Patricia HEPBURN

1934 - 2023

PATRICIA MARY HEPBURN née HAYWARD 1934 - 2023 Pat passed away in Vancouver, BC, on July 4, 2023, at the age of eighty-eight. She was born in Ormskirk, Great Britain, and raised by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Hayward. She then moved to Derbyshire to attend St. Elphin's School. Later, she moved to London to attend University College London at the Rachel McMillan College in Deptford, London. As a little girl in England, she rode horses point-to-point. She also enjoyed hunting with her father. Immigrating to Canada took courage. Pat travelled via steam ship to Montreal, then travelled by train to Vancouver. She had an aunt, that had a home in downtown Vancouver, who she then lived with. She worked for BC Tel for a couple years, then at Dr. Sproll Dental Clinic. Pat later graduated from UBC with her master's degree in psychology in 1976. She became a successful psychologist for the Vancouver School Board for more than 21 years, until she retired. In her younger years, she ventured throughout B.C. The goal being to see the beautiful province. However, she regaled her family with tales of going to Green Lake, B.C. with friends to find herself a Cowboy! Pat was an extraordinary woman. She was involved in rally racing and sailing in her early days. She was the first female who had a licence in the B.C. Sports Car Club. However, her real passion was horses. She was an equestrian expert who loved horseback riding and all aspects of training and breeding quarter horses and thoroughbreds. President of the Southland Riding Club for more than 3 years. She spent her entire life with horses and has a profound love for these beautiful creatures. She had the ability to attract and communicate with all animals. Most recently, she was given a cat, "Panda," that a neighbor recognized had a bond with Pat. He was moving and felt that it best for Panda and Pat to remain together. Despite the challenge of a housecat underfoot with her visual impairment, it was obvious that Panda brought Pat a joy that only a house pet could. Pat spent a good part of her life caring for her furry friends, such as Lara, Paddington, Whiskey, Sandee Cee and Rebus, to name a few. Pat was well versed in French and Latin. She enjoyed discussing languages, history, and literature. Pat travelled throughout Europe, but frequented Scotland, England, France, Italy, and Greece and revelled in the history and architecture of Europe. She always spoke fondly of others and had a small but tight knit circle of friends. She always believed one should be respectful of others in all walks of life. She had a quick wit and always seemed to be ready with a story that would have one rapt with attention and then bursting into laughter! She was strong in her principles and was very self-assured. Pat was a great skier and practiced yoga daily into her 80s. In her retirement she became an avid and prolific painter in acrylics and oils. She painted flowers and European cityscapes. Pat was a strong, wonderful, and loving mum and wife. She leaves behind precious memories for her family and friends. Predeceased by her loving husband, Tony, of over half a century. Survived by sons, Tony (Colleen), and James (Yan); grandsons, Harley and Andrew; brother-in-law, Gavin (Anne); sister-in-law, Ethne; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family in England and Scotland. In lieu of flowers, donations to New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society suggested in Pat's honour www.newstride.com/donate. Funeral Service for Pat on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Unitarian Church of Vancouver, 949 W. 49 Ave., Vancouver. Walkey & Company Funeral Directors 604-738-0006