J. Patrick PEACOCK

J. PATRICK PEACOCK J. Patrick Peacock, KC (Pat) passed away on December 4, 2022, after a battle with two rare diseases, IPF and PSP. Despite this and in true Peaco-fashion, he more than doubled the odds quoted by his doctors and proved them all wrong, happily living way longer than expected. Pat is survived by his wife, Virginia Engel, KC, his partner in life, love and law who was his rock to anyone who knew them as a couple. He is also dearly missed by his sister, Linda/Leon; his four children, Michele/Gae, Sandy/Thian, Michael/Sita, Chris/Jodie; their mother, Judy; his seven grandchildren, Meredith, Ella, Jocelyn, Shae, Ava, Asher and Fia; his in-laws, Christina, Jens/Nancy, Peter/Louise; and all of their children and grandchildren. As promised, when Pat retired last year, he and Virginia moved back to West Vancouver, where Virginia grew up. Unfortunately, his illnesses progressed and Virginia, ultimately along with Pat's sister-in-law, Christina led 'Team Pat' - his family and close friends who selflessly stepped up with physical, moral and milkshake-fuelled (thanks to Jens) crib-playing support through the last year. Special thanks to those team members, including close friends Johanna/Ken and Paul/Colleen and pups, Jett, Tank and Willis - and eventually the North Shore Palliative Care Group, all of whom made Pat's wish to stay at home a reality. There is a myriad of Engels, Peacocks, Driscolls, Frasers, James' and hundreds (literally) of pals who Pat would consider his family and who are also feeling this loss alongside the honour and gratitude to have had Pat touch their lives. Born in Calgary to Norman (Ralph) and Margaret Peacock in 1943, Pat was a true Calgarian through and through. After stepping away from his home town briefly to attend law school at the University of Alberta, he returned home after his call to the bar in 1968. Pat was an avid football fan, serving as the president of the Calgary Stampeders in 1985-1986 during the critical stage in the football club's history. Pat successfully led the campaign and 'Saved Our Stamps.' He never missed a game and over the years, consistently upgraded his TV viewing facilities to ensure he had front row seats and full surround sound. Pat had a long and distinguished legal career. He graduated as the silver medalist of his class of 1967, articling and practicing at now Bennett Jones LLP. He joined partners, Code, Hunter & Ford, now Gowlings WLG, then moved to MacLeod Dixon, now Norton Rose Fulbright. He ultimately established Peacock Linder Halt and Mack LLP with his good friends Peter Linder and Ed Halt. Pat was a 'lawyer's lawyer' and had a varied and extensive legal practice. He served the Canadian Bar Association with honour, chairing many committees and serving as the Alberta Branch President 1983-1984 and National President 1988-1989. His many legal recognitions included being appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1984 and becoming a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was known as a brilliant legal practitioner, as well as a kind, humble and patient colleague and mentor. Pat lived life to the fullest, enjoying time at Gull Lake, Windermere and Pender Island with friends and family. He loved travelling, skiing, golfing, boating, hunting and fishing, none of which he ever let go, even in his last years. He loved his children and grandchildren and nothing made him happier than watching them all embrace his love of music and performing. Pat was one of the most legendary story tellers and had a deep - if sometimes repetitive - repertoire of jokes. Often times one would answer the phone to the start of a joke without any introduction or greeting, just the unmistakable voice of Pat saying, "two men were sitting in a bar..." Wherever Pat was, there was always music - stand up base, guitar, piano and singing; there was not a party or event that Pat attended that didn't include singing, playing and lighting up the room with his voice, song, jokes, energy and smile. His children remember fondly growing up surrounded by music and even his very last days included sing-alongs surrounded by family and close friends. Pat was an eternal optimist and could see the bright side of any situation. To the end, he enjoyed the company of those closest to him, every meal and a good glass of wine. He maintained his sense of humour and his love of entertaining, being surrounded by good friends and most of all, his love for his family, especially his soul mate, Virginia. Even as he battled mightily and neared the end of his days, Pat was always looking forward, to that next ski trip, crib game, concert or even just a quiet dinner gathering at home with close friends and family. While he will be remembered for his big personality, his love of fun and entertaining and superb litigation skills, it is his quiet strength, his gentle, patient side and his love for his family that we will miss the most. Always happy, gracious and ever-grateful, he never failed to respond to the question 'how are you doing?' with "outstanding." In lieu of flowers, Pat would have been honoured if you paid forward his kindness and generosity by donating to a Charity of Your Choice, in memory of our good guy. A celebration of Pat's life will be held in Calgary in May 2023.