Obituary of Patrick Rene St. Michael

Pat passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Renfrew Victoria Hospital on Saturday Dec 2, 2023 at the age of 74. Loving father of Jennifer (Stephen), Mary Ann (J.F.) and Daniel (Samantha). Pat was the son of the late Rene and Mary (Quilty) St. Michael.  Dear brother of Carolyn (late Martin), Linda (Bill), and Peter (Linda). Proud grandfather of Alexandra, Maggie, Henry, Naomi, Isla, Arabella, and Maren.  Pat will be remembered fondly by his family, his hockey and fastball teammates, many Olmstead Lake friends, and his valued clients.  

From early on, Pat excelled at most sports. Many trophies can be found on his shelves boasting MVP for Track and Field, Hockey, Football and Fastball. More specifically, Pat found early success as a defenceman in both the Renfrew and Arnprior Junior Hockey Organisations. This success propelled him into a spot on Montreal’s Loyola College hockey team (what would be now Concordia University). From there, Pat was scooped up by the Las Vegas Outlaws hockey team, who noted in their 1973-1974 Souvenir Program, “Pat will be a defenseman not easily taken out of a play, and is certain to be one of the most aggressive players on the squad.”

Eventually, Pat came back to the Valley to play hockey for the Stingers and other competitive teams. He was a leader both on the ice and off, often planning parties and community activities for his teams. He continued to lead teams throughout his life as a coach and captain. This is where Pat found great joy: in coaching his own children in their own athletic pursuits. In more recent years his team was the Afternoon Antiques. He had many funny and uplifting stories to share from his sports background, including fans hanging from the rafters at Renfrew Lions games, dressing as a priest in the Loyola parade, and finding himself at parties inside mansions in Las Vegas.

Pat was a proud man, and for anyone who spent time with him this was quickly evident. He took pride in his health, his hometown, his friendships, his business, his family and his beautiful cottage on Olmstead Lake. Pat was proud to be working alongside his daughter, and leaving a legacy with the successful insurance company he built. He was happy to know his clients would be looked after for years to come as he transitioned into retirement.

Above all, Pat was happiest on his beloved pontoon boat, accompanied by his kids and seven beautiful grandchildren. Visiting “Grampa Pat” meant leisurely boat rides while taking turns playing captain on his knee. It meant afternoons at the cottage, spent in and out of the lake, getting chased by a sea monster (Grampa Pat, of course). It meant hours of Barbies in the sun, games of catch by the water, learning to water-ski, tube, and paddleboat, and always saying yes to one more sucker or popsicle. Pat will be remembered in these moments, most lovingly. In his t-shirt, shorts, shades and a smile- surrounded by his family and the legacy of love he would leave behind. 

Pat’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at both the Pembroke Regional Hospital, the Renfrew Victoria Hospital, and to the Assisted Living Program staff members who treated him with such love and kindness. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Goulet Funeral Home, 310 Argyle St., S, Renfrew on Friday December 8th, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church on Saturday December 9th at 10:00 am. Donations may be made to Renfrew Victoria Hospital Foundation.