Obituary for Patricia Ann Buhr
On December 11, 2015 Patricia Ann Buhr passed away at the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit, at the age of 65 years. She drew her last breath in the company of her life long friend, Marty Reimer.
Pat was born on March 17, 1950 in Altona, Manitoba to Edward and Eva Buhr. She was the fourth of 12 surviving siblings; 6 brothers and 5 sisters. She was predeceased by her mother, a brother in infancy, and her ex-husband, Terry Berg. She is survived by her daughter Rachel, son-in-law Tim, son Joshua and two grandsons: Leif and Soren.
After high school, Pat acquired a home economics degree from the University of Manitoba. She had a passion for clothing design, which she explored by both designing clothes for herself and later for her young children. Over the years Pat had various jobs outside her home, but it was her role first as a mother and then as a grandmother (or more accurately “nana”) that were her most important and fulfilling jobs of all.
Pat was always a thoughtful, peaceful person. She was a lover of music, conversation, books, crosswords, cooking, baking, long walks and art. Pat had impeccable style and taste that was reflected in her clothing, furnishing, and gift choices. She faced challenges with quiet, practical humour. To meet her was to instantly fall under her gentle spell. Her friends and family will miss her dearly.
The following is Tim’s speech:
Today is a celebration of life, not a meditation on death.We’ve all done plenty of meditation and reflection over the past weeks, in those quiet moments.I haven’t known Pat as long as most of you, but I know her well enough to know she wouldn’t want us to dwell on the “what ifs” or succumb to despair.So let’s honour her the way she’d want by remembering her as she was: vibrant, kind and open.I know how I’ll remember Pat. Through the gifts she left for me: Rachel and my sons, Leif and Soren, and my brother-in-law Josh.Rachel has inherited Pat’s quiet intensity, inner resilience, and strength of character.Josh has inherited her compassion and tenderness.I invite you all to share your stories of Pat. I look forward to seeing the new stories authored in her memory, especially those written as I watch my sons grow up.Pat is forever alive so long as we are alive and remember her.
Thanks so much for this kind labour of love for our family. Well done.
Thank you!
really lovely job, stuart. there are some great photos, and it’s wonderful to have the stories here too. thanks for doing this.
Thanks from the far West. We share in the family’s loss and appreciate participating in her Celebration and meeting Marty.
Stuart it is a wonderful blog, so happy that this will be something we can keep and share. Thanks for the efforts you made.
Thank you. I like doing it.
Although Cheryl and I were unable to attend the memorial this collage and collection of videos is what we will always cherish of our sister Pat. Our thanks go out to everyone who contributed.