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Dr. Patricia Anne Clugston
Dr. Patricia Anne Clugston
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Patricia Clugston Obituary
CLUGSTON _ Dr. Patricia Anne, 46, died peacefully March 1, 2005 at Vancouver General Hospital in the loving company of her husband, friends and family. An extraordinary individual across so many dimensions, Patty touched the lives of many different people. A plastic surgeon of enormous talent, Patty dedicated herself to the BC Breast Reconstruction Program which she started to improve the outcomes of post-mastectomy cancer patients. Educated at the University of BC, Patty interned at St. Paul's Hospital upon graduating from Medicine. She completed all of her plastic surgery residency training in Vancouver and subsequently completed a sub-specialty fellowship in breast reconstruction with Dr. Patrick Maxwell in Nashville, Tennessee. A competitive sportswoman, Patty was an accomplished skier, golfer and tennis player. Despite her great achievements, she remained even in her final hours a person of great humility. Her sharp wit, intellectual curiosity and pragmatism masked an incredible courage as she fought bravely against a cruel disease. Patty is survived by her loving husband Stuart, her parents, Roy and Gladys Whittle, brother John and his wife Linda, brother Richard and his wife Gail, brother Ron, sisters Lynn and Judith, brother-in-law Bob, stepson Bhreandain, stepdaughter Caitlin, and two Golden Retrievers, Molly and Bailey, who brought her so much joy during her long illness. Her beloved sister Jacquie Wismer, of Atlanta, Georgia predeceased Patty in 2002. Beyond her immediate family, we know Patty was truly loved by her many nieces and nephews, close friends and loyal colleagues. A celebration of Patty's life will be held Saturday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the University Golf Club, 5185 University Blvd., Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the BC Breast Reconstruction program would be most appreciated so that Patty's hard work can be sustained by others. Cheques may be made out to: VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, In Memory of Dr. Patricia Clugston, c/o Foundation Office, Vancouver General Hospital, 855 W. 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9.
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44 Entries
Nico FD
April 3, 2019
Dr. Clugston operated on my broken metacarpal and did a fabulous job. Before the operation began, I had asked if I could speak to the surgeon. When she arrived it was like a wind had carried her in and set her down. I immediately had admiration for this accomplished doctor who really commanded the space with her confidence and lovely disposition. Hello, I'm Dr. Clugston. They told me that you wanted to speak to me. I really wanted to ask her how her life path lead her to be a surgeon and what were her struggles and what does she consider her greatest accomplishment, but we had no time for such things as I was laying on the table and the team eager to get on with the show that was my left hand. I just looked over at the Makita drill on the tray and asked, Are you going to use that on me?, Dr. Clugston said, Yes, we are... , I then said, I'm a bit uncomfortable with that. Why is that? I assure you that it's all very sterilized... It's not that. It's just that I am a DeWalt girl and I don't trust Makita tools. She laughed and laughed. I just wanted to see if she had a sense of humour. She asked if there was anything else and as soon as I said no, she gave a look over to Dr. Cocktail and I over to him and I barely got out a Hey..... you....are... I could see him smiling with his eyes and through his mask.
Three weeks later I was in her office getting those pins pulled out. I honestly didn't think that she would be putting the pliers on them and yaking them out the way she did, the way you have to yank pins out of bones. Brace yourself on the end of that bed and relax your left arm. Did she ever yank on those pins. Wow, did that ever hurt. She seemed impressed that I didn't yelp and holler like the football players did and I told her it's because I was a rugby player.
What I didn't tell her was that I had to supress my instinct of kicking her as the source of my acute pain just to make her stop what she was doing. She was professional, intelligent, funny, fantastic at her job and I could tell she had a real zeal for it. I was fortunate to have her operate on me.
My mother knew her, as she worked at UBC hospital for decades. She was very, very sad at her passing. Dr. Clugston was very esteemed in the medical community and this is what most of you knew already and it was my discovery through being a patient as to what a great human being she was. I am just one of many she has touched. I hope her spirit is at peace and having a fantastic time in the afterlife.
Donna White
February 28, 2019
I am ever so grateful to Patti for my gift of being whole again. She gave me back a part of me that cancer had taken. I think of her almost daily when I look at myself in the mirror and am grateful for her kindness, her empathy and the skill she was gifted with and shared with so many others just like me.
February 28, 2019
Its been a very long time since Patti was taken from us.....I still remember and think of you often. Patti recreated me and made me feel amazing and I will forever have her in my heart. In loving memory of a wonderful talented woman who gave with all her heart.
