The Honourable Patrick Donald Dohm, former Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2023, in Vancouver, at the age of 88.
He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 64 years, Barbara, and brother Martin. He will be fondly remembered by his children Marty (Laura) grandson Emerson; Kelly (Mike) grandsons, Thomas (Steff), Sullivan (Desiree) great grandson Owen, Maxwell, Aaron, Samuel; Paul (Susan) grandsons Harlan, Justin; Monica (Roger) granddaughter Beatrice, grandsons Trey and Nicholas; Craig (Michelle) granddaughters Keegan, Madison; Aaron (Nina) grandson Finn.
Patrick was born in Kamloops BC to Laurence and Elizabeth Dohm, the second youngest of eight children. Following graduation from Kamloops High School, Patrick attended the University of British Columbia graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1958 and a Bachelor of Law in 1961. He articled with Russell & DuMoulin (now Fasken) and was called to the bar in 1962. Patrick and Barbara then moved back to Kamloops where he practiced primarily criminal law for ten years at what is now Fulton LLP, the oldest law firm in BC.
In 1972, Patrick, at 37 years old, was appointed to the County Court in Kamloops and in 1980 was elevated to the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. He was appointed Associate Chief Justice in 1995 and remained in that position until he reached the mandatory retirement age of 75, working until 5 pm on his very last day. He truly loved being a judge.
Patrick enjoyed the camaraderie of the Court, mentoring newly appointed judges and offering advice to young lawyers appearing before him. He was pragmatic in his approach to the law and was not afraid to make decisions that were more about the right thing to do, than perhaps what the law stipulated. He liked to solve problems or issues in a practical way.
In his retirement, Patrick enjoyed spending more time with Barbara and their family including their standard poodles. He continued his routine of attending morning Mass, maintaining his collection of antique clocks, and working in his yard growing spectacular roses and dahlias, which were regularly shared with family and friends. He and Barbara also spent time in Palm Springs in the winters where they enjoyed the warm weather, reading, and being together.
The Dohm Family is grateful to the nurses and doctors on the 7th Floor of Vancouver General Hospital, Doctor Marcel Genest, Doctor Jorge Fernando Denegri and to the personal caregiver Portia, all of whose kindness and compassion were truly appreciated.
There will be a Catholic Funeral Mass for Patrick on Monday August 21, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Augustine’s Parish at 2028 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia or Covenant House would be greatly appreciated.