“A Long Life – Well Lived”
Patrick “Pat” Alexander Lavery passed away peacefully at Hardisty Care Centre in Edmonton AB. He is predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Louis Lavery, and sister Vivian Fraser.
Pat was born in Jasper, AB and after graduating from Jasper High School started a banking career with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Ahead of their time, Pat and his future Best Man, Sandy Robinson, took a four-month work hiatus and in 1952 travelled throughout Europe. A memorable side trip by Pat to Rome allowed him to meet with Pope Pius XII.
In 1954 Pat met the love of his life Marie Eleanor (Nora) Olson. The two were married in Jasper on April 11, 1955 and were inseparable for the next 63 years. They soon moved to Edmonton and raised their three children.
Following a successful career in the furniture business, Pat and Nora retired early to Gull Lake, AB. Pat, not one to sit still, was the driving force behind the Bentley Museum, Farmer’s Market and Gull Lake Trail. Pat’s great sense of humour and “shenanigans” are fondly remembered by all.
Pat is survived by his wife Nora; son Brent (Julie) grandchildren Brandon and Brynn; daughter Gail (Arnie) grandchildren Jason, Ryan, Kyle (Lynette) and Brandi (John) and son Wayne (Skye) grandchildren Emma and Sean; great grandchildren are Connor, Claire, and Max.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hardisty Care Centre and Father Jim Corrigan for their care and support in Pat’s final days.
A Celebration of Life for Pat will be held on May 5, 2018 at 1:30 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 13 Bower Drive, Sherwood Park, AB.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers are preferred through www.alzheimer.ca/en/ab.
Tribute wall - a place to share your memories and condolences
Len Mallon
Pat was a terrific man, he will be missed. I’m so glad that he was a part of my life all those years ago. I am terribly disappointed that I am not able to attend the service.
Tony Muszynski
As a friend of Wayne’s and unthinking teenage beneficiary of the hospitality of Pat and Nora in their Gull Lake home in the 1970s, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the entire Lavery Family at the loss of Mr. Lavery. I will always remember his smiling and welcoming face in the mornings when a ragged crew of hungover, sleep deprived truants would make their way from the basement or bunkhouse to the Lavery table where a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, pancakes and fresh orange juice would always be waiting. At the time I was too immature to truly appreciate the extraordinary kindness and grace with which Pat and Nora would open their home to groups of five, ten, or even twenty rowdy, ravenous youth. As I now approach my 60s, I feel I understand the motivation for their not so random acts of kindness. They loved their children and took pleasure from seeing them enjoy the company of friends in a location where the two of them could still keep an unobtrusive and tender (but close) eye on everyone.
Jo-Anne McIver
Your Dad was the best boss ever at the Bentley Dairy Bar.Especially when I turned up the heat to full and proceeded to fall asleep due to a huge hangover .He was unbelievably calm when he came in and all the ice cream had melted.Such great memories of Gull Lake and the Lavery home.
Sandy McKay
Dear Lavery family,
I had the pleasure of knowing Pat over several summers at Gull Lake. He was always around and always enthusiastic about what we were doing, whether we were out on the lake all day, or spending the evenings listening to music and playing caps in the lower level of the Lavery house. He always made our group of friends feel welcome and loved. Pat and Nora were such a great couple and such great parents. Of course, a favorite time was when we would visit him at the ice cream shop in Bently!
I have very fond memories of both Pat and Nora. Love and condolences to you.
Sandy
Andy Barry/Mel Ellenburgh
Our deepest condolences to yourselves on Pat’s passing – our prayers are with you.