We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer First Class Milne Humbert “Pat” Patriquin, MM, CD (Ret’d) on 27 December 2006 at his home in Victoria, BC at the age of 88 years. Pat was born in Moncton, NB, was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War and served a total of 35 years in the RCE. Pat enlisted in the 1st Field Company in Halifax before mobilization in 1939 when it was the Permanent Force RCE unit. He started his training at Wellington Barracks. Just prior to embarking for the United Kingdom in January 1940, Pat was promoted to Corporal. In August 1941, as a Lance Sergeant, he qualified as a Pioneer Group 'C', and in February 1941, qualified as a Carpenter Group 'B'. He later served with the 3rd Field Company in Italy and Northwest Europe during the Second World War.
In Italy, on 24 October 1943, Sapper (Acting Corporal) Patriquin and his section were guarding a crossing on the River Biferno, south of Colle d'Anchise. The enemy had worked its way around to their rear and set up a machine gun post. Corporal Patriquin immediately deployed his section and, accompanied by his Lance-Corporal, began to stalk the enemy post. By skillful use of cover and observation, Corporal Patriquin pinpointed the enemy and took them prisoner. Corporal Patriquin was awarded the Military Medal that was later presented by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. (Story at Cpl HP Patriquin, MM.)
After the war, Pat transferred to the Permanent Force with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was serving in Camp Chilliwack as a Warrant Officer II in 1952 when he supervised the building of an emergency bridge across the Chilliwack River. He was Foreman of Works in Number 3 Works Company in Camp Barriefield at Kingston,ON in 1960. Pat’s other postings included Winnipeg, MB and the Northwest Highway System as well as UN peacekeeping tasks. After his retirement from the Canadian Army, Pat worked for an Engineering firm in Victoria. He was a long-standing member of the Canadian Legion and an avid golfer and gardener.
A celebration of Pat's life was held on 4 January 2007 at Fairfield United Church, Victoria BC. Donations are most appreciated to a charity of choice.