PAT ORMISTON

PAT ORMISTON
1914 - 2013

A.W. (Pat) ORMISTON passed away quickly on Saturday, Nov. 23, in Saskatoon. He was effectively a centenarian, in his 100th year, a few months shy of his landmark birthday. Born March 17, 1914, in Tantallon Saskatchewan, eldest son of four, to Ruth Winchester and William T. Ormiston, Saskatchewan pioneers.
Pat was forever blessed with the curiosity of a youngster, the energy of an adolescent, and the wisdom of an elder.
He placed the highest value on family, church, community, and service and lived by his commitments. He was surrounded by 'girls', daughters Judy, Jeanne, Elizabeth and Susan and his greatest love Evie - Evelyn Pretlow Ormiston, originally of New York. Married 50 years, Evie died in 1997. Pat and Evie loved their children, and many friends. Pat graduated from Univ. of Sask. Engineering and served in WWII. He travelled extensively as a civil engineer building roads, pipelines and dams across the Prairies and the North. He was a long time member of the Professional Engineers Association; in charge of Heavy Construction at Piggott Construction before starting his own engineering business. Pat served on church committees at Grosvenor Park United and McClure United, was an advisor for the Meewasin Authority and enjoyed the Canadian Club. He was a founding member of the ROMEO's (Retired Old Men Eating Out) whose weekly luncheons were a highlight.
Pat was a 'doer' and a diarist; a first adaptor of technology mastering the computer in his mid-eighties. With Evie, he designed the Ormiston family home where he lived out his long life. He was a fixer, tackling any project; an eager experimenter– learning stained glass window techniques at 95; and after his retirement, a master of the microwave. He loved a big car, a small Whiskey ('two fingers' water), and any size celebration. He kept his family hopping with pursuits, projects and plans. Pat travelled extensively with Evie, to Europe, Africa, Asia the Middle East, and criss-crossed North America from Alaska to Costa Rica. Even during his 99th year, he was on a plane or enjoying a road trip. But Pat, born on a farm, a boy during the Depression, knew the value of a nickel, and was always ready to help anyone in need, keeping an eye out for the less fortunate. His family adored him. He delighted in his four grandchildren Jimmy and Lisa Haight,(Judy and Jim's children) William and Aidan Harradence (sons of Susan and Keith); and his two great grandchildren, Ben and Logan Haight (sons of Jimmy and Jodi). He was a devoted father to his daughters; father-in-law to Keith, Jim, and Brian, brother in law to Betty and Dick Seeler, and a kindly Uncle Pat to Shelley, Peter, Bill, Charles, Anne and Evelyn. His brothers Reverend James (Elinor and Ruby)and Stewart predeceased him; brother Russell and wife Claire live in Victoria.

Pat had a voracious appetite for life, even until his last day, inspiring everyone who knew him. His age was just a number; he was never old in spirit.
"What's the program today", was his question every day.
The family would like to especially thank Elizabeth who cared for Pat for over 16 years in their home, as well as devoted caregivers. Flowers are welcome, or donations to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan in memory of Evie and Pat, and McClure United Church.
Pat will be honored at a Service of Remembrance on Friday, Dec. 6, 10:00 a.m. at McClure United Church,
(4025 Taylor St. E.), with a reception following. Visitation for family and friends with take place on Thursday evening Dec. 5, 2013 between 5:00-8:00 pm at Saskatoon Funeral Home (338 4th Ave. N.)
Condolences can be registered at mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.