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Dr. Patrick MacGillivray passed away peacefully at the age of 89 in hospital in the early morning of January 14th, 2013. He was born on November 30th, 1923, in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Helen and Dr. Alex MacGillivray.

Patrick grew up in High Heskett, and attended area boarding schools. He followed the family tradition of attending medical school in Edinburgh, and became a 4th generation doctor. Upon completion of his degree, he spent two years as a captain in the Royal Army Medical Corp of the British Home Guard. He then began practicing medicine in Edinburgh, where he met his future wife, Audrey Plumley. They were married on December 16th, 1953. They then spent a short time in Glasgow, before emigrating to Canada with their two daughters in 1957. He practiced as a well-respected pediatrician at the Spence Clinic in Fort William (Thunder Bay). During this time they welcomed a son, and travelled with family and numerous friends made while in Canada. He enjoyed sailing, skiing and spent many wondrous days at a cottage he built. Upon his retirement in 1989, he and his wife moved to Courtenay, British Columbia. They thoroughly enjoyed retirement, taking on a large garden, continuing travelling, golfing, and learning to Scottish country-dance.

Patrick leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Audrey, his two daughters Alison and Anna (Kevin), and his son Sandy (Sandy), his four grandchildren Jamie, Trevor, Olivia and Campbell, and sisters June and Mary. He was predeceased by his parents, and infant granddaughter Alexandra.

A Memorial Service for Patrick will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Church of St. John the Divine 579 5th Street, Courtenay, BC.

“Think of me as a ship that has disappeared over the horizon

– I may still exist, but you cannot see me.”



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