Helen Patricia Brandlmayr (nee Spencer), 97, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2021. Born in 1923 in Springside, Saskatchewan, she grew up on the Canadian prairies and in Chilliwack, BC. She married John Brandlmayr in 1946, and raised their family in Burnaby, BC where she lived the rest of her long and happy life. Pat is predeceased by her husband, John; her sister, Audrey; and her brother, Jim. She is survived by her son, Grant (Leslie) and her daughter, Victoria (Lyall); three grandchildren Dawn (Jason), Jeremy (Jade) and Ryan (Kerri); and eight great-grandchildren (Kara, Alyssa, Jasmine, Jayla, Talon, Beau, Rainier, and Reed). Each will always share a special bond with Pat. Pat will also be lovingly remembered by many other family members and friends for whom she was a great listener and cared for deeply. A special thank you to the staff at Normanna Care Home - each of you made her feel loved, comfortable and cared for during her final years. Our family particularly appreciates the friendship Pat shared with Maria Silviera, a remarkable caregiver and Pat's best friend throughout her final years.
Pat was a role model for women her entire life, and her contributions to the world reflect her emphasis on the value of family and friends, equality, and nature. She attended the University of Saskatchewan and was a lifelong advocate of education. She was an accomplished businesswoman and yachtswoman when there were few. After a full career working alongside her husband John in the family businesses, Spencer Boats Ltd. and John Brandlmayr Ltd., she became a dedicated and hard-working volunteer in Burnaby where her business savvy and human resource experience were in high demand. Pat was also an active and educated environmentalist - again well ahead of the curve. As a volunteer, she received many awards for exemplary service including Burnaby’s Local Hero Award. She was particularly proud of her election as the Commander of the Burnaby Power and Sail Squadron as she was the first woman in Canada to hold such a position. Pat was also an active and cherished member of the Vancouver Natural History Society for many years. As well Pat was a long-standing member of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. In her retirement, Pat also served as an Employment Insurance referee for many years and was a Commissioner for the North Fraser Harbour Commission travelling widely as their representative at international conferences. For relaxation, she loved gardening, sailing, bird watching, being the family historian, and spending time with family and friends. Her daughter shares her love of gardening and nurtures a beautiful garden at her home on Salt Spring Island, and all of her family share her love of sailing and nature. Pat was very proud and happy to see her values and interests living on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Pat was a loving, dedicated, and strong woman who will be dearly missed by so many – this is her legacy and a tribute to a life well lived. Condolences for the family may be left at www.kearneyfs.com. A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. www.wildliferescue.ca