Pat Hamilton

Surrounded by family and friends, Pat passed away on Friday, March 10, at Lions Gate Hospital, after a lengthy illness. Pat was born in Belfast, Ireland, to Brigid (nee Campbell) and Robert Hamilton. She left Belfast during what she called “The Troubles”, and had many stories about life in Northern Ireland in her youth. Pat was educated in Catholic schools in Belfast, and attended Queen’s University there, where she got her Bachelor’s degree in scholastic philosophy. She taught at St. Dominic’s Girls School in Belfast before coming to British Columbia in August of 1973 to teach as a volunteer at Prince George College for three years, her first co-ed teaching experience. Pat moved to North Vancouver in June of 1976 and began teaching at St. Edmund’s Elementary School that September, eventually becoming Principal there. While in that position, she pursued a Master’s degree in Education Administration at the University of Oregon in Eugene during her summer breaks. During her career as teacher and school administrator, Pat was passionately committed to providing every child with the best possible education, regardless of their background or ability. She will be remembered by St. Edmund’s alumni for her love of teaching mathematics, and her favourite reminders that “Your reach should exceed your grasp”, “God is in the details”, and “It’s not rocket science”. Always the teacher, Pat enjoyed sharing her in-depth knowledge of history, particularly as it pertained to Ireland. She retired from teaching in June, 2006, but always had a soft spot in her heart for St. Edmund’s School and Parish. Despite having met many health challenges, from serious childhood illness to severe injuries due to a catastrophic automobile accident, Pat enjoyed life fully. She loved to spend time with her many friends, travelled extensively, enjoyed the theatre, music and art, and was an avid reader. Pat was predeceased by her parents Brigid and Robert and her brother Rory (Bernadette). She is survived by her brothers Richard (Jackie) and Sean (Angela) and their families, cousins Richard MacDonald and Peg (Norman) McCormick and their families, and Rory’s family. Pat will be dearly missed by her family and friends.