Obituary of Patrick Humphrey LANDRY

June 1, 1929 – Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 21, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Patrick Humphrey Landry passed away peacefully on a Sunday morning, surrounded by loving family in Calgary. The day before he had spent the morning talking and joking with his adult children, grandchildren, and dear friends.

Patrick was born in Halifax, son of Catherine and Humphrey Landry, one of seven children in a close-knit family. There, he was taught values he would model for his own family, to look out for others and love with your whole heart. In order to conquer shyness, he took up photography and landed his first job after high school with the Halifax Herald. At age 21, he rode a train across Canada to become photographer-reporter for the Regina Leader Post. Though he lived in the same city as his future bride, Joan Bagby, they met 450 km north in Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, where they were both vacationing with friends. When Joan was transferred to Billings, MT, they realized how significant their love had become. Patrick followed her there and they were soon engaged.

From 1953 to 1976, Montreal was home. Patrick worked in newspapers and commercial firms building experience in reportage, commercial work, and leading major projects. Patrick shot Montreal Canadiens and Alouettes games, reported on the Quebec political scene, and produced commercial material for many businesses.  Reporting had honed his style and he shot quickly to capture significant moments, something that suited his not-entirely patient personality. In 1967, Pat hired and led a team of forty-eight to deliver photographic services during Expo ’67, putting him on a global stage with contributions in LIFE Magazine. In 1976 he similarly led a team of twenty photographers for the U.N. Habitat conference, spending months in Vancouver.

In 1976 Patrick and Joan moved the family to Calgary. Patrick launched his commercial photography company, working with clients in the oil industry, shooting rigs from helicopters, and forming partnerships and friendships with other photographers.

An exceptional human being, Patrick consistently put others first and looked out for the most vulnerable. He was generous, funny and optimistic. Patrick gave selflessly to Trinity Industries, a transitional care home for recovering alcoholics. It was there that Patrick showed his gifts as a counsellor, fostering relationships with those in need of support on their journey to recovery.

He loved his family dearly. In the early years, summer holidays were spent discovering Canada with five kids and no seatbelts in a station wagon, pulling a tent trailer. Patrick enjoyed family life with Joan and always found time to attend kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events.  He later delighted in golf trips with his buddies, painting, gardening and visits home to Halifax and Cape Breton Island.

Patrick spent the last six years of his life at Scenic Acres Retirement Residence, where he made many lasting and meaningful friendships with caregivers and residents alike.  Again he looked for opportunities to help others and live life in his new community with purpose. 

He loved deeply and will be forever loved, cherished, and missed.

He is survived by his children, Karen Fitzgerald, Tom, Joanne Carry (Roger), and Michael (Marilyn); grandchildren, Mathew (Adria), Parker, Taylor, Roger, Patrick, Britta, Allison, Xaus, Quinn, and Cole; sisters, Charlotte, Lois, and Paulette (Bill); brothers, Bob (Anna) and Jack (Louise). He was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan Florence, son Christopher Patrick, parents, Humphrey and Catherine Landry; sister Ella Catherine, brother Don, brothers-in-law Brian, George, Johnny, and Harry; and sisters-in-law Gerry, Marg, Marie, Connie, and Bette.

Details of a service to honour the life of Patrick Landry will be shared in the coming months as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Patrick’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to charities meaningful to Patrick:  The Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region, Suite #400, 105 – 12th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 Telephone: (403) 297–1700, www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca, or The Alzheimer Society of Canada, www.alzheimer.ca.

Heartfelt thanks go out to the amazing, dedicated staff at Scenic Acres Retirement Residence.

In living memory of Patrick Landry, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.