Patricia Ann DRYDEN

DRYDEN, Patricia Ann - Patricia Ann Griffiths Dryden passed away peacefully in hospital at age 84 in the early hours of August 14, 2012, a mere 19 days after being diagnosed with lung cancer. In one of the many cards Pat received in the hospital from friends at her condominium, the message was clear and sweet: "Get better and come back soon, it's not the same around here without you." Everyone who ever knew Pat would say truer words were never written. Pat was born and raised by Joe and Mary Griffiths in Saskatoon and never lost pride in her western roots. Pat was a swimmer and basketball player at the University of Saskatchewan where Joe was the major figure in the Faculty of Physical Education. Pat transferred to MCGill University in the late 1940s. It was in Montreal where Pat met a lanky quarterback from Westmount who smoked, drank from a flask and liked nothing more than a good laugh. Pat and Bill Dryden were married in 1951 and had big circles of friends wherever they lived - Baie D'Urfe, Lachine, Chateauguay, Ottawa, Clarkson, Sheridan Homelands, Marquette (MI), Burlington and finally, Clarkson again. Pat was part of the heartbeat of the 965 Inverhouse condo community for more than 30 years - particularly around the bridge table where she was a much sought-after partner by those who liked winning. Pat had energy, curiosity and a generosity of spirit - all represented in the role she played in helping Afghanistanian Masuda Azim become a Canadian citizen. Masuda called Pat "the most important person in my life in Canada." Masuda's entire family was at Pat's funeral August 16. Pat had an easy manner, a wonderful sense of humour and never wanted to miss a thing. She was a wonderful aunt to eight nieces and one nephew and could have given lessons on being a grandmother - establishing unshakeable bonds. Children Gary, Jill and Steve spent countless hours together with their Mom - most memorably on vacations. The final one was to Newfoundland in July. Pat said seeing The Rock was on her bucket list. Pat leaves behind a legion of family and friends stunned at the suddenness of her death and grappling with the enormity of her absence. She leaves behind Gary, daughter-in-law Sherry, grandchildren Megan and Chris Dryden and his partner Jenn; Jill, son-in-law Randy Ogilvie, grandchildren Laura and Michael Brazil; son Steve, partner Maria Ralley; sister Betty Cameron and brother-in-law Tom Lamb. Pat was predeceased by husband Bill, sister Molly Thorson and brother Bob. Pat began going to church regularly several years ago for social and spiritual reasons. When her sister Betty heard this, she said, "You're cramming for the final." Let it be recorded Patricia Ann Griffiths Dryden passed the final with flying colours.