October 15, 1929 - February 17, 2019
atricia Jean Margaret (Christie) Forbes passed away at the age of 89 on February 17th, 2019 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Peter Whyte Forbes, who was one of the founding members of Lasqueti Fishing Company. She is survived by her four children: Jean (John-d) Weighill, Bill (Georgia) Forbes, Rob (Coral) Forbes, Patty (Steve) Biro. Her 11 grandchildren: Cameron & Aggie Weighill, PJ, Trevor, Alicia, Elliot, Heather & Kelly Forbes, Robert, Bruce & Kevin Biro and her 12 great grandchildren: Taylor, Caitlyn, Maiah, Will, Jesse, Naden, Kaiya, Peter, Pietro, Violet, Brooklyn and Everett.
Pat was born on October 15th 1929 in Vancouver, BC and was the first of 8 children born to Robert and Jean Christie. From a young age it was obvious that Pat was responsible, independent, determined and very intelligent. She was a born leader who took her life seriously. Her parents had their hands full as the eight children were born within 10 years of each other. Patricia, Ann, Janet, Tom, Bill, Moira, Helen and Malcolm. Thankfully a mother's helper, Gwen Cook from Lasqueti Island, was hired to provide the family with much needed assistance. Gwen introduced Pat and her siblings to Lasqueti, and from there Pat and Gwen shared a caring and life long friendship.
Pat attended school in Vancouver and graduated from Britannia High School in 1947. Following her graduation, she attended Vancouver Normal School and began her training as a school teacher. Her first teaching assignment was on Lasqueti Island in 1948 where she taught at Tucker Bay and then later at False Bay and Charles William Elementary Schools. Pat and Peter met at Lasqueti and their courtship began during her early teaching years. They married in August of 1950 and happily settled into raising their 4 children. In 1967 Pat moved her family off Lasqueti so that her 3 older children could attend high school. The family settled in Coquitlam where Pat continued to teach elementary school. She soon discovered that there was no such thing as gender pay equity. Thoroughly ticked yet highly motivated she returned to university, more determined than ever. She completed both her Bachelor of Arts from UBC and her Master of Arts in Education at Simon Fraser. Being both a fearless trail blazer and a noteworthy professional Pat climbed the ranks of administration in the Coquitlam school district, first as a primary coordinator and then onto becoming a Principal. Pat, a highly respected educator retired in 1984 after enjoying a rewarding career in education that lasted well over 3 decades.
Pat was always very active in the community, willingly giving her time, expertise, leadership, organizational skills and her resources. She is known for her enthusiasm for island affairs, field hockey, gardening, and all things Scottish. She has served on a myriad of community organizations and was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her service. She was recognized by the Islands Trust for her stewardship and by the French Creek Harbour Authority for her 20 plus years of service. In addition, she was also recognized by both the BC and Canadian Women's Field Hockey Associations for her volunteer contributions. Pat took great pride and pleasure in being active in island activities; quilting club, Pete's Lake Water, parking lot management, the Fall Fair, the Arts Festival, choir recitals, and local politics. She ran for office twice and while she was defeated both times, she kept elected officers on their toes in her role as the leader of the opposition.
Pat was always most comfortable at Lasqueti, a place that she called home for close to 70 years. She also loved Molokai, where she enjoyed annual vacations with her friends and family. Whenever she had the chance, Pat would celebrate special occasions and holidays with her many Christie Clan relatives and friends. She was very social and loved to entertain at her False Bay home. She was a proud grandmother who often bragged to her friends about her grandchildren and their many accomplishments and successes. She baked cookies, sewed quillos, knitted glorious sweaters & intricate baby dresses and crocheted hundreds of Christmas decorations. She was also known to sneak giant zucchinis into cars of unsuspecting friends.
Pat was an avid writer and compiled a series of stories featuring the pioneer families of Lasqueti, in addition she wrote the history of the Christie and Forbes Families. Her writing inspired her nephew Bob Christie to write and produce two screen plays based on the Christie Family history, Auntie Culture and The Royal Eight. She wrote for a purpose and sent letters to every BC Premier when she had an axe to grind. She certainly was a force to be reckoned with, a tremendous role model and a person who earned the respect of her peers. She was a remarkable woman who lived a full and wonderful life. Her contributions to each community she lived in are numerous. Her hard work and dedication have laid the framework for the benefit of future generations.
The Forbes Family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Origins at Longwood for the exceptional care and kindness that they extended towards Pat over the past 3 years.
There will be a celebration of life in Pat's honour on Thursday, April 25th, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Parksville Community Centre, where everyone is welcome.
Should you desire to make a donation in Pat's memory please consider a contribution to the Lasqueti Community Association, For the Preserving Island History Project. Lasqueti Island, BC., V0R2J0. You may also choose to follow her extraordinary example and volunteer your time to your community.