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| Claude Fortin with Pat CHS reunion 2012 |
Pat Bamford, a very popular former teacher at Chapleau High School died in Timmins last week, with the mayor of the city George Pirie issuing a news release hoping that all those grieving "will find ways to connect, remember and celebrate the truly wonderful man he was." The flag was also to be lowered to half staff at Timmins city hall in his honour,.
And Pat was a wonderful man. I taught with Pat at Chapleau High School arriving there just after he did, and we have remained friends ever since although we did not see each other very often, In fact the last time was at the 90th anniversary reunion of CHS in 2012.
Louise Tremblay's popular Chapleau History and Genealogy page on Facebook came alive with Memories of Pat from his former students from Chapleau sharing stories about him.
Pat still stayed in touch and students from his Grade !! Geography class have actually held reunions every five years. I hope I got that right.
Pat was very active in Chapleau life particularly sports. As the CHS curling coach in 1972-73, he coached a team skipped by Claude Fortin to first place at a bonspiel held in Marathon. Other team members included Maurice Tremblay, Irene Johnson, and Mona Rioux.
A member of the Chapleau Junior "B" Huskies executive, he established the Pat Bamford Trophy for best defenceman. He succeeded me as manager of the Chapleau Midgets
In due course Pat left Chapleau to teach in Timmins. but was actively involved in the city.
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of Pat’s passing yesterday,” said Timmins Mayor George Pirie in a news release. “Pat served our community with true dedication and commitment for many years, and he will certainly be missed by all who knew him. We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this truly trying time, and it is our hope that all those grieving will find ways to connect, remember and celebrate the truly wonderful man he was.”
Bamford had a 35-year career in education, the last 10 of which were in administration at Roland Michener Secondary School, the news release said. After retiring, he represented Ward 4 in Porcupine on Timmins council for 12 years.
“Pat’s just one of those guys that was in it for all the right reasons,” said Steve Black, a former Timmins mayor and councillor in a tribute to Pat in The Daily Press. Mr. Black summed up Pat.
“He didn’t have any personal motivations. Sometimes in politics you see ulterior motives to some things, but Pat just genuinely wanted to do good for Timmins, and see Timmins and the East End he represented, do well and take an active role in the community.
“Definitely a man with a very solid heart for the community and the people he served within the community.”
.Mr, Black said in his interview: “Me and Pat kept in touch. I considered him a true friend. He’d always be very happy to share stories of his former students, from his previous career, and how well they were doing in life. You could tell he was really passionate about that, and the students that he engaged with throughout his life, and his own family.”
I extend my most sincere sympathy to Pat's family and friends. May he rest in peace. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
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