Olive Patricia “Pat” Fergusson (née McGeown)

Olive Patricia “Pat” Fergusson was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, church volunteer, Scottish-community supporter, and gifted homemaker whose care surrounded generations of her family.

Pat was born and raised in West Kildonan and graduated from West Kildonan Collegiate. Originally named Olive Mae, she was given the name Patricia at her christening after a relative declared that the family needed an Irish connection. From then on, she was known simply as Pat.

Her father, Jackson McGeown, operated the West Kildonan Groceteria. Like the rest of the family, Pat spent many after-school hours and Saturdays helping in the store, although she did so somewhat reluctantly.

Pat was active at Kildonan United Church, particularly through its Young People’s group. After her marriage, she became a leader with Canadian Girls in Training and the Explorers program, helping guide and encourage young girls within the congregation.

Music was also an important part of Pat’s life. She sang in the church choir and with the Triphonic Singers, a women’s ensemble associated with Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Pat played an important role in the development of early childhood education in West Kildonan. She helped establish the first kindergarten class at Governor Semple Elementary School. Initially operated as a privately funded program, it later became publicly supported.

She was also among the first teacher’s aides employed by the Seven Oaks School Division. After serving in that capacity for several years, she became a school secretary and continued working until her retirement in 1988.

Following retirement, Pat volunteered for more than 20 years at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, sharing her time and compassion with residents and staff.

Pat met Jack Fergusson at Winnipeg Beach, where both families had summer connections. Their courtship led to marriage at Kildonan United Church on May 3, 1952. Together they raised their five children—Jack, James, Gary, Sandra, and Patricia.

During the busiest years of family life, Pat managed a lively household with patience, humour, and quiet authority. Her familiar warning—“Wait until your father gets home”—was usually enough to settle disagreements, even though she often chose not to mention them once Jack arrived.

Pat and Jack created wonderful memories through camping trips to the Black Hills, Banff, Victoria, Clear Lake, and other destinations. They also enjoyed weekends at the McGeown family cottage in Matlock.

When daughters Patti and Sandi became involved in Highland dancing and piping, Pat embraced the Scottish community wholeheartedly. She and Jack travelled extensively to support competitions and became founding volunteers of Folklorama’s Pavilion of Scotland.

Pat also enjoyed accompanying Jack to Masonic social events and Grand Lodge gatherings throughout Canada and the United States. Although proud of his accomplishments, she ensured that family always remained their highest priority.

A skilled knitter, Pat created personal blankets for new babies and sweaters for children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her handmade gifts became treasured expressions of her love. Family gatherings were also made complete by Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies.

Pat took immense pride in her 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandson. Her life was centred on creating a strong, loving family whose many generations remain her enduring legacy.