Skip to content Skip to footer


With shock and sadness we announce the unexpected death of Pat, beloved mom, gramma, sister, partner, aunt, cousin, sister-in-law and dear friend to so many. 

Pat took her last breath on Monday, November 16, 2020. She was driving on a side street with Mike when she suddenly felt ill and lost consciousness. Mike got the car to the side of the road and called 911. Paramedics took Pat to Vancouver General Hospital and soon after a doctor informed Pat’s son, Eric, that Pat had an aortic dissection (tear of the aorta) and her death was imminent. While we are still in shock because Pat was the healthiest 82-year old anyone knew, we imagine that she is actually pleased and relieved that she avoided the pains of a lengthy illness.  

Pat was cremated on November 19 in a pine and cedar casket made by Eric. A virtual memorial service will be held via Zoom on Saturday, December 12, 2020 (details below). A graveside service to inter her cremated remains will be held in 2021 when the sun is shining and many can gather to honour her life and mark her death. 

Pat is predeceased by her father and mother, John Leslie Gugin and Eleanor Isabella Gugin, husband Jon Vilhelm (Bill) Johnson, cousin Ron Vivian and little brother James, who died as a toddler. 

Pat is survived most immediately by her partner Mike Rylands, daughter Lara and partner Allan, son Eric, daughter-in-law Michelle and grand-daughter Tecla, sister Fay, brother-in-law Robert, niece Sarah and her girls, cousins Carole Robertson and family and Betty Vivian and family, and the family of her late husband including his youngest sister Mae Romeo and family and the surviving families of his late sister Fjola Davies and late cousin Hazel Braeuer. 

Thoughtful, kind, and with a warm, sunny way about her, Pat will be missed beyond words by many many people in particular her Walking Women, Queen Vic and Birch Bay friends. She tended and nurtured her relationships just like she cared for her beloved gardens at home in east Vancouver and in Birch Bay. Pat delighted in baking, cooking, preserving foods, finding and giving thoughtful gifts, tending her gardens, reading, sewing, swimming, soaking up the sun, travelling to warm places and being with those blessed by her love. 

DONATIONS IN LIEU OF FLOWERS

In lieu of flowers and in honour of Pat’s many years of nourishing children and colleagues while working at Queen Victoria Elementary School, you are invited to make a donation to the Vancouver School Board’s School Nutrition Program.To donate and receive a tax receipt you can either: 

  1. Write a cheque to the Vancouver School Board
  • Include in the cheque memo: “School Nutrition Program in Memory of Pat Johnson”
  • Mail your cheque to Vancouver School Board, Attention: Matt Redkwich, 1580 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 5K8

      2. Donate online at https://vsb.schoolcashonline.com/ 

  • You must first make an account. It will ask you to register a student after you first login but you can skip this step.
  • Once logged into the system click “Make a Donation” which is in the ‘Items’ tab in the top menu. Select the amount you wish to donate and there will be a drop down menu where you will select “School Nutrition Program.”
  • There is an option to select “in memory of” and leave a message as well. You will  be emailed a tax receipt once the donation is completed.

 

VIRTUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE

Given our times, we will gather online to remember, mourn and celebrate Pat. The gathering will take place via Zoom, the free video conferencing software. During the memorial it will be nice to see everyone’s faces, so we hope you’ll join us with your video camera on. 

Please join us at 10:00am (Pacific Time) on Saturday, December 12, 2020 for Pat’s Virtual Memorial. We expect to be together for approximately 1.5 hours.

You can join us virtually by using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Click below to access the full event invitation including the link to join us virtually on December 12th: www.NewNarrative.ca/PatriciaJohnson.

We invite you to check back to this page periodically for new details on the event including any special items we might invite you to bring with you to the memorial. 

You are welcome to log in at 9:45am (PT) to enjoy some music and view the digital event program with an Order of Service.

If you’ve never used Zoom before, you can visit www.Zoom.us/test to join a practice meeting prior to our event. Please be sure to download the latest version of Zoom if you are joining us on a phone or tablet.  

If you or anyone you know would like additional assistance, please contact (778) 960 – 8782 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to help you. Zoom has also compiled some wonderful video tutorials if you would like to watch ahead of our event. 

0 Comments

  • Shannon and John Dalzell
    Posted November 28, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    We met Pat and Mike at Birch Bay. Pat was a kind and caring individual and always had a smile. We are so sorry for your loss. Hugs to Mike and families involved!

  • Norrie Belton
    Posted November 28, 2020 at 9:07 pm

    We were so sorry to hear of Pat’s sudden passing. She was a good friend to Betty Belton for many years and we all enjoyed her company at Birch Bay. Deepest and heartfelt condolences from Norrie,Cal, Kevin, Honami, Maureen, Don, Blake and Kathie Belton and families.