Diane Humphries
February 27, 2019
We will never forget you ❤
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Neil Jensen
June 22, 2018
Patty saved my life. I have been thinking fondly of her of late. I could never have had a normal life or have become what I am today without her. She was one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life. I am thinking of you now and always. All my love Neil
September 24, 2017
Will never forget this beautiful woman !! It's been 16 years since the removal of both breasts and her amazing reconstruction of both breasts after all of the chemo I went through !! I have doctors that admire her wonderful work ... Soo sad she left us early in life .. Thank you Patti ... I look in the mirror and will never forget you Patti... You were the kindest
September 21, 2017
Dale Blaire
Mark and Diane
July 10, 2005
Time passes but memories never do and we will cherish our memories with Patty. Her strength, wisdom and kindness can never be erased from this earth. How honored we are to have known such a woman, and to have called her our friend.
Robert Wismer
June 10, 2005
I was first introduced to Patty in 1963, the year I met and married her beautiful sister Jacquie. As Patty grew up my family too, was growing and we had many happy times together. However there was one incident when Patty drove our lawnmower through my prized corn patch while she visited with us in Georgia! However, all was forgiven and as Patty became a medical student and finally an outstanding surgeon, all of my family, Jacquie, David, Bobby, Sam and Julie depended on her constantly for her invaluable advice. Patty was always there for us. When we heard about her debilitating illness Jacquie wanted to be close to her in her time of need. Unfortunately she passed away suddenly, June10th 2002, at the onset of Patty’s illness.
We are all devastated and feel complete sorrow, grief and emptiness over Patty’s untimely passing. She was always so happy and cheerful no matter how her day had been.
Patty and Jacquie are in our thoughts every day and we miss them so very much.
Bob Wismer and family.
Robert Wismer
June 10, 2005
I was first introduced to Patty in 1963, the year I met and married her beautiful sister Jacquie. As Patty grew up my family too, was growing and we had many happy times together. However there was one incident when Patty drove our lawnmower through my prized corn patch while she visited with us in Georgia! However, all was forgiven and as Patty became a medical student and finally an outstanding surgeon, all of my family, Jacquie, David, Bobby, Sam and Julie depended on her constantly for her invaluable advice. Patty was always there for us. When we heard about her debilitating illness Jacquie wanted to be close to her in her time of need. Unfortunately she passed away suddenly, June10th 2002, at the onset of Patty’s illness.
We are all devastated and feel complete sorrow, grief and emptiness over Patty’s untimely passing. She was always so happy and cheerful no matter how her day had been.
Patty and Jacquie are in our thoughts every day and we miss them so very much.
Bob Wismer and family.
Stan Leonard
April 20, 2005
Dr. Patty Clugston made a tremendous difference to my life in helping me. She was a skillful surgeon. It is a shock to hear of her passing away. She helped many people and saved lives. She had a wonderful, calm manner, and took extra time to visit her patients in the hospital after surgery. I will always remember her compassion and humour. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Stan Leonard
Tracey Scott
March 28, 2005
I was shocked to hear of her passing...a very talented surgeon. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Jackie Vatis
March 26, 2005
I was very saddened to hear about Dr Clugston.I was a patient of her's and just want to send my deepest condolences to her family.She was a wonderful person and very professional..I will miss her.
Shelley Siebert
March 22, 2005
Patti was one in a million for my family and myself. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31, she took the fear out of all that was to follow.She allowed my young daughters to see me as a "whole" person again, instead of just scars. My family was very saddened to hear of her passing. What a shame and waste of a great, talented, and compassionate person. She not only looked after me as a patient, but was also there for my husband. For that, I am forever grateful! Patti, you will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathies to all of your family.
Laurie McKamey
March 21, 2005
March 21, 2005
As a patient and new person after Patty's wonderful reconstruction for the removal of both my breasts my heartfelt sympathies to her family and co-workers. I was shocked to hear of her passing, I knew she wasn't feeling well, but Patty kept working and smiling when you had to see her. I remember the story of her getting a new puppy named Bailey, she always made you smile. You will be missed Patty. Thank-you Patty for another chance of life.
Laurie McKamey
Shauneen Kellner
March 18, 2005
As a patient and recipient of the great work that Patty did my heartfelt sympathies to her family. She was an amazing doctor that had the best bedside manner of any out there. I always felt that I was talking to a friend rather than a doctor. Breast cancer patients everywhere have lost someone special.
Sylvia Koleszar
March 17, 2005
My husband and I are deeply saddened and quite upset to learn of Patty's passing. Her skillful gift to me, not only surgically but personally, will never be forgotten. She was a wonderful person to know. I am sure mere words cannot even come close to describe how she will be missed. Much love and condolences to all of her family. Sylvia & Jim Koleszar
Barb Stack
March 17, 2005
We were shocked to here of Dr Clugston's passing. She truely changed our lives with her care and compassion to our son. Words cannot express the gratitude we have to her. She was more than a Doctor. She went above and beyond the call of duty. To her family, I would like you to know what a special person she was and will always be. We will never forget the difference she has made in our lives and the life of our son.
