Sunday, November 24, 2019
I first met Patrick when he came to the Grievance Department at OPSEU. An upbeat and energetic person; he often seemed to me to be larger than life - someone who lived his life to the fullest, making an impact wherever he went. As an epicurean and adventurist who loved good food, wine, travel and spirited life experiences, he helped me nurture those leanings in my own life. He was a tremendously supportive and generous friend and mentor who inspired me (and no doubt many others) to listen to my social and political conscience. I will be forever grateful to him for helping me challenge my boundaries and push myself to pursue a university education and legal labour relations career that has opened many doors to me (an immigrant person of colour who faced many challenges in a new country). And it is in large part thanks to him that I am a big Blue Jays fan! He cared very much about people and made a huge difference in the lives of the less fortunate throughout his personal life and all phases of his career - whether legal, political or judicial. I will miss him a great deal, but am so glad he is at peace. My condolences to Linda, Victoria, Brian and Tom, as well as all the other lives he has touched and influenced. Luiza Monteiro
