Obituary of Patrick Duncan Walter White
On February 26, 2021, Patrick's lengthy journey with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer ended in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his wife, children and best friend. Patrick was born July 8, 1975, in Saint John, New Brunswick, to C. Douglas White and Jillian Patriquen. During the height of his illness, Patrick maintained his sense of humour, hope, and unbelievable courage. He inspired many with his positive attitude and ability to beat the odds, surviving many life-threatening events during the last year of his illness. Undoubtedly, Patrick had a strong character and a strong will to live.
Patrick was an employee with Aliant for many years holding several senior management and leadership positions, including past Director of Finance. He valued education and had a BBA and MBA (UNBSJ, 1998; 2011) and many business certifications. Patrick also enjoyed being a guest lecturer in the BBA and MBA program at UNBSJ from 2007-2019. He truly loved people and had a gift to strike up a conversation with anyone, genuinely connecting, meeting the person where they were at in life. He will be remembered as a man of great compassion, sensitivity, drive, and determination that was well balanced with an incredible spark for life and an unforgettable sense of humour. He loved to laugh and took great pleasure in making others laugh.
Patrick loved music: playing, writing, singing, and performing. He and one of his best friends, Joe Boyd, played in multiple bands since their high school days at St. Malachy's. Their band, York Point Riot, performed at weddings, private parties, and local events. Patrick was a natural performer and was happiest when the audience would sing along.
Of all the things Patrick loved and devoted himself entirely to, it was to his wife and children. He was a family man, and his family always came first. Patrick loved spending time with his wife, whether taking long drives with long talks, listening to her read over her academic papers, or having some fun on their date nights. He loved taking his sons out on adventures. Without a destination in mind, he'd pack them up with a bag of snacks, and they'd explore a hiking trail, a playground, waterfalls, or a stream. He had a knack for making all things magical, leaving his sons' countless cherished memories.
He was fiercely loved and left behind his devoted wife Tanya and their children: Drew, Luke, Liam, Teehan, Zachary, and Nikolaus; his brothers, Adam (Martha) White, Gregory (Stephanie) White; his best friend, who was indeed like a brother, David Caissie; as well as many other lifetime friends and family. Patrick was predeceased by his infant daughter Elly Eileen White (2008).
The family would like to thank their amazing friends for their support over the many years of this cancer journey. As well, a heartfelt appreciation for his: doctors, Dr Scott and oncologist Dr Burnell; the nurses and doctors on 4CN and ICU at the Saint John Regional Hospital; the Extra-Mural Hospital palliative care team; and the London Regional Cancer Program-Neuroendocrine Tumour Team at London Health Science Centre for their highly specialized expertise and unwavering commitment to prolong his life.
Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (849-2119). Public visitation will be held Monday, March 1, 2021. Due to current public health restrictions, the visitation will be by reservation only. The public is asked to reserve a time for visitation by e-mailing hechmatt@hotmail.com. The Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, and will be attended by invitation only. Those unable to attend are welcome to view the service via Livestream beginning at 11:00 AM on Patrick's obituary at www.kennebecasisfh.com. Memoriam donations can be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumour Society of Canada.
