Obituaries
HALL-PATCH, Michael C.
Volume 30 Issue 10, 11 & 12 | Posted: January 2, 2017
Michael Charles Hall-Patch was born in Portsmouth, England on March 14, 1922 and passed away October 19, 2016 at Victoria General Hospital with his three daughters and granddaughter at his side. Mike grew up in Britain and Malta and served in World War II as a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force. He married Joan (née Wallin) and immigrated to Vancouver, BC, Canada in 1948. He began his career at the T. Eaton Company and within a short period of time was promoted to manager of their advertising department in Victoria, BC. In 1966 he established his own advertising and print business, Idealetter Services, and with Joan successfully operated it until they retired in 1986. He was instrumental in the growth of St. Patrick’s Parish, including the establishment of St. Patrick’s School and was a key member of the Knights of Columbus Council for many years. As one of the last surviving World War II servicemen he was the Council’s representative at Oak Bay’s Remembrance Day services. Mike was a creative wordsmith who enjoyed writing thought-provoking letters to the editor, taught night school courses, was a gifted public speaker, and a masterful storyteller. He had the mind of an engineer, was a whiz at domestic repairs and minor renovations and had a true appreciation of steam engines and train travel. He introduced his family to many beloved traditions: Roesland on North Pender Island, Sunday morning green eggs and ham, and ingenious bedtime stories for his children featuring Sir Lancelot and his squire, Birdbrain, as well as inventing the Pasta Family for his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan, sons Nick and Andy (Gloria), daughters Jude, Teresa, and Cathy, sister Jenny of Ontario, five grandchildren Lucy, Vanessa (Trent), Mark, Clare, and Peter (Nola) and two great-grandchildren James and Wynn. He is also survived by relatives in the UK, the US, and Australia. Predeceased by his brother, Peter and daughter-in-law, Susan.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mount St. Mary Hospital for the excellent care provided to Michael over the past three years and to the staff of Five South at Victoria General Hospital for the compassion and respect he received in his final days. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesday, October 25th. In lieu of flowers, he would appreciate donations made to Mount St. Mary Hospital.