With great sadness, the family of Francis Patey announce his passing on September 18, 2024, at Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital. In his 88th year, Francis passed peacefully with family by his side after a battle with dementia.
Francis leaves to mourn his wife of 59 years Agnes (nee Bartlett), son Chris (Beverly), daughter Joanne (Ghislain), former daughter in law Denise Patey (nee Simms), former son in law Todd Robertson and his cherished granddaughters Melissa and Jessica Patey, both of St. John's, and Madison Robertson of Kingston, Ontario.
Francis was predeceased by his parents Pte. Noah Patey of Hare Bay and his mother Meta (nee Pilgrim) of St. Anthony Bight, as well as brothers Wilfred, Charlie, Norman (Elsie), Stewart (Ida), Lloyd (Marie) and sister Jessie.
Francis’ working career began with a stint teaching in Hopedale. Over the years, he worked with Government services in both Nain and Hopedale, as well as with various construction companies. He eventually settled into a nearly 20-year career as a Commissionaire, initially at the” old” St. Anthony airport before becoming the first commissionaire at the” new” St. Anthony airport. He developed a love of aircraft (but did not love flying in them) and the aviation world, and had great respect for the talented pilots that flew them and the Air Traffic Controllers who guided them. A full airport also meant a captive audience as he was sure to find someone to strike up a conversation and share some stories. He also served with the Canadian Rangers from1978 to 2002.
Over the years, he enjoyed simple pleasures such as dart night at the Legion, coaching the Aces, setting a few snares in the winter and bamboo fishing in the summer. He tried his hand at making home brew which inevitably resulted in exploding bottles at random times during the day and night. Later in life, he used his creative talents to carve and create dioramas depicting traditional Newfoundland life. He could often be found helping Agnes in her garden. But of all the things he enjoyed and accomplished, it was his three granddaughters that brought him the most joy.
Francis will most likely be remembered as a historian with an incredible memory for local facts, events and people. As a natural storyteller, most conversations began with “do you remember when” before he’d launch into a story of local significance. He was involved with the creation of St. Anthony’s first newspaper, The Polaris News, and went on to become a regular contributor to its successor, The Northern Pen.
After retirement, he dedicated his time to preserving and recording local historical events and went on to publish several books. He was especially proud of the scrapbook he created chronicling the late 1970’s seal hunt protests and the day when Greenpeace came to town. This scrapbook was sought out by the academic world and made its way through numerous universities across Canada and into the United States as well as at the Rooms.
While Francis enjoyed his trips to St. John's and Ontario, he was truly at home in the neighbourhood where he was raised on the east side of St. Anthony. He was a local fixture on Lamage Point and enjoyed chatting with his neighbour buddies and watching boats from his vantage point overlooking St. Anthony harbour.
In his final weeks at Charles S. Curtis, Francis asked Agnes how old he was; she replied 88. He looked around for a moment, thought about it, and said with his familiar little grin...” that's not too bad”. Indeed, not too bad at all! He was well respected and will be sorely missed.
Cremation has already taken place, a family service will be held on (To Be Announced) with a burial at a later date.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard, Funeral Director.