McALLISTER, Neil S. (Pat)
March 17, 1930 – September 20, 2017
Neil S. (Pat) McAllister age 87 of Vancouver passed away peacefully with his family at his side on September 20th after bravely battling complications from a stroke he suffered on May 1st, 2015. Nicknamed Pat because he was born on St. Patrick’s Day in Vancouver, where he resided and worked most of his life until he moved to Kelowna in 2003 for a slower pace. He was the third child of Neil and Janet McAllister (sisters Barnie and Anne Louise – who both very recently passed away). In 1958, he married Marion (Lister) also born in Vancouver and raised a family together before losing her battle to cancer at the age of 62. Pat is survived by his second wife Leslie who he adored for the past 20 years, and his three children: Ward (Michelle), Janet, and Neil (Kristin) as well as grandchildren: Brianna (Brett), Jamie, Katie, Brody, great-grandchild: Ryot, step children: Jennifer (Andrew) and Steven (Kristine) and step-grandchildren: Spencer and Khrystian. Pat attended Prince of Wales High School when not being chased after by a Truant Officer or off fishing. Pat was a true entrepreneur and his business ventures over the years included interests in logging, airlines, real estate, construction, mining, oil and gas industries. In his early years Pat as he always portrayed, was an accomplished and very good looking football and baseball player, pilot and race car driver, with some pictures to prove it. Beginning in his early 50’s and up until his stroke at the age of 85, his passion for golf led to memberships at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, Gallagher’s Canyon in Kelowna and Morningside Golf and Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. He leaves behind countless seemingly imperfect drivers, putters and wedges. Pat always had a smile on his face and would light up everyone’s day with his continuous ribbings and jokes. He was a voracious reader, sometimes reading four newspapers a day, and four novels a week. He could give you an informed opinion on just about any topic. He was a great friend and mentor to many who all exemplified his honesty, integrity and ever persistent zest for life and the deal. His many fond memories included life and times with both Marion & Leslie, family vacations to Maui, KFC, the Wajanei Family Farm with his prized award winning animals, his work shops, talking pumpkins, pet crows, relaxing in Gallagher’s and Rancho Mirage, watching BC Lions games and most recently strolls along Kits Beach during a beautiful summer. The family wishes to thank his kind caregiver Owen Chan, the generous Dr. Duncan Miller, the terrific staff at Pt. Grey Private Hospital, Dr. Phil Teal and his unbelievable Stroke Team at VGH, Holy Family Rehabilitation Centre and UBC Hospitals. A family memorial will be held at a future date. In Pat’s name, donations can be made to the VGH Stroke Unit at vghfoundation.ca/inmemory/patmcallister.