closer to the day, please do not hesitate to attend. We would love to see you there.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Donate at vghfoundation.ca/donate, by calling 604-875-4676 or by mail to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.
April 26th, 2024
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.
April 24th, 2024
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.
April 19th, 2024
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.
April 19th, 2024
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
April 15th, 2024
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
April 14th, 2024
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
April 13th, 2024
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.
April 11th, 2024
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.
April 8th, 2024
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.
April 7th, 2024
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!!!
April 6th, 2024
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
April 5th, 2024
Pat was the salt of the earth. A great friend, colleague and teammate.
Write a Tribute
Please Note: Your tribute will NOT be posted until reviewed and approved by one of our staff.