The Stack Family
Doreen & Roy Clements
March 17, 2005
Our heartfelt condolences to Mr Stu Clugston and family and Mr & Mrs Whittle and family.Doreen was a patient of Patti for five years and we will miss her so much on a professional and personal level,she truely was a classy lady.You will always be in our thoughts.
Doreen and Roy
Stu Clugston
March 16, 2005
Dear friends. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for these gracious remarks about Patty. Last Saturday we had a wonderful celebration of her life with about 700 people in attendance. Many of those present were patients. Patty never talked about patients as cases, only as people and they were always on her mind even at home. We're moving forward with a plan to raise $5 million to sustain the breast reconstruction program she pioneered through an endowed chair in her name at UBC. In that way we can be assured that she stays near to us even though she's disappeared from view. I appreciate all the heartfeld condolences and am comforted that her loss is not mine alone to bear. Thanks again, Stu.
Judy Halliday
March 15, 2005
I am so saddened by Dr. Clugston's passing, I didn't know she was battling a disease. She was wonderful to me over the past 8 years with various surgeries and I appreciated her candor and expert advice when I visited her. May I express my condolences to her husband and family. I will miss her as I'm sure the whole medical community will and am thankful she was my surgeon and that I knew her. Godspeed Patti!
Sandy Saunders
March 13, 2005
Patty was an exceptional woman that I had the privilege of working with at UBC. Her dedication and compassion helped so many of us whose bodies had been ravaged by breast cancer. Thank you Patty.
Sandy
Dr. Angela Hutchinson-Georgi
March 13, 2005
I am so sad to hear of Patti's passing away. She was my mentor for 2 weeks when I did my Plastics rotation as an MSI at VGH so many years ago and for a green 4th year medical student she really made the rotation one of my best, as our senior resident at the time. She has since looked after a few of my patients who will be forever grateful for her skill & attention. To her husband and all of her family we extend sincerest sympathies. Her memory will live with us all. Angie Hutchinson
Elizabeth Anderson
March 11, 2005
To Dr. Clugston's Family -
I am so very sorry to hear about Dr. Clugston. She did a reduction mammoplasty on me in Sept 1996 and I thought she was wonderful. And a credit to her surgery, when I have to be examine in this area, the comment is made on the very good job she did to obtain very minimal scarring for me.
My most sincere condolences to you all.
Elizabeth Anderson
Kamloops, BC
Daniella Trevisan
March 10, 2005
Patty was a great friend of mine, who was always very loving & caring. She always used to tell me that you could be whatever you wanted to be in life, as long as you worked hard. I know in August 2004, she was not feeling that great, but still came with her dogs to Spanish Banks to see Adam & I play beach soccer & cheer us on. I know my mom (Toni) loved working with Patty in the office. We know that she will always be looking over us. She leaves us with many memories & may God bless her and keep her safe with him.
Dale Blaire-Wolynetz
March 10, 2005
Patty, you came into my life as my angel full of God's grace at a time when all doors seemed closed.
I feel so blessed to have known you not only as a talented surgeon but as a friend too.
You gave me back my life, self esteem and courage to move on and I will forever be grateful.
I will miss your smiles, wit and upbeat attitude.
I am a better person for having known you and you'll always remain in my prayers.
My heartfelt condolences to Stu and family.
Dale Blaire-Wolynetz
Coquitlam, BC
Sidsel Downes
March 9, 2005
I cannot tell you how shocked I was to hear of the loss of Dr. Clugston. I was a patient of hers that got her life back through Patricia. She performed reconstructive surgery on me for which I will be forever grateful. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends for their loss. The world has lost a truly remarkable and talented surgeon of which I can attest. God Bless you !!! and may He comfort you at this time!!!
Anne Murphy
March 9, 2005
Patty, I am so very sad that you are no longer on this planet...that I cannot visit you anymore...I miss you. I am truly grateful for you inate genius in making me feel "normal" again. I will wear those breasts proudly in your honour. I thank God for your being in my life and you will always be in my prayers.
My heartfelt and sincere sympathy to your Husband, Your Parents, and Family, and of course, your wonderful Pets.
