Tribute

Patricia Anne Borkwood, at the age of 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family while at Moog and Friends Hospice, Penticton, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Patricia was predeceased by her mother, Isabel Christie MacNaughton and father, Carleton MacNaughton. Patricia is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, John Borkwood and her loving family: son Paul (Fiona Sillars), granddaughter Petal, and daughter Joy, granddaughter Lydia, in addition to sisters Sheila (Karl Ireland), Heather (Jack Frank) and brother Jim (Barb MacNaughton) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat was born in St. Martin’s Hospital, Oliver, BC, into the pioneering families of the Christies (Okanagan Falls) and the MacNaughtons (Oliver). She grew up on an orchard where, alongside her family, she helped pick fruit, change irrigation water and worked summer jobs at the Co-op Packing House. Pat also helped out with her family’s local zoo, “The Grey Sage Museum”. It was working with the menagerie of animals found there that Pat developed her lifelong love of critters, great and small.

Pat completed high school at SOSS and attended Vocational School in Victoria and took a Parks Gardening course at Government House. After graduation, she got a job at Cedar Hill Garden Centre and Nursery. While in Victoria, she met and married a handsome young sailor, John Borkwood. They moved to Halifax and spent the next four years living the Navy life. Pat worked in flower shops and did volunteer work while John was out to sea.

In 1973, they moved to Pictou, Nova Scotia. These were happy, busy years. Pat built a large circle of friends while raising their two children. Pat and John owned and operated the Pictou Bicycle Shop for a decade. The shop proved to be a wonderful place for teens to hang out, due in large part to Pat’s kind and welcoming personality. While running the shop, she still managed to volunteer with the local Hospice and was very active in the Pictou United Church. Pat was an Elder in the church and was also recognized for her many contributions to the UCW (United Church Women) with a lifetime membership. She was a C.G.I.T. (Canadian Girls In Training) leader and active in other groups. Pat enjoyed being a wife and mother and living in the same county as her Grandmother Helen Christie, had been born in. Pat, John and Joy later moved to Anderson, South Carolina, where John had been transferred by Michelin for a five-year stint. It was a new adventure, and Pat enjoyed living in SC. She built a loving home where all were welcome. Hosting many of her new friends and misfit teens brought home by her daughter. Pat had a lasting impact on many young people who lovingly remember her to this day. Pat found work at a bookstore/cafe that combined her love of books and greeting the public. As well, Pat volunteered at the local Hospice. They moved back to Canada, settling in Kitchener, Ontario. She spent five years there volunteering with the local hospice, flower club and church before finally retiring to the Okanagan, settling in Penticton, BC.

Pat spent the next 20 years with family, building a large social circle of friends. Early morning swims with friends, weekly dinner card parties, and hosting huge holiday dinners. Pat spent countless happy hours baking, cooking and gardening. She was a loving, active grandparent and an influence in her eldest grandchild Lydia’s life.

Over the years, Pat and John travelled in their camper van, visiting friends and family along the way. They also enjoyed excursions along both U.S. Coasts. Cruises through the Panama and up to Alaska were additional travel highlights. Throughout her lifetime, Pat demonstrated a passion for gardening, cooking, volunteering and welcoming friends and family to her home. Pat felt “That every person is simply a friend not yet made.” Her garden was her sanctuary, and her kitchen, the heart of her home. Pat’s legacy includes a fierce love of family and the kindness that she extended to all. She will be deeply missed by her family and all whom she called friends.

In accordance with Pat’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday May 1, 2026 at the Oasis United Church, 2964 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton, when the Balsamroot are in bloom.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s name can be made to the Oasis United Church Food Cupboard.