It is with great sadness that we announce that Arthur James Patrick Oswald died at his home on Friday, January 28th, 2022, just a couple of weeks shy of his 85th birthday. Patrick was the younger of the two sons of Lt-Col Hugh Oswald and his wife Rose-Marie Leahy. Patrick is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years Hilary, his first wife of 16 years Patricia, his five children from his first marriage Patrick (Elisabeth), Hugh (Louise), Michael, Veronica (John) and Natasha, his 10 grandchildren Arne, Maria (Alex), Jessica (Chris), Kelly, Carly, James, Anthony, Chloe, Stephanie and Thomas, and great-grandson Carson (son of Jessica and Chris). Patrick was predeceased by his older brother Sir Michael Oswald and survived by his sister-in-law The Lady Angela Oswald, his niece Katharine (Sir Alexander Matheson), his nephew William (Arabella) and their families.
Patrick was born on March 13th, 1937, in London, England. He attended Eton College and McGill University. An avid sportsman, in 1953 while at Eton he won the Junior Public School Sabre (fencing) trophy. A former president of the Vancouver Polo Club Patrick played polo for several decades and represented Canada in England and Scotland in 1973. He was a co-founder and MFH (Master of Fox Hounds) of the Fraser Valley Hunt. Patrick joined the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club in 1965 and became Commodore in 1985. Among his many achievements Patrick initiated and supported the Commodores’ Cup for all sailing programs in British Columbia, providing opportunities for young sailors to hone their racing skills. A number of graduates have gone on to compete at the Olympics.
Patrick was well known for his ability to raise funds for charity, working initially for the Western Institute for the Deaf, 30 years for the United Way and 10 years for The Nature Trust of B.C. Patrick was also Prior Emeritus of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem – Vancouver Commandery.
“Enthusiasm Conquers the World!” was Patrick’s motto. He was a true gentleman with a strong sense of family, a wide range of friends and a large appetite for life. He was enormous Fun!
As a member of the 8 Bells Club there will be a private service for Patrick post COVID. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the B.C. Cancer Agency , The Nature Trust of B.C ., or a charity of your choice.