PAT KNIBBS

1922 - 2006

Daryl Connor “Pat” Knibbs of Bow Island, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at the age of 84 years with Doreen, his wife of fifty eight years at his side.
Besides his loving wife Doreen, Pat is survived by his sons Darrel (Linda), Kevin (Diny) and by his granddaughters Kelsey and Danika. He will also be missed by his sisters Vivian and Gail, his brother Bill and by Doreen’s family Doug, Mary, Greg and Pat Brososky, Betty Demerse and his many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Pat was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He lived a rich life filled with family, friends and sports. Pat’s dedication to his family made it hard for us to let him go.
Pat was born in Grassy Lake, Alberta in 1922 and lived on the family farm with his mom Hazel, dad Jack, and nine siblings, Rex, Lloyd, Loraine (Thacker), Bert, Gerald, Jack, Vivian (Loxton), Bill and Gail (Sanderson). He left school at a young age in order to help on the family farm during the tough drought years.  His stories of life on the farm became a regular event whenever his grandchildren visited. Pat was very athletic from a young age and excelled in hockey, baseball and later golf. His love of sports followed him into adulthood where he coached for many years and followed his children and grandchildren in hockey, ball and soccer.
Pat was a proud Canadian. He served with the Calgary Highlanders during World War II. In France, during the Normandy Invasion, he was injured during a fierce battle but returned to Canada after his recovery and remained a staunch Legion member until his passing.
In 1948, Pat married his sweetheart from Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Doreen Brososky. Together they raised two boys, Darrel and Kevin, and resided in Bow Island for forty nine years. Pat was a hard working member of the community who never hesitated to lend a hand to his fellow man. In 1995, Pat and Doreen moved to Okotoks and started a new life there. They bought a condo, made many new friends, and enthusiastically joined in all their granddaughter’s activities.
Pat was the perfect grandfather. His unconditional love and constant support and guidance for his two granddaughters, Kelsey and Danika, were all they could ask for. He followed them to rinks, soccer fields, dance studios, birthday parties and Christmas concerts. After nine happy years in Okotoks, Pat and Doreen’s failing health resulted in a move back to Bow Island. Home again, Pat lived for two and a half years at the Pleasant View Lodge.  Supported by family and friends, he strived to remain independent and live out his life with Doreen at his side.
Pat was a proud father and great friend to his sons Darrel and Kevin and their wives Linda and Diny. He was always there for us and we’ll miss him dearly.
Heartfelt thanks to his nieces Connie Knibbs, Corrine Thacker and Geri Bronson and the staff at the Bow Island Health Centre and the Pleasant View Lodge, who helped Dad so much.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, 202 - 5 Avenue East, Bow Island on Monday, November 27, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. Interment to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Pat’s name may be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 197, P.O. Box 749, Bow Island, Alberta  T0K 0G0 or to the Okotoks Hospice, care of the Foothills Country Hospice Society, P.O. Box 274, Okotoks, Alberta  T1S 1A5.