With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Patrick in the early hours of May 3, 2023. Patrick was 79. He was born to Thelma and James Lee in Kingston, Jamaica, January 3, 1944. In the 1970s, he emigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, then moved to Ajax, Ontario in the early 90s.
Patrick is predeceased by his brother Carleton and sister-in-law Cynthia, and sister Dorothy Williams. He will be greatly missed by brothers Lester (wife Catherine) and Richard (wife Lynn), brother-in-law Justin, his many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and godchildren.
Patrick had a big heart with a thoughtful and generous nature. He was the quiet person in a crowd, but filled conversations with his wit and humor. He had a full and busy life, but always thought of others and never hesitated to volunteer his time at the Tsung Tsin Association of Ontario. Patrick loved travel, vacationing on the beaches of the Island of Hawaii, swimming, cooking, gardening, and playing Mahjong. His life was centered around his strong love for family and his treasured circle of Jamaican and Trinidadian friends.
Patrick’s family extends their appreciation to Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering Hospital and Lakeridge Health Oshawa Hospital for the compassionate care he received.
Visitation and viewing will be held at McEachnie Funeral Home (28 Old Kingston Rd, Ajax), on Thursday, May 11th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, on Friday, May 12th at 11 a.m. Cremation.
Memorial donations may be made to Save the Children Canada, Humane Society of Durham Region, or the Canadian Cancer Society.
As long as hearts remember As long as hearts still care, We never part with those we love, They’re with us everywhere
I first bonded with Pat when about 6 years old. Maybe because we were first cousins, same age or I just arrived from the country and he wanted to teach me the ways of the city -such as "stoning" mango trees to hit the fruit off. He neglected to tell me that the trees belonged to the neighbors. Even then Pat knew how to get along with everyone. Other times we would play sling shot in the gully nearby.
As we entered the teenage years we spent many hours going to the movie theatres, sometimes staying out so late we had to walk home as the buses had stopped.
In our twenties we explored the night life of Jamaica and frequented such spots as the TIT for TAT Club.
When Pat migrated to Vancouver in 1975, we never fully reconnected until 1990 when he came to live in Ajax. We would lunch in Toronto, maybe Dim Sum on the weekend or Dinner at the Williams, Chin, Lee, Chang Families. Pat would always offer one of his delicious Dishes. He was a fantastic cook.
In another life Pat would have been an Artist. I saw his garden develop over the past 30 years. His canvass was framed on the left by a huge pink Lilac. On the right was that blazing red Japanese Maple. The background incorporated the giant evergreen and Maples of the Park. In the foreground spilling over the beds were Geraniums, Petunias, Coleus. His palette was a riot of colors -red, pink, yellow, purple, white. A masterpiece created by an Artist.
Pat was a kind and gentle soul.
We have many happy memories with Pat and will always remember him.
I met Patrick way back in 1963 at Kingston Wharves Ltd., Jamaica, (I was looking for a job and he was the one administering the testing). Surprisingly we became friends, a friendship that has survived these 60 years! Yes, we lost contact for a while but fortunately, we were able to reestablish it in just the last year or so and it was like we did not miss a beat. I will miss you Patrick, my confidant, counselor, friend, 'family', and one-time drinking buddy!!! But the memories lives-on and I will cherish them forever for us!