Robert Patrick “Pat” Onions of Hanover passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, in his 97th year. Beloved father to Mike (Sue) of Guelph, Wendy (Don) Hughes of Teeswater, Terry (Catherine) of Lindsay, Chris (Rose) of North Bay. Cherished grandpa of Amanda, Jamie, Greg, Mellissa, Jonathan, Jeffrey, Shawn, Laura Lee, Patrick, and Rob. He was a great-grandpa of 17, and great-great-grandpa of 3. Pat will be missed by his brother Jim of Bracebridge.
Pat was born Jan. 31, 1927, in Toronto and as a teenager served on the HMCS Sackville, stationed in Halifax, as a Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve from 1944 to 1946. He continued his connection with the service through the Royal Canadian Legion (his first and longest affiliation was the Callander Branch), the Royal Canadian Naval Association, and as a trustee of the HMCS Sackville.
After the Navy, Pat spent some time in the Yukon. He returned to Toronto and married Dorothy in 1949. The family moved to North Bay in 1958 where Pat was employed as a heavy equipment salesman and then opened an imported car sales and service business. They then relocated to the Kincardine/Wingham/Hanover area in 2007.
Throughout his life he was actively involved with various car clubs, sailing (North Bay Yacht Club), the Power Squadron, trying white water rafting and parachuting. In his later years he learned to play the harmonica providing entertainment to many at various venues. For family members it was great, we knew where he was, and it was safe!
Pat’s family would like to thank Chantelle Koeslag, N.P., for her care over the years. Dr. Wong, Dr. Sommerville and the palliative care team for their compassion and support.
He is predeceased by his wife Dorothy (nee Marshall) in 2010, sister Nancy (John) Walcott, sister-in-law Julia Onions, and his parents Robert and Mary Onions.
Friends and relatives are invited to a memorial visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2023, at Cameron’s in Walkerton.
Interment in Callander Union Cemetery, Callander, Ontario, will be held at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund, Wingham Branch 180 or Callander Branch 445 would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com
