Obituary of Georgina Patricia Clarke

Georgina Patricia Burbridge "Pat" was born on June 3, 1929, the youngest of 8 children, at Lumsden, Saskatchewan. She was quite a singer and cut a few 78 records, but the Buttons & Bows was one of her favourites. She graduated from grade 12, went on to train and work in Regina as a secretary. Pat met her future husband, Clayton Mitchell, moved to Vancouver, got married, and had two daughters. "Move North" came the call and the family followed the gold rush trail to Dawson Creek, where Pat started her long career as a legal secretary with Giroday, Giroday & Gibb. I first met Pat back in 1961 when I also went to work at the same firm. Pat quickly became my mentor, as well as a friend. Over the years we worked together, we shared many laughs, often at the expense of one of the lawyers in the firm, and also many tears in 1962 when Pat became mother, father, sole supporter, cheerleader and chauffeur to her two young girls after the sudden death of Clayton. Pat always had time for her girls, taking them on family holidays to Saskatchewan, singing songs all the way in the car. Pat was a very good seamstress and made all the dance costumes and dresses for Kathy & Debbie. Pat loved dancing and socializing. She had a laugh that made everyone laugh right along with her. She was a sharp dresser and enjoyed shopping for clothes for both herself and her girls. Only last year when we were on an overnight shopping marathon in Grande Prairie, she was wishing she could still wear the spike, sharp toed high heels that always made everything she wore look that much better. Pat continued her career in the law field working at Vernon & Thompson in Maple Ridge until she retired at age 67. Pat met Ted Clarke and they enjoyed "cutting a rug" at the local legion, they loved to dance. They soon married in Hawaii and blended their families. Pat was blessed with eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Family brought much happiness to Pat's life. Ted passed away in 2008 and after Pat was diagnosed with lung cancer, the girls moved her north to help her through her last years. Although Pat was not overjoyed at moving back to the cold and windy north, she did get out to the casino where she loved to work the one armed bandits. Pat was a strong, hard working, unselfish professional. Thank you for giving me this privilege. (Eulogy read by Ruth Richardson) Pat is survived by daughters Kathy (Clarence) Mineault, Debbie (Bill) Henderson; step daughter Michelle (Brock) Brown; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service was held on Friday, April 9, 2010 at 3:00pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pauline Haycock officiated. Interment was held in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery.