Obituary of McCarthy Sr.

Pat passed away on Monday, January 21, 2008 at the age of 83 years after a stubborn battle with cancer. Pat was raised in southern Alberta, mostly in the Duchess area. He joined the RCAF upon finishing high school in 1942 and did his flight training in High River and Lethbridge. After earning his wings he flew Lancasters with the RAF, eventually performing the difficult and dangerous task of marking targets as a Pathfinder. An American citizen, he transferred to the USAF in 1944 and was assigned to a transport squadron, shuttling VIPs, wounded servicemen, aircraft and sensitive cargo around Europe. Following his discharge he earned a degree in journalism from the University of Montana, however with few journalism jobs available, he turned a part-time job in a Missoula drugstore into a forty year career in the pharmaceutical industry, eventually operating his own Calgary-based veterinary supply company. After retirement his interest in writing was rekindled and he researched and wrote extensively, producing both memoirs of his own experiences and biographies of several of his contemporaries. He prized his independence and strove to maintain it against all odds and as his health failed in late 2007, he continued to live at home with help from family and the CHR’s Home Care program. Pat is survived by his four sons, Patrick Jr. (Gail), Marshall (Carol), Larry and Dan, his grandchildren, Kimi (Nick), Tom, Michi, Cody, Matt, Lucas, Denae, Conor and Gracie, and his sister Barbara Beddome and brother Mike (Fay). He was predeceased by his beloved wife Stella in 1974, a blow from which he never fully recovered. A Celebration of Pat’s Life will be held at McInnis and Holloway’s Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive South West) on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 2:30 PM. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Poppy Fund Veterans’ Food Bank, 1, 4539-6th Street N.E., Calgary, AB. The family would like to offer their special thanks for the remarkable work of Cathy Bugo and the Home Care team, as well as Dr. Murray and the nursing angels and staff of Unit 47 at the Foothills Medical Centre, whose professionalism, kindness, compassion and patience with a sometimes stubborn patient were a great comfort to him and to the family. In living memory of Patrick McCarthy Sr., a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.