FLAVIN, Patricia Marie  (25 April 1956 – 10 November 2018)

Pat passed away peacefully on 10 November 2018 from complications that arose from the blood cancer, multiple myeloma, which she fought with courage and grace for the past 5 years. The cancer never defeated her indomitable spirit and cheerfulness.

Pat was born in Ottawa on 25 April 1956 to Norm and Barb Flavin. She moved to Vancouver where she went to Langara College. In February 1982 she met her husband, Mike Blanchflower in Whitehorse, Yukon. Despite the thirty below temperature it was love at first sight. They married in April 1986 and moved to Hong Kong where they lived for 31 years. Their three children, Paige, Brynne and Fraser, were all born in Hong Kong. Summers were spent at their cottage on St Mary Lake, Salt Spring Island. Pat loved to travel, and over the years she and the family traveled to many parts of the globe.

In Hong Kong, Pat was the Executive Director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. She thrived in that job and enjoyed organizing events for the Chamber. Later, she was Manager of the Austria-Hong Kong Business Association, and Manager of the Hong Kong Aerospace Forum. With three children, Pat became a full-time mother. Her greatest achievements were her children. She was the glue of the family, creating love and comfort wherever she was, especially the homes she renovated or built in Hong Kong, Vancouver, and Salt Spring Island. What a Mother she was! Baking unique birthday cakes and making Halloween costumes, she made memories. “Our love for you we cannot measure, every moment with you was a treasure.”

Pat loved Hong Kong and her many friends there. She enjoyed the people, the celebrations, street life, meeting friends at the Cricket Club, junk trips, Ladies Circle, walking in the country parks with her walking group, and lawn parties at Mt Nicholson where they lived for a number of years. Pat loved colourful clothes and costume parties, had a smile for everyone, and made lasting friends where ever she went.

Pat was grateful to her oncologist, Dr Stephen Nantel, and the nurses of the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at VGH for their compassion and care over the past four years. To give thanks, Pat raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, which does great work in the fight against blood cancers. Visit the LLS website (Inspirational Stories) and read Pat’s story. There will be no funeral by request. A Celebration of Pat will be held in the new year.