On February 26, 2021, Patrick’s lengthy journey with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer ended in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his wife, children and best friend. Patrick was born July 8, 1975, in Saint John, New Brunswick, to C. Douglas White and Jillian Patriquen. During the height of his illness, Patrick maintained his sense of humour, hope, and unbelievable courage. He inspired many with his positive attitude and ability to beat the odds, surviving many life-threatening events during the last year of his illness. Undoubtedly, Patrick had a strong character and a strong will to live.

Patrick was an employee with Aliant for many years holding several senior management and leadership positions, including past Director of Finance. He valued education and had a BBA and MBA (UNBSJ, 1998; 2011) and many business certifications. Patrick also enjoyed being a guest lecturer in the BBA and MBA program at UNBSJ from 2007-2019. He truly loved people and had a gift to strike up a conversation with anyone, genuinely connecting, meeting the person where they were at in life. He will be remembered as a man of great compassion, sensitivity, drive, and determination that was well balanced with an incredible spark for life and an unforgettable sense of humour. He loved to laugh and took great pleasure in making others laugh.

Patrick loved music: playing, writing, singing, and performing. He and one of his best friends, Joe Boyd, played in multiple bands since their high school days at St. Malachy’s. Their band, York Point Riot, performed at weddings, private parties, and local events. Patrick was a natural performer and was happiest when the audience would sing along.

Of all the things Patrick loved and devoted himself entirely to, it was to his wife and children. He was a family man, and his family always came first. Patrick loved spending time with his wife, whether taking long drives with long talks, listening to her read over her academic papers, or having some fun on their date nights.  He loved taking his sons out on adventures. Without a destination in mind, he’d pack them up with a bag of snacks, and they’d explore a hiking trail, a playground, waterfalls, or a stream. He had a knack for making all things magical, leaving his sons’ countless cherished memories.

He was fiercely loved and left behind his devoted wife Tanya and their children: Drew, Luke, Liam, Teehan, Zachary, and Nikolaus; his brothers, Adam (Martha) White, Gregory (Stephanie) White; his best friend, who was indeed like a brother, David Caissie; as well as many other lifetime friends and family. Patrick was predeceased by his infant daughter Elly Eileen White (2008).

The family would like to thank their amazing friends for their support over the many years of this cancer journey. As well, a heartfelt appreciation for his: doctors, Dr Scott and oncologist Dr Burnell; the nurses and doctors on 4CN and ICU at the Saint John Regional Hospital; the Extra-Mural Hospital palliative care team; and the London Regional Cancer Program-Neuroendocrine Tumour Team at London Health Science Centre for their highly specialized expertise and unwavering commitment to prolong his life.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Jennifer Weiss, CNETS Canada Support Group Leader for North Vancouver, British Columbia.  Jennifer was a pancreatic NET patient who provided great support to many NET patients in British Columbia for a considerable number of years.  She was known as a true “trailblazer” among the community in terms of being a tremendous self-advocate.  Jennifer was one of only a handful of NET patients in Canada to have a liver transplant to deal with her extensive liver metastases.  She continually sought the best care and treatment options for herself, nationally and internationally.  She was courageous and faced an ongoing battle with her health over the years but one would never have known because she always had such a beautiful smile and a positive attitude with an energetic approach to life.  Jennifer shared her beautiful gift of voice with the NET Community at the CNETS Canada 2010 Vancouver Conference – a gift we were truly appreciative to receive.  Jennifer’s contribution to our community was significant and she will be missed very much.  We extend sincere condolences to Jennifer’s family, including her husband, Boris Weiss, former CNETS Canada Board Member and her daughter, Kennedy.

Obituary

Suzanne passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer, at the age of 59, at the Ottawa Hospice, Maycourt, on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Beloved wife of Brian for 39 years. Loving and cherished mother to, Jennifer Buckingham (Scott), Stephanie Beck (Kelly), Cameron Stinson (Garrett). Doting grandmother to, Korbin, Olivia, Aubrey, Preston, and Macey. Dear sister to Gail, Lynn, Donna, Laurie, Randy, Mark, and Leesa, and aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Daughter of Lila Lavergne and the late Raymond Vanasse. Sister-in-law to Joan, Ron, Jean, Bob, Laurence, Jenn, Geoff and the late David, Bob, Bill and Debbie.  Suzanne’s family wish to thank Dr. Goodwin and the staff and volunteers at the Ottawa Hospital and Dr. Bright and staff of the RPCT for their care and compassion. For those who wish, contributions in Suzanne’s memory may be directed to CNETS Canada.

From Sherry Fox: “It is with deep sadness that I tell you of the passing of our previous NET support group leader, Suzanne Stinson. She was such a sweet, caring, gentle soul and her struggle with this disease the last few years was heroic.  She would reach out to anyone even when she was so ill herself. Suzanne was ministering to others right up until the end.  She will be so missed by all her fellow zebra friends, but is at peace now in heaven. No more pain or sorrow, only happy tears.”