April 30, 1956 - April 23, 2023
Patrick Feryn of Stratford, Ontario died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, April 23rd at the age of 66. Loving husband, partner and best friend to Jane, adoring Dad to Seana (Tyson) and Tessa (Corey) and dear Opie to Lily and Flynn. Proud son of Monique Feryn (nee DeBrabandere) and Louis Feryn (passed away in 2015), cherished brother to Elisabeth (Stewart), Susan (Kim), Michael (Jacinta) and Caroline (Ron), uncle and a friend to many with his infectious smile and quiet humour.
A kind and compassionate individual, Pat lived fiercely, never taking a moment for granted even after his diagnosis of PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). He had a great love for adventure, travelling to many corners of the world with a particular fondness for travelling by paddle, bike, on skis or on foot. His family and friends were forever at the forefront of his mind and every choice or road taken was done so with them in his thoughts; even at the very end. It is worth noting that he was rare among people in that Pat was never heard to ever speak a bad word about anyone.
Pat enjoyed a productive 35-year career farming and supporting his clients as a consulting agronomist. He graduated from the University of Guelph (BSc.) He was active as a volunteer on many professional committees, including chair of the Soil and Water Sub Committee of the Soil and Water Management Research Corporation for several years, and a member of the Source Water Protection Committee since its inception in 2006 as the Agricultural Representative. Early on he participated in St. Joseph’s Church Mission Committee. He was an active member of Stratford Rotary Club and the recent recipient of a Paul Harris Award, especially for his work as chair of the International Committee. Pat always had a profound interest in international travel and concern for third world issues. He had a special interest in the work of COMMIT, working in Nicaragua with Dr. Doug Thompson and Janice Rauser.
In his younger years Pat was a BIG BROTHER, and taught Jack Rabbit’s Cross Country Skiing at Wildwood. Pat took great pleasure coaching his daughters at Hoops for Fun and Summer Soccer throughout their youth. The family spent many canoe camping trips in the wilderness parks in Ontario and BC and Alberta. He loved his annual wilderness canoe trips with his best buddies every year for over 30 years, and kayak adventures in Mexico, Belize and Cuba with Jane.
Pat chose to use MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) to end his struggle with PSP. He was surrounded by the love and support of his family and closest friends. He gave the greatest gift of all, by donating his liver, kidneys, lungs and eyes to organ recipients and his brain and pancreas for medical research.
His accomplishments and continued desire to better the planet is certain to carry on, an eternal fingerprint representing the impact he had on others. Pat lived spectacularly and will be missed terribly by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 10th at the Feryn homestead with further details to come. If you are interested in joining us in this celebration, please RSVP to https://pp.events/celebratingpatferyn and we will forward further details closer to the event.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
• The Parkinson’s Society of Southwestern Ontario https://psso.ca
• COMMITT through the Rotary Club of Stratford Foundation. https://commitwithnphnicaragua.simplesite.com/417501794
• Huron Perth United Way https://perthhuron.unitedway.ca
Arrangements entrusted to W.G. Young Funeral Home
