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John ‘Pat’ DEANE-FREEMAN

December 9, 2006

Of Bridge Lake, B.C. passed away Sat., Dec. 9, 2006 at 100 Mile District General Hospital. Pat grew up in Victoria, B.C. and worked in banking until serving in the army during WWII. At war’s end, in 1945, he joined his uncle’s family in their move to the Cariboo to take up ranching at Knight Lake near Bridge Lake. They had found the land of their dreams. Pat was a gifted athlete, especially in baseball and golf. He was able to continue playing golf throughout his life. His favourite moments in sport were when, as a young man, he got a hole-in-one on a par 4 hole at the old Salmon Arm Golf Club, and many year later, at 77, he shot his age with a score of 77 on his home course, the 108 Golf Club. All of Pat’s living relatives were cousins. His brother was killed during World War II. His father, mother and sister, who are now deceased, all lived near Bridge Lake at different times. They had settled at Eugene Lake, very close to Pat’s adopted home at Knight Lake. He was a lifelong bachelor. His sister, Molly, and brother Brian died without children. Even though he had no official nieces, nor nephews, he was ‘Uncle’ Pat to all of the young cousins from the next generation. He was definitely a favourite uncle. He always had time to listen, play and teach. Pat lived in the Cariboo for six decades; first at Knight Lake for 46 years and then for the past 15 years at the adjacent Eugene Lake. Within five years of arriving in 1945, his uncle had died, his cousins had left home, and he decided to stay to help his aunt with the ranch. He eventually became her caregiver until she passed away in 1979. Together they became fully occupied with children’s schooling in small schools in the Cariboo. Pat was a teacher and principal, and she volunteered with music and drama. He was dedicated to the community as a rancher, school-bus driver, teacher, social worker, and finally until very recently, he helped other seniors as a social services volunteer. Pat was the last Cariboo resident with the surname of Deane-Freeman. He will be missed by his cousins and his many friends of the South Cariboo. A remembrance service will be held at the Interlakes Community Hall on Thurs., Dec. 14, 2006 at 2 p.m. Participants who feel inclined to speak will be welcome to share stories with the assembly. Pat loved his home and Eugene Lake and was determined to be there until the end of his days on earth. He was very happy to see his dream come true. It was only in his last few days that he needed to be away from home at the hospital. Dr. Wendland and the staff at the 100 Mile Hospital treated Pat and his family with kind care and consideration. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the South Cariboo Health Foundation would be appreciated.

100 Mile Funeral Service Ltd. in care of the arrangements. 395-3243



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