Patrick Crofton

Obituary for Patrick Dermott Crofton. Lt.-Cdmr (retired) C

The Globe and Mail on Jan. 16, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Patricia; 4 daughters, Marietta (Greg), Virginia, Susanna, Tessa (Steffen) and 8 grandchildren, Kel, Blake, Taylor, Mika, Hannah, Piers, Marissa and Marcus.

Dearly missed by brother, Mark (Jane) and sister, Sharron. Predeceased by father, Dermott and mother, Doris.

  
    
  Pat was born on Saltspring Island, BC in 1935, oldest son of a larger pioneer family which owned and operated the Harbour House Hotel (1916-1964). A true athlete, he excelled in rugby, tennis and boxing as a young man but his passion for all sports continued his entire life. The world stopped for NHL playoffs, Olympic Games and Grand Slam Tennis. He would have been so pleased that Milos Raonic beat Roger Federer in the Brisbane Final this past week!

After graduating from University School (now SMUS) and Royal Roads Military College, Pat became a proud member of the Canadian Military, serving on a variety of Canadian ships as Navigating Lieutenant, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander, CD (Canadian Forces Decoration).

It was during his second trip to England on defence training at Greenwich that he was encouraged to call on the younger sister of the family Doctor from Saltspring (Dr. Ivor Williams). A month later, Pat proposed marriage to Patricia Williams and brought her home to Canada. Thus began 58 years of love and happiness for “The Pats” as they were called by both family and friends.

Upon leaving the Canadian Navy, Pat worked the family farm and spent countless hours driving and supporting his four daughters in their sporting endeavours (and weekends at horse shows), long remembered marching down the sides of field hockey pitches shouting encouragement and writing briefs of the games…even when not the coach!

The call to community service was strong with Pat. Throughout the 1970’s, he supported and campaigned for many political Candidates at all 3 levels of Government before deciding to seek a role in Municipal Government himself. From 1980-1984, he sat as an elected Alderman for the Municipality of Saanich. He truly enjoyed his capacity to participate in the future of Saanich’s growth at a time when many changes were occurring. He was always happy to take a phone call from a Saanich resident in the evening, discussing suggestions or concerns with equal heart. Some daughters not so happy with phone use..

1984-1988: Pat was elected to the 33rd Parliament as the Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich. A big change for the Pats, with a condo to maintain as well as the homestead in Saanich, flights back and forth every second weekend from Ottawa to stay in touch with both family and community events. They enjoyed this time immensely, meeting new friends of all political stripes and reconnecting with old Navy friends, Some of his most memorable achievements include:

Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence.
Member of the Special Joint Committee on Canada’s International Relations.
Member of the Standing Committee on External Affairs and National Defence.

After retirement from politics, Pat continued to participate in the local Community, serving on various local boards including Oak Bay Lodge, Camosun College, Eldercare, Pearson College and Commonwealth Games Society to name but a few. He has been a PROUD member of the Victoria Rotary Club (1991) and Victoria Golf Club (1973). The Pats are big supporters of local charities and always happy to participate in fundraising activities. They have also been very active in their church, St. Peter and St. Paul’s.

Pat made a huge impact on the lives of many. He was always a willing ear to a budding politician, young entrepreneur, friend or family member seeking advice or just a kind word. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him and especially to his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and grandnephews who looked to him as a wonderful mentor.

Thank you to both their wonderful friends as well as cherished neighbours at Mariner’s Landing that have added SO MUCH to their lives.

A service of Celebration to Pat’s Life will be held on January 30, 2016 at 1pm at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria BC officiated by the Ven. Lon Towstego.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charity of choice.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

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