PAT A. DORVAL

1963 - 2021

On January 5, 2021, at 11:11 a.m., we bid farewell to a shining light in our community. Pat Adrien Dorval passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends both physical and virtual, he told stories and made us laugh until the very end. Pat was born on March 22, 1963, in Fort St. John, BC and it is fair to say that he was never a shrinking violet and had faced the usual challenges of a kid growing up in a rough northern town. As a young adult, he immediately began pursuing his passion, acting, and managed to carve out a truly amazing career in theatre, TV, and film. Known as "Adrien" professionally and "Pat" to everyone else, he was popular among other actors, never sacrificed his beliefs to make a buck, and treated his fellow cast and crew like family and friends. He had other "jobs" throughout his life, but acting was in his soul, and in Gibsons, BC, he found the role of a lifetime: Santa Claus...very few things made him happier than his time at Sunnycrest Mall creating magic for children, pets and parents alike! Pat was also an extraordinary friend. He had many best friends, hundreds more dear friends, and was adored even by casual acquaintances. His kind, humble and generous spirit was magnetic, but he was also well known for his humour, sarcasm and razor-sharp wit. Laughter was always in abundant supply when Pat was around. Pat is dearly missed by his mother Alberta Dorval and siblings Bett, Barry, Mike, Lea-Ann, Elaine and Jim. Waiting for him on the other side were his father, Len and brother Joe. He is also mourned by all of his many nieces, nephews and cousins, but especially by Ché Dorval, Bett's daughter for whom he was a father figure most of her life. And of course, he is missed so deeply by his partner Ange Cruikshank and beloved son Oscar, as well as in-laws and caregivers: Morley, Sandra, and Candace Cruikshank. The last year of Pat's life was spent living with Ange and Oscar as a family in the home they started together; it was a year spent creating incredible memories and no regrets. Esophageal cancer was the reason for Pat's early exit, but we will never say that he "lost his battle". He never let cancer stop him. He fought until the very end and then he decided it was time to go, on his terms. Cancer ravaged his body, but it never touched his soul. He left with nothing but love in his heart. He won. Should you like to make a donation in his honour please consider Secret Santa Sunshine Coast, Coastal Crisis Outreach or A Loving Spoonful in Vancouver. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, there will be no memorial at this time.