Obituary of William Patrick Bolger

BOLGER, William “Patrick” “Pat”

It is with heavy hearts and tremendous sorrow that we announce the death of William “Patrick” Bolger age 91 of Port Hastings, NS, who passed away the morning of Saturday, September 30^th, 2023, at the Strait Richmond Hospital in Evanston, NS.

Pat, as he was known to both family and friends, was born in Torbay, NFLD on December 17th, 1931 to loving parents, Patrick and Mary (Cullen) of Torbay, NFLD. Growing up in a close-knit Irish Catholic family that included 13 children, he spoke so often of his fond memories of childhood, growing up during the war years spending much time with his father in his blacksmith forge - the unofficial social lair of the community.

Dad left home at 17, fibbing about his age, and began work for the United States Air Force as a heavy-duty mechanic in Goose Bay, NL, and later, Frobisher Bay, NWT. It was there that he met our mother, Marie MacDonald of Point Tupper, NS.  With much (needed) patience, and shared values, they created a family of 6.  Our mother and father taught us a strong work ethic with a deep sense of right and wrong. 

Following Marie back to Nova Scotia, Dad began working with Nova Construction and then moved on to work at Stora Forest Industries, in Point Tupper in 1961.  In addition to immense patience, he was known for his dry sense of humour, and his willingness to help whenever he was able.  Dad never took a day off, as is understandable when you have 6 kids at home.  There was nothing that Dad wouldn’t or couldn’t do (before computers) and Mom affectionately referred to him as Patch-it Bolger. 

Dad had a very deep Catholic faith and was a proud member of the Port Hawkesbury Knights of Columbus Nova Council #7924.  Working with the Knights he was involved in a number of different projects, including the restoration of the current Knight’s Hall, adjacent to St Joseph’s Parish. 

As was common at the time, Pat and Marie regularly piled all 6 kids into the GMC Safari Station Wagon for Sunday drives, trips to the library in Mulgrave and summer vacations.  Apparently back then no one knew that two parents smoking with the kids in the car and the windows rolled up was an issue.   How we would all love to have those days back. 

Dad is survived by his loving children George, Tim (Sylvie), Maureen (Danny), Cullen (Wendy) and Michael. He also leaves behind his adoring grandchildren: Jackson, Conor, Flannery, Amanda, Patrick, Sam, Michael, Liam, Jane, and great-granddaughter Adaline. Also left to grieve is his brother-in-law, “Uncle Jack”, as well as his own wonderful brothers and sisters, Jim, Maureen, Eleanor, Gordon, Marguerite, Michael and Vivian, and many cherished nieces and nephews. 

Dad was predeceased by our mother, Marie, and our oldest brother, John, from whose passing he never fully recovered.  Also predeceased by sisters and brothers, Mary, Agnes, Theresa, George, Bridget, and many other friends and loved ones over the years.

A very special thanks goes out to Drs. DeRoche and Hanspal, and the wonderful nursing staff in the emergency department of Strait Richmond Hospital. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury.  Funeral service will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Cape Nova Council #7924, Port Hawkesbury, or St Joseph’s Cemetery Fund.  Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com 

THOSE WE LOVE DON’T GO AWAY,

THEY WALK BESIDE US EVERY DAY,

  UNSEEN, UNHEARD, BUT ALWAYS NEAR,

   STILL LOVED, STILL MISSED AND VERY DEAR.