Obituary of Patrick Lafferty

Patrick Francis Lafferty was born in Cobourg, Ontario on August 11, 1952 and passed away in Camrose, Alberta on January 17, 2018. Pat was raised and schooled with his siblings in Roseneath, Ontario. In 1967 the family moved to Petawawa, Ontario where he set down roots. Here is where he truly lived his life. He joined the Petawawa Volunteer Fire Department as soon as he had the opportunity. In this position with PVFD, Pat was given recognition for saving a life while off duty. He went to work for the Canadian Forces Base there as a civilian employee, working heavy equipment, then driving highway coach transporting soldiers to and from the base and finally being hired with the Department of National Defense Fire Department. Pat was a 'Chevy guy' who had a wonderful sense of humour and was usually the life of the party. He was the one people called upon when they needed help. From cutting his own firewood, fishing trips with the boys or snow blowing the neighbours driveways, his name became well known in the community. Sadly, during his time with the DNDFD, Pat suffered an irreversible brain injury that forever changed his life. In his retirement from the fire department, he took back to the highways driving long haul for several companies including a few trips working for his brother Jim. As the years caught up to Pat he slowly settled into a real retirement, spending time at the park reading, soaking up the sun and chatting up whomever sat close. In 2011 Pat made the bold move to fly to Alberta to be closer to his son Frank. There he continued his strolling around town and park conversations. He happily helped out with whatever job, tasks or errands were asked of him, often jumping into the truck with Frank 'just to see the sites'. Pat continued to love the fire department, graciously accepting little treasures and mementos and listening to his son's stories of the Camrose and New Norway Fire Depts where his son served. He was never shy to offer advise or a story of his own from days gone by. He easily made friends in Camrose and enjoyed many a birthday party and barbeque. Left to cherish his memory are his sons Frank (Annette) Lafferty of Camrose, AB. and Jeffrey Lafferty of Saint John, NB.; and his siblings in Ontario, Dan Metzger, Michael (Linda) Lafferty, Jim (Maureen) Lafferty, JoAnne Lafferty, Janine Millar and Ian (Laurel Cowan) Lafferty; grandchildren Jessica, Morgan, Brandon, Melissa, Madison and Drayton; great grandson Jaxon; and many nieces and nephews. Patrick was predeceased by his parents Frank and Helen and his nephew Kevin. At Patrick's request, no formal service will be held. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Camrose & Area Animal Shelter Society (Bay 8, 4617-41 street Camrose, Alberta).