  • Susan & Bill Watkins
    Posted November 29, 2020 at 7:01 am

    I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news. Pat was such a lovely caring lady. We were in the same Birch Bay Circle and often walked together to morning Aquasize enjoying each other’s company. Our deepest condolences to Mike & family, Pat will always live on in the fond memories we have of her.

  • The Velthuijzen Family
    Posted November 29, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    Our family always enjoyed seeing and speaking with Pat at Birch Bay while she was out walking or riding her bike. She will be missed dearly by her extended Birch Bay family. Our hearts are with you all. Godspeed Pat.

  • Renee Wilkins
    Posted November 29, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    After meeting Pat in a professional relationship it quickly progressed to a personal friendship as well and after 29 yearsI feel a deep sense of loss. Pat was such a kind and caring person. Always concerned more for everyone else and wanting to make sure everyone was Okay. I always felt she would just go on and on as she had a happy life and felt blessed for the life she had. How wonderful is that!

  • Dianne and Fred Ciccone Circle 33-11
    Posted November 29, 2020 at 7:22 pm

    Pat was a very special lady and we will miss her smiling face at Birch Bay, love to you all.

  • Gail & Bob Erickson
    Posted November 29, 2020 at 9:35 pm

    My condolences to the whole family. My brother Rick and I were babysat by Pat when we were young as our father worked for her dad Les for over 30 years in the brick laying and construction business. Dad bought his first house off of ‘Old Man’ Gugin (Les’ dad) back in 1947 after my brother Rick was born. Mom was pregnant for me when they moved into this home on Pender Street. Les and Eleanor, lived in their home on Pender near Hastings and Renfrew. We used to walk there a lot and I played with Fay while Dad and Les discussed business. As Pat was older we did not see much of her but she was there when my Mom needed her. Fay and I went to Elementary and High School together. When my husband and I bought our first home on East 29th we did not know at that time that Pat and Bill were living down the block with their daughter Lara and son Eric. Lara and Eric soon became my babysitters. Pat was always there to help in a pinch, and Lara and Eric were good friends of my son Bryan and daughter Jana. Pat was a compassionate, helpful, and wonderful person. I missed her when we moved out to Surrey and did not see her much in her later years. She was there for me again when my Mom passed last year and I will never forget this. Thank You Pat for being a good Friend, and I’m sorry you are now gone. We will meet again. Love Gail

  • Bruce and Diane Edwards
    Posted December 1, 2020 at 1:57 pm

    Condolences to Mike and Pat’s family. Pat was such a lovely lady and will be missed at Birch Bay.

  • Janet & Jeff Hastings
    Posted December 2, 2020 at 7:27 pm

    We were very shocked then saddened to hear of Pat’s sudden passing. We first met Pat at Birch Bay, a place she loved, a place of many freindships. We have such wonderful memories. We shared many laughs, a few glasses of wine, and had many birthday lunches with her good friend Mari Coghlan. We shared many recipes especially her world famous pickle preserves. I will always think of her when munching a few of ‘her’ pickles. Pat was generous, kind and always had a smile and a great big hug. We will miss her so much. I am so glad I met her and remained such good friends. We are very sorry for your loss. She will forever be in our thoughts. Please accept our condolences.

  • Denis Ottewell
    Posted December 3, 2020 at 4:18 am

    I was on staff at Grenfell from 1967 to 1983 and got to know Pat during many of those years.
    Pat was supportive of many activities and events during the years when her children were attending Grenfell and later. Families and schools need more people like Pat, a wonderful lady.

  • YEN FAMILY
    Posted December 3, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    We met Pat through Eric and Michelle at St. Jude’s school. Although we had brief encounters, we knew her to be an energetic and friendly person. Our deep condolences to Eric, Michelle, Tecla and to the rest of the family.

  • Kristina S
    Posted December 4, 2020 at 2:50 am

    My condolences to Eric and Lara and your families. Your mom was always so kind and welcoming, I am sorry for your loss.

  • Pat Shields
    Posted December 4, 2020 at 4:01 am

    Pat was an important member of our Walking Women group. She was quiet and thoughtful and took part in
    all our walks, trips, dinners and get togethers. We shared many laughs and tears when bad times fell on one of our members. We could always count on Pat to be there rain or shine and often with cookies. She will be greatly missed.

  • Betty Harris-Peake
    Posted December 4, 2020 at 10:46 pm

    As a member of the Walking Women, I will miss Pat very much. I enjoyed hearing her talk about her garden, what she had baked or cooked, and where she had been. She always had a ready smile and I always envied her great figure!

    Condolences to Mike and her family.

  • Howard Walton BBLP 15-7
    Posted December 5, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a lovely lady with such a beautiful demeanour and heartwarming smile. I will miss seeing her at Adult Swiss down at Birch Bay. My condolences to MIke and families.

