Tomorrow, there will be a celebration of the life of Calgary chapter activist Patricia Brownlee who passed away on September 19. Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow says, “I want to express my sadness at losing the wonderful Pat from our lives but my joy at having known her for so many years. Pat was an extraordinary activist and passionate advocate for justice. Everyone who knew her loved her fighting spirit and her ability to care so deeply for others. To Paul and her family and friends, I send much love and promise to carry on my work in Pat’s name.”
Her obituary notes, “Patricia Ellen Brownlee passed away on September 19, 2012, in her 71st year, after a courageous battle with cancer and heart disease. Pat was active with the Council of Canadians, Friends of Medicare and Women in Black. Her devotion to social justice was greatly admired by all who knew her.”
Despite her own health challenges, her experiences with Alberta’s health care system only continued to make her to want to improve our public system for others. This past April, the Calgary Herald reported, “Like many patients concerned about lengthy hospital waits, Brownlee questions why Alberta’s $16-billion medical system doesn’t produce better care.”
The Council of Canadians extends its condolences to Pat’s husband of 23 years, Paul Armstrong. He described Patricia to us as, “A staunch defender of our health care system, the environment, poverty action and ending homelessness.” We also extend our sympathies to their three children Chris, Mike and Shawn, as well as grandchildren Kendal and Tyler.
Patricia’s name will be read and remembered at the Council’s annual general meeting in Nanaimo this coming Sunday October 28, along with the names of other Council activists we lost this year.
