Patrick passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on June 25, 2024, following a three-and-a-half-year battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. Throughout his fight with cancer, he demonstrated bravery, courage and strength as he sought every possible treatment option and continued to live his life fully with faith and love.
Patrick was born on Aug. 24, 1956, to Lai Yim Ching and the late Chu Chiu. His compassion and selfless desire to help others, combined with his unparalleled memory and work ethic, led him to a career in medicine.
Patrick was passionate about his work as a physician specializing in geriatrics. He left his mark on the Toronto community, where he helped develop the geriatrics program at North York General Hospital, mentored and taught countless resident doctors over the years, and provided decades of committed support to the elderly through his family practice.
Outside of work, Patrick loved spending time with his friends and family. He loved playing soccer, as well as watching (and providing adept commentary on) Premier League and World Cup soccer games. He enjoyed great food, wine and whisky, travelling, and learning about history and global affairs. He found solace in spending time outdoors, and spent his winter and summer holidays skiing, biking, swimming and hiking.
Patrick leaves behind his loving wife, Grace, son Dominic (Charlene Weight), and daughter Sonja (Andrew Chung). He is survived by his mother, Lai Yim Ching, and his sisters Ada (Michael Tse) and their son Mason, Agnes (Francis Mak), and Anita (Phillip Yelland) and their daughter Alanna. He will be missed by the many members of the Chan family, his wife’s brothers, sisters, and their children and grandchildren.
Patrick will also be missed by his many friends. These include his La Salle College primary and high school classmates, who remember him fondly as kind, bright, humble and caring since his youth. He will be missed by his university friends from his days studying medicine at Hong Kong University, as well as his colleagues at his community practice and at North York General Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North York General Hospital (Seniors' Health Care) which Patrick passionately supported throughout his career as a physician.