John MacFarlane
March 9, 2005
Marian and I were saddened by the news of the passing of this wonderful woman. We join with all whom she touched in sending our heartfelt condolences to Stu and all her family. You are in our prayers. John and Marian MacFarlane
Her Private Patients
March 9, 2005
I feel I speak with the utmost confidence on behalf of the many private practice patients lives Patty touched. Those who weren't coping with breast cancer recovery, but who Patty's skillful hands, keen eye, and kind and professional manner changed and improved our lives as well. Those of us who have known the back elevator, covered and wearing dark glasses proudly hold our heads high in thanks and appreciation to Patty and her team. Deepest sympathies to her husband, the rest of her family and friends, and peers. She touched our lives and made us better for it.
Donna White
March 8, 2005
I am shocked and ever so saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Clugston. Patty is responsible for giving me my life back and making me whole once again after I faced breast cancer and mastectomy in 1999 at the age of 34. It was Patty's caring and grace in October 2001 that showed me that I could once again be whole and normal. I feel so blessed to have known her, to have had her play such a huge part in my journey and my recovery. I will forever be grateful for everything she has done for me and for so many other women that she helped. May the work that she did live on forever. My deepest condolonces to her family and to all who knew and loved her.
Jeff Oates
March 8, 2005
My memories of Patty relate to her childhood. Patty grew up on Silverdale Place in North Vancouver during the height of the baby boom. I was one of about 50 kids on the block. I remember great spring and summer nights playing kick-the-can, road hockey, hide-and-seek and other games with Patty in the cul-de-sac in front of the Whittle’s house. She was always there with her good nature, upbeat (and competitive) personality. From the time she was about five until the early teenage years she was inseparable from my younger brother, Steve. They were really good buddies. I recall many a night having dinner in the summer when Patty would come up to our open kitchen door to ask if Steve had finished dinner yet and could he come out to play. Great memories of a great girl. My deepest condolences to Patty’s family.
angela coppersmith
March 8, 2005
I was so sad to learn of the passing of Dr. Glugston. I am one of her many patients who owe her self worth to Dr. Glugston and her ability to make the trauma of having to go through breast cancer but coming out looking like a movie star. She will be sadly missed and I wear my breasts as a proud monument to her gifted hands.
Sadly missed
Lukas Walther
March 8, 2005
News of Patty's untimely death knocked the wind out of me, as such news does when we lose one so dedicated to easing suffering. She was a pragmatic, conscientious, jovial perfectionist who cared passionately about her work, not for the prestige but always for the person seeking her help. She truly wanted to make lives better, knew that she could, and went ahead and did so, time and time again.Those fortunate to have known Dr. Clugston will never forget her; with so many of us living, hopefully rejoicing, in the very skins she helped create, how could we ever? Thank you for giving me my life back, Patty... My heartfelt condolences to those closest to her; thank goodness she's no longer suffering. Never forgotten, Patty, always remembered.
Ann Leung
March 7, 2005
Dear Clugston and Whittle Families,
Please accept my heart-felt condolences for your loss. I have known Patty since we were students together in medical school. She was a terrific friend, a wonderful colleague, and a highly talented and compassionate surgeon. Her passing has left a huge void.
Lynn Radbourne
March 7, 2005
My daughter Stephanie and I would like to offer our sincere sympathies to Dr. Clugston's family. She was such a special lady to both of us and helped make both our lives happier.
Chris Dickison
March 7, 2005
It is with saddness and sorrow that we learned of Patty's passing. She truly was a lovely women and one in a million. Our deepest sympathies to her husband, family and friends. She is missed.
Janet Tungate
March 6, 2005
Patty - Your life touched so many people who will never forget you. I will always miss your wit and caring for all people and animals. With much sadness and love I send this to you. Be happy with Duffy. Janet Tungate
Joanna McPherson
March 6, 2005
Dear Stu,
I am only one of many that will miss Patty's kind heart .
How lucky I am to have known her.
God Bless to you and your family.
Deborah Thom
March 5, 2005
My sympathy to your family. Dr. Clugston treated me so well and I can't thank everyone enough for that. I knew I could continue because Pat said she could make it better and I believed her. And it seems so unfair that we couldn't help her. God Bless and keep you all safe.
Ryan Bennett
March 5, 2005
Words cannot express my sadness in hearing of Dr. Clugston's passing. She was an amazing person and surgeon who touched so many people's lives, including my own. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet her. My heartfelt sympathy to her family and staff during this time. I will never forget her amazing contribution to my quality of life.
Rosemary Wedemeyer
March 5, 2005
Our family was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a truly remarkable and wonderful person. Words cannot describe the appreciation our family has for the care, comfort and medical expertise she gave to our 10 year old daughter over the past 10 years. Our sincere condolences go to her husband and family and we will always remember her for the wonderful person she was. Dr. Clugston we will miss you more than words can say.
The Wedemeyer family
Tom Butler
March 5, 2005
Stu: please accept my sincere
condolences at your loss.
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