  • Abe and Karen Renard
    Posted December 5, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    Abe and I are saddened by the loss of Pat. A beautiful lady on the inside and out. She often brought us roses from her garden at Birch Bay. I will miss our walks and bike rides and a glass of wine with her. Pat loved her pool time at The Bay. Pat always thought of others before herself. We will miss her!💗

  • Marilyn Wilson
    Posted December 5, 2020 at 11:54 pm

    Dear Mike,Michelle,Eric Tecla,Lara,and Alan,
    I met Pat when we were in Grade one at Franklin School,76 years ago.
    I moved away but as luck would have it we met again when we joined a group of 10 women, whom all had gone to
    School together.
    We met once a month for walks,talks,and giggles
    I was lucky enough to live in the same neighborhood as Pat so we continued out walks down by the Fraser River.
    Pat and I went to exercise classes at Trout Lake,which we both enjoyed so much.
    When my husband passed Pat brought me soup,her delicious muffins, which she taught me to make.
    Pat gave me some good advice! Pat said Marilyn, just go out for lunch,coffee or whatever,so you dont get lonely.
    Pat certainly made me not lonely.
    I remember a funny occasion when the walking women were in San Francisco at our cruise ship.
    Pat’s luggage disappeared! But true to our group everyone pitched in and there was Pat
    Gorgeous perfect Pat dressed up in everyone else’s clothes!
    I miss her dearly and send my love and deepest condolences
    Marilyn Wilson
    e
    s

  • Yvette Werfl
    Posted December 6, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    Pat and I first met at Queen Victoria Annex. I was hired to be a supervision aide and Pat became my partner on the playground, in the classrooms, in the library and the lunchroom. She had such a calm, kind and nurturing way with the kids and I learned to be more this way from her. What developed from that first meeting was an amazing forever friendship which I cherish every single day. We shared many years of ups and downs , laughs and tears, successes and failures and always trusted our friendship to get us through anything. Our core group of “coffee clatch”girls was Shirley, Maureen, Margaret, Pat & I, but many other staff also became and remained friends as they moved on or retired. Donna, Sissel, Margo, Leslie, Grace and Ginnie, Pat loved that we all kept in contact and always made an effort to get together for special occasions. Pat was always immediately loved by anyone who met her as her smile was sincere and kind, her elegant grace was affectionately embracing and warmed the heart and her joy for life was lovingly infectious. She will be missed dearly but the years of memories will keep her alive and well in my heart forever. Thank-you for being such a wonderful friend and for making my life better by being part of it. Rest in peace dearest Pat. Much love always, Yvette

  • Vicki Rogers
    Posted December 7, 2020 at 1:23 am

    Caring, soft-spoken, sweet loving, health-committed lifestyle is how I consider knowing Pat. A real lady who never had an angry word for anyone. I met Pat through my friend, Yvette, as they partnered together everyday for many years at Queen Victoria Elementary School caring for each and every child on the Playground and in the Cafeteria encouraging every child to learn an important life skills such as getting along with one another. I visited the school once and witnessed Pat’s gentle manner as she spoke with a teary-eyed child. My memories of Pat will always be of her kind words and gentle hand. My sincere Condolences to Mike, Eric, Michelle, Tecla, Lara, Allan other extended family and all of her dearest friends.

  • Donna Simon
    Posted December 8, 2020 at 7:44 pm

    Pat and I met as fellow staff members at Queen Victoria School and had such fun working in the library. We continued to see one another with the Queen Vic alumni. We shared a birthday year and with these good friends celebrated our 80th both wearing 80 tiaras. I shall really miss her ready smile and kind nature.
    Sincerest sympathy to the family and Mike.

  • Bryan Erickson
    Posted December 8, 2020 at 7:47 pm

    As we younger generations tend to do, we lose connections with those that played a formative part in who we are. Sadly such is the case with me. I have fond memories of Auntie Pat, Uncle Bill, Lara and Eric from my childhood on East 29th. Pat always had a big heart, was soft-spoken, and kind. I will echo my Mother’s sentiments about how appreciative I was seeing Pat at my Nonna’s memorial. For just being there and reminding me of the wonderful human being Pat is (I do not think that past tense is deserved here). My condolences and heart go out to you Eric, Lara, Mike, Fay, Robert, Sarah, and your families. Be well all of you.

  • Karen & Randy Godin
    Posted December 9, 2020 at 1:58 am

    To Mike & all of Pat’s family,
    Our sincerest condolences.
    Pat was a very sweet & friendly lady – she was always interested in what people were doing or getting up to and whether she was out riding her bike or just walking by she never missed an opportunity to stop for a quick chat.
    She never had a bad word to say about anyone and will be as sorely missed at the Bay just as we’re sure by all of you.

  • vicci burnett
    Posted December 12, 2020 at 7:09 am

    I am still in shock and filled with sadness at your passing Pat. I will miss our visits here in Vancouver and in Birch Bay. My sincere condolences to Mike and to Pats family. Pat was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be very missed.

  • Carolyn Taylor
    Posted December 18, 2020 at 1:21 am

    My love goes out to the Family, Pat was a beautiful person.
    My deepest sympathy.
    Love Carolyn Taylor.

Leave a comment