EPaper

Patrick Joseph Caden

May 12, 1978, New Westminster, BC • April 26, 2021, Prince George, BC

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ALS Action Canada at: https://alsactioncanada.org/donate/. ALS is an underfunded and under resourced terminal illness that takes over 1000 Canadian lives every year. Pat’s family, in his honour, will continu

Survived by: His beautiful daughter, Ayda Grace Gardiner (her mom, Janet and Janet’s sister, Lisa), parents John Patrick and Patrice Michelle Caden, sisters Rheanna (Andy) Robinson and Laura (Shad) Thevenaz, nephews Sean and James Robinson, and niece Audra Thevenaz. Many Caden relatives in Ontario and Alberta and countless friends from Smithers, Prince George, and beyond.

Due to current restrictions, a private funeral service will be held on Saturday May 8, 2021.

Patrick (aka Pat, Bubba, Sajax, Uncle Dat, Dump Bear) was born in New Westminster, BC on May 12, 1978. On that day, he became Patrice Michelle Caden’s best-ever Mother’s Day gift, John Patrick Caden’s son, and Rheanna’s baby brother.

For the first three weeks of Pat’s life, he lived in the Lower Mainland before moving to Leduc, Alberta where his dad completed his trades apprenticeships. Pat’s family moved back to British Columbia in the early 1980’s so his father could be employed in the resource sector. Pat’s maternal grandparents were devastated to have their only grandchildren move away from the Lower Mainland, but they visited the family often wherever they lived, and Pat dearly loved his grandmother.

Pat welcomed his baby sister, Laura, when he was three years old, and he was happy to have two siblings accompany (and be witness to) his wild adventures during his childhood and adolescent years. After moving around to several different communities in BC, when Pat was five years old, his family settled in Smithers.

There is absolutely no doubt that growing up in the beautiful Bulkley Valley left a significant imprint on his heart and his mind. Raised in a rural setting, Pat always exemplified his love for the outdoors, and a fast paced, daring lifestyle. He took advantage of every (and any) opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, regardless of the season or temperature! He had a natural inclination and talent for sports (such as hockey, skiing, and snowboarding) and loved hiking and hunting with his dad. Pat was able to start working part-time when he was young at Smitty’s Restaurant and Safeway as well as the local sawmill before taking a leap at the age of 18 to join the Canadian Armed Forces.

When Pat joined the military his family and friends witnessed a transformation of Pat’s push for physical and patriotic excellence. We also saw him yearning to explore and experience more of our amazing world. With honourable discharge, Pat left the military when he was 21 and quickly moved to pursuing other high-risk and physically demanding, occupations.

After working for the BC Forest Service and relocating to Prince George, BC, Pat became a member of the elite North Peace Smoke Jumper crew. He never hesitated sharing pictures with his worrying mother of him jumping out of a plane... He loved smoke jumping and the thrill and intensity of battling fires. Following his forest fire fighting days, Pat eagerly moved into jobs with the energy sector and whether he was diamond drilling, on the pipelines, or oil rigs, Pat held a reputation for physical aptitude, stamina, and strength. He continued his outdoor enthusiasm by sky diving, scuba diving, hunting, and fishing while beginning a slate of travels around the world. It was also during this time of his life that Pat became a cherished uncle and God father to Rheanna (and Andy’s) children, Sean and James.

But the most significant celebratory time in Pat’s adult life was when Janet gave birth almost thirteen years ago to their baby girl and he became a father to beautiful Ayda. He was mesmerized by her from the day she was born. Ayda adored the dad she could camp, quad, and spend at Grandma or auntie Nana’s with. Pat eagerly bought her a pink pellet gun, took her to the archery range, and would humorously tell her to “stand down soldier” whenever she became a little hyper, restless, or grouchy. Ayda was very used to her dad’s post-military rhythm of life (including his “army clean” home). Pat was always so proud of Ayda and she was the best companion for him on so many adventures including when they attended his sister Laura’s wedding and then to meet his niece after the birth of Laura (and Shad’s) daughter, Audra. Pat’s love for his daughter was deep, enduring, and eternal. Pat was an amazing and protective uncle, brother, and son who was always there for his family. He was also a true friend to many and eagerly offered to help people with no expectation of anything in return.

About three years ago, Pat’s life was interrupted when he noticed something going on with the strength in his upper body. This is where (and when) his ALS began. When things started to worsen for Pat physically, he withdrew from family and friends, unsure and scared of what was happening to his always strong and able self. He became a master at hiding his illness and when he finally reached out for help, he had already lost all ability to use his arms and hands. He received his devastating diagnosis of ALS in October 2020. Pat’s family and friends immediately came to his side and with love, empathy, and compassion, and assisted him every day with being able to still live his life the way he wanted.

Over the last while, Pat would reminisce about being a child building forts on the acreage he lived on, participating in Beavers and Cubs, playing hockey with his buddies, and working outside with his parents. He reflected extensively on his time as an Infantryman in the military, and how his arms and hands helped him through gruelling and intensive training exercises so he could become a strong and tenacious soldier. He shared so many stories of being a forest fire fighter and a labourer in the most remote and rugged areas of Canada and the world. He cherished his global travels and his breadth of memories and experiences.

But we all knew that for Pat, what meant the most to him, was the time and strength he had to hold his baby girl, play with her, pack her around tirelessly when she was little, and drive her happily through Tim Horton’s so she could get her favourite treat before going to visit Grandma. After being diagnosed with ALS, and even in the face of such tragic adversity, Pat never showed anger about his illness, but as ALS nudged him further out of the driver’s seat of his life, Pat lamented his losses and grieved what was being taken away.

Months ago, Pat felt the weakness growing in his legs and most recently with his ability to breathe. Yet, our Pat held strong with his positive attitude and desire to continue to live life on his own terms. His gratitude for his abundant childhood, his time in the military, his career opportunities, the parts of the world he travelled, all the people he has known, and his adored daughter, her mom, aunties, cousins, and grandparents she will always have, made him feel so lucky for life and the beautiful things it brings. ALS reminded Pat to never take physical ability for granted, the importance of family and friends, and how quickly, without any explanation or warning, our time on earth can be interrupted.

If you knew Pat, he left an imprint on your life and for many, your soul. Just look around... no doubt he built, fixed, or left you something to remember him by. We’ll never forget his “Patisms”, his infectious smile, his beautiful brown eyes, and his eyebrows that told you everything about how he was thinking or feeling before you could even ask.

A special thank you to all of Pat’s amazing friends and family who supported him during this very challenging time. We thank the medical and health professionals who were part of this tragic ALS journey. Most of all, we thank Pat. We thank him for all he taught us, what he gave us, and the love he shared with each and every one of us in his own way.

We will miss you, Bubba and our lives will never, ever be the same. We hope you are running and basking in the freedom you have found again. Our tears and deep heartache may dissipate, but we will always, always, always love and miss you forever.

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2021-05-13T07:00:00.0000000Z

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