“If possible,
I would ask
for one more day
with you,
but, of course,
if it was possible,
one more day
would not be enough.”
Edward Lee
Patricia Riddell was born on March 17, 1935, in Red Deer, Alberta and passed away peacefully at home in Furdale, Saskatchewan, on March 10, 2023. Pat grew up in and around Red Deer and attended the University of Alberta where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1956. She worked as a geologist for the Oil and Gas Conservation Board, in Calgary where she met a fellow geologist, Craigmyle Riddell, from Banchory, Scotland. They were married in 1959. When Craig decided to change career paths and become a veterinarian they moved to Guelph, Ontario where Pat worked as a lab technician. After graduation they lived in Acme, Alberta, where Craig joined a veterinary practice and Pat worked at the local pool as a lifeguard. It was during this time they acquired their first family dog, a German Shepherd, named MacDuff. Their eldest daughter, Morag, was born during Craig’s pursuit of his Masters degree in Connecticut and their youngest daughter, Cara, was born in Saskatoon while Craig finished his PhD. Pat was a wonderful mother and spent time being a girl guide leader, chauffeuring the girls to music, dance, sports, riding and swimming lessons, and walking the family dog, Angus the pug. Our house was always open to all the neighbourhood kids and in addition to snacks we even had a bed for jumping on. In 1978 upon returning from a sabbatical year in Caldecote, England, Pat started to work part-time as a technician in the Geology Department at the University of Saskatchewan. Pat and Craig enjoyed further sabbatical years in Athens, Georgia (with the girls) and Melbourne, Australia (without the girls.) After her retirement, in 1998, Pat became involved in dog agility. She trained Glen Russell, a border collie, and competed in trials around Saskatchewan, even receiving second place, in the 10” class, at the 2004 Regionals. Pat was an active member of the Saskatoon Agility Association and held many positions on the executive where she made many lifelong friends. Pat competed in the Canadian National Agility Competition in 2005 and 2010 with her rescue dog, Kona, placing at both events. Pat enjoyed hiking, gardening, golfing, sewing, skiing, reading, playing the piano, travelling, canoeing, and caring for her family. She was thrilled to become a grandma in 2008, when Keiran was born to her daughter Cara and her husband Chris. She loved watching Keiran grow into the kind, resourceful young man he has become. After Craigmyle died in 2018 Pat continued to live on the acreage she loved until her passing. She will be fondly remembered as a kind, intelligent, and witty woman. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Morag Riddell and Cara Dawson, her son-in-law, Chris Dawson, her grandson, Keiran Dawson, and her nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Many thanks to Dr. R. Abdul-Hadi, Dr. V. Martin, Dr. K. Johnson, and the many palliative nurses who helped with her care until the end. As per Patricia’s request there will be a party to celebrate her life held in July. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Saskatoon SPCA (https://www.saskatoonspca.com/supporting/donate) or a pet charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Plant trees in memory of Patricia Riddell