Pat Neatby’s (Atkins) Story: June 1, 1934 – October 11, 2025

If you are reading this, I have reached the last chapter of my life.

To Ken, our family, friends and pets who have passed before me…save me a seat. I’m on my way.

Chapter 1: The Early Years

Like the Dionne Quintuplets, who were born a few days before me, I was born prematurely and weighed one and a half pounds. I was the smallest baby born in Canada at that time and as a result, my retinas never developed fully, which caused my vision loss. I tried not to let my limited vision limit my life.

My father, William Atkins, passed away when I was 3 ½ years old. To help my mom, Barbara, I lived with my grandparents on their farm near Montmartre, Saskatchewan. I loved helping with the farm animals and the garden. I rode my horse Daisy to a one room school where my teacher, Miss Bremner moved my desk to front of the blackboard, so I wouldn’t have to run back and forth to read it.

While in high school in Regina, I met Ken, my future husband. I had many friends who I kept in touch with until recently. I volunteered in the public library and worked in the first book mobile in Regina. Ken joined the army and was sent to Germany. When he returned, we were married on April 2, 1955.

Chapter 2: On the Move

After we were married, we took the train to Calgary, where Ken was posted. Phil and Marion were also posted to Calgary at the same time. Beverly was born in Calgary.

Then we moved to Winnipeg, where Blair and Diane were born. After seven years, we had to leave our friends and made our way to Regina, where my mom lived as well as my aunts and their families and Ken’s sister Gladys. Next, we moved to Edmonton for three years. The next posting was to Germany for two years. We enjoyed travelling around Europe and most weekends we would explore Holland and Germany, finding castles and churches. I practiced speaking German that I learned from my grandparents, as well as singing and yodelling. After two years, it was back to Winnipeg, where I was declared legally blind. I got a job at the CNIB library, where I coordinated about 100 volunteer readers, who recorded textbooks and articles for university students. I really enjoyed working at the CNIB. While living in Winnipeg, my mom moved in with us.

Through out the years, even in Germany, we enjoyed many camping trips and created the best memories.

In each city, I worked part time at various libraries and started a lending library in Germany. I joined a bowling league in most cities as well. In Edmonton my bowling team won the provincial championship and we each received a silver tea service. While living in Calgary (our next posting), I was the top bowler in Canada in my blind league for three years. I also won the high triple in Canada in my regular league.

Chapter 3: The Calgary years

Ken chose Calgary for his final posting. Bev remained in Winnipeg, and Blair joined the army, leaving Diane the only child at home. Mom also moved with us. We bought a house in Calgary and started camping at Tall Timbers in Sundre, where we met our long-time friend, David (son by choice), We bought some property near Sundre and with the help of friends, we built a house. We had many wonderful years, entertaining friends and family and participating in the community. I also volunteered at the Sundre Library.

We had a few dogs after moving to Alberta… Chrissy, Dusty, Copper and David’s dog Buster, followed by two guide dogs, Pedersen and Poet.

During the next years, Bev married Lawrence and a few years later Diane married Tim. Diane and Tim have 2 children, Kyle and Megan. Then Blair married Clara. They have 3 children, Val, Kim and Baptiste and one grandchild, Lucah.

Chapter 4: the Retirement Years

In our later years, we sold the house in Calgary and moved to our home near Sundre. We then became snowbirds, spending winters in Texas until my health started to decline. We made many more new friends in Texas. Ken enjoyed the golf and I enjoyed having people to visit with and sing songs around the fire. The 2 guide dogs made travel interesting and fun. Many people approached us and started conversations because of the dogs. Both dogs were remembered in hotels and restaurants. Passersby would comment, “Ma’am, that’s a purty dawg.” I even met an astronaut while walking Pedersen.

Due to my poor health, I had to rely on Ken and David. I have appreciated al the support from many others during this time. I feel blessed that Neil and Marj came into our lives at this time and stayed with me until I was ready to leave for my final posting. I love you dearly and am grateful for your friendship.

Chapter 5: Goodbye

I always say that getting old is not for sissies… well that and I am happy to be born and raised in Regina the Queen city.

Ken followed me to the Sundre Lodge, although we lived in different wings. I have been happy to listen to my talking books, sing and have wonderful adventures with Marj. It has been wonderful to visit those who have been able to see me. It was nice to visit with friends and family who came to Ken’s memorial. I enjoyed the cards and well wishes last year when I turned 90. The cake and singing were also great!

I would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Chapman and the nursing staff at the lodge for all their patience and for providing the care I needed.

To all those I am leaving behind, please know that I loved all of you and that each one of you has enriched my life. I hope you have many fond memories.

Until we meet again!

I love you.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes made in Pat’s honour may be made directly to:

CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) Guide Dogs, 1929 Bayview Ave, Toronto ON, M4G 3E8. Telephone: 1-800-563-2642. Online: https://secure.cnib.ca/ui/SupportCNIB/donations/start

or to;

William Watson Lodge Society, Box 30344, Chinook Postal Outlet, 6455 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary AB, T2H 2W1. Email: james@wwlsociety.onmicrosoft.com. Online: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/william-watson-lodge-society/

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta. Phone: 403.507.8610

• Date : 2025-10-26
• Location : (Olds) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com