It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pat Boyle on July 5th, 2024.
Pat was born in Vancouver in 1954 to Jack and Sandy Boyle and was raised in Coquitlam, B.C., with his brother and sister.
After Attending Simon Fraser University, Pat began his career in the Ski Industry as a pro patroller at Fortress Mountain in the mid-70s. It wasn't just a love for the mountain he found there but also the love of his life and his future wife, Kim Cheshire. The late 70s saw them head west to Kelowna, BC and Big White, where Pat's abilities and resourcefulness became legendary. From lift maintenance to managing the mountain at Apex Resort, Pat's expertise grew with every challenge he tackled. Pat was part of a group that lobbied to have lift mechanics recognized as Millwrights with the ability to obtain red seal certification. In 1988, fate intervened once more. Pat's talent caught the eye of Poma America while he helped build the new gondola at Whistler Mountain. This pivotal moment launched him into a role with Poma that would see him contribute to countless more lift installations across Western Canada. For better than 35 years, Pat personally directed the lift installations on behalf of Leitner Poma at Big White, Whistler, Revelstoke, SilverStar, Kicking Horse, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, Norquay, Grouse Mountain, Mt Baldy, Nakiska, to name a few. His impact on the ski industry is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire.
In 1984, Pat married his wife Kim at his parent's home in Coquitlam during a blizzard, fitting for a couple whose lives revolved around the love of skiing and the industry's growth.
1989, they moved to Kelowna and purchased a beautiful family home overlooking Okanagan Lake. Their first daughter, Katherine Colleen Boyle, was born in 1990, followed by their second daughter, Elizabeth Anne Boyle, in 1993.
Pat was a larger-than-life personality. He was the go-to person who just got things done, whether it be for family, friends or colleagues. You could always rely on his optimistic attitude to find a solution, no matter how difficult the task. He was a dedicated father and husband who loved to share adventures with his daughters and wife, who he loved dearly. Pat's love for adventure was infectious, and always up for a new challenge. He was loyal, reliable, trustworthy, and a lot of fun. He was an active individual who loved not just skiing but golfing, biking, diving, and fishing as well. His buddies who enjoyed those adventures with him will miss his enduring laughter and famous barbecued oysters.
Pat leaves behind his loving family and a fantastic group of friends and acquaintances he cherished dearly. Pat will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of life will take place in September; details will be announced in the coming weeks. Pat's family has recommended a donation in his name to the Canada West Small Ski Area Fund or BC Adaptive Snow Sports in lieu of flowers.
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