Obituary from the Vancouver Sun for Patricia Wadsworth (Beck)
May 1, 1931 – August 16, 2017
Pat was born and raised in Vancouver and was a descendant of founders of the city and province. After attending school on the west side, she went on to complete the 5-year combined nursing program at the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) School of Nursing in 1955. This was later followed by a degree in Adult Education in the 1960s.
Pat excelled throughout her career and was a natural leader. She was promoted to Vice President of Nursing at VGH and then went on to be the President of the BC Health Association from 1978-1985. Due to her passion for nursing, Pat dedicated immense time to the Registered Nurses Foundation of BC and other nursing causes. With her credentials, she was an integral member of teams that accredited numerous health care facilities across the nation. As a woman pioneer in nursing and health care administration in BC, she was the recipient of innumerable honorary distinctions in recognition of her contributions.
Family and friends, personal and professional, were essential for Pat and she committed her entire life to nurture those relationships, whether they be next door or around the world. Pat loved to travel and there were countless trips globally for work and pleasure. At home, there were always many happy gatherings with people visiting and coming to stay.
Pat passed away peacefully in Vancouver on Wednesday, August 16, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by Bob, her husband of over 60 years, and by sons Bill and Richard (Luc), daughter Margaret, sister Peggy Beck and fondly remembered by many extended family members and friends.
We would like to thank Jeannie, the staff at AMICA Arbutus Manor, Pacific Spirit Health Unit and Evergreen Home Health Services, as well as the many other health care professionals that helped care for Pat.
A service to celebrate Pat’s life was held on Friday, September 8, 2017 in Vancouver. Donations in Pat’s honour may be directed to the Registered Nurses Foundation of BC, 100-1450 Creekside Drive, Vancouver, BC V6J 5B3, 604-739-1944 https://rnfbc.ca/donate/.
Please read her Amazing Alumni Story.