PATRICK PLAYFAIR

After living with cancer for several years, Patrick Playfair died peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, at the age of 75 years, at The Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler, Man. with his wife, Jeraldine Bjornson, at his side.
Patrick was filled with grace that warmed and affirmed those around him. A deeply spiritual man, his life was marked by humour and a keen wit, hospitality, compassion, joy, love, and a passion for social justice.
His vision of the grace and glory of God fed his life and inspired others. He was a fruitful and faithful servant of God, and a bearer of God’s love to those who knew him.
Patrick was a priest. He was elevated to the priesthood on March 17, 1955 in The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. He served as priest in charge at St. Alban’s, Mattawa; as curate of All Saints, Sandy Hill, Ottawa; as rector of St. George’s, Ottawa for 26 years; and as rector of St. Bartholomew’s, Ottawa.
While in Ottawa, Patrick served as Archdeacon of Ottawa East and Centre.
Prior to retirement, he acted as Interim Ministry Co-ordinator for The Diocese of Algoma, serving parishes in Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Huntsville, and on Manitoulin Island.
Following his retirement, Patrick and Jeraldine served Knox United Church in Fort Frances, Ont. as a ministry team for seven years. Upon moving to Manitoba, Patrick was given the opportunity to assist in the parishes of Pembina Hills and St. Thomas in Morden.
Besides Jeraldine, his wife of 10 years, Patrick will be lovingly remembered and missed by his children and their families, Katherine and Joseph Quinsey, Peter, Rosemary, Grace, and Michael; Michael Playfair and Gaylene Fisher; David and Michelle Playfair, Jacqueline, Hailey, Benjamin, and Christopher; Philip Playfair and Jacqueline Code and Graeme; Jonathan Playfair and Anette Reitlingshoefer and Katherine; his stepchildren, Sean Dinwoodie; Cara Velnes and Marc Marion and Carver; and Stefan Velnes; his first wife, Mary; his brother, John; and by the many people whose lives he touched with love and liveliness.
His brother, Peter and sister, Elizabeth, predeceased him.
A celebration of his life and Eucharist will be held Saturday, March 6, 2004 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, 353 Thornhill St., Morden, Man., with the Rev. Alvin Jacobs presiding.
There will be a service at St. George’s in Ottawa at a later date.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Robert Menzies and the outstanding staff at The Boundary Trails Health Centre for the loving and expert care offered to Patrick and to Jeri.
Memorial gifts may be made to The Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation, P.O. Box 2000, Stn. “Main,” Winkler, Man., R6W 1H8, or to St. George’s Anglican Church, 152 Metcalf St., Ottawa, Ont., K2P 1N9.