Obituaries

CAREW, Patrick Henry Curtis

Brigadier General (Retired) Patrick Henry Curtis Carew, CD

Patrick passed away in Kelowna on Thursday, 28 January, 2021 at age 89. He was predeceased by his loving wife Norma Diane (nee Willcox). Patrick is survived by his daughters Janice, Dana, and Suzanne Carew as well as his cherished granddaughter Myken Carew. He was born in Vernon, B.C. and went to school there as well as in Kelowna where he met Diane.

Patrick entered the Canadian Army in 1948 joining the British Columbia Dragoons in Vernon and Kelowna. In 1951 he was commissioned as an officer and joined the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary. He served with them in the Korean War. In 1965 he was promoted to major and joined the Fort Garry Horse. After promotion to Lieutenant Colonel he became the 32nd Commanding Officer of The Royal Canadian Dragoons in 1970 in Lahr, Germany. Subsequently, he held several command and staff appointments including becoming the 17th Commandant of the Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College in Kingston and Base Commander of CFB Suffield. He retired from the Canadian Forces after 37 years of service in July 1985. Although he travelled throughout the world, he and Diane returned home to Kelowna. They played golf at Shannon Lake and enjoyed living closer to family and friends surrounded by the familiar beauty of the Okanagan. Following his keen interest in military history Patrick became a founding member of the Okanagan Military Museum Society. He became the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the British Columbia Dragoons in 1986. Still very involved in military life he served as the Colonel of the Regiment for The Royal Canadian Dragoons from 1990 until 1993. He oversaw many Regimental events and milestones including the first visit of Prince Charles in His Highness' role as Colonel in Chief of The Royal Canadian Dragoons. He was a loyal and involved parishioner at Saint Michael of All Angels Cathedral in Kelowna for many years. Patrick will be remembered for his sense of humour, for his sense of duty and for his commitment to his country and his family.

Condolence Messages

Aug 28, 2021
Dear Janice, Dana and Suzanne. Carol & I were shocked to learn so belatedly of your dad's death. We send you our condolences but they are mere words and are frequently inadequate. Of greater importance is our memories of which we have more than many. As you know, your father's influence in our lives began when he accompanied Carol and Barbara Annand on their trip to join their husbands in Soest West Germany in 1959. Here was an. Armour Corps officer supporting the infantry in infantry/armoured operations and with his singing Pat became an ex officio member of the 1st Battalion, The Canadian Guards. Many trips and excursions later we were delighted to be phoned by Pat to come and assist him in celebrating his promotion to BGen in Ottawa.

We had minimum contact with all you Carews after Pat's retirement as is often the case with members of the Army of the West; however our memories for which we are blessed live on.Our love to you all.

Ian & Carol Inrig - The Canadian Guards.
Jul 17, 2021
Dear Carew Family: I am sorry to learn rather late of the passing of my former commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. I became the medical officer for the regiment in 1969 and I remained with the regiment until I was repatriated in 1972. I enjoyed my service with the regiment and your father Patrick, became a valued friend and advisor. I admired the then Col. Patrick Carew as a dedicated soldier and an example of finest leadership. Please accept my condolences. Sincerely , former Captain Dietmar Raudzus, MD, and MO RCD
Feb 07, 2021
Family and friends of Patrick. Please accept our condolences and assurance of prayers for this good man. We knew and loved him while at St. Michael's. He always had an "interesting" smile when I would greet him as "Sergeant". We will miss this wonderful man. May he Rest In Peace and raise to newness of life in Christ.

Canon Michael & Deacon Heather Karabelas
Feb 07, 2021
The people of the Cathedral of St. Michael and All Angels mourn the loss of an esteemed friend and fellow parishioner. We give thanks for his life and commend him to God's eternal care. He will be missed by many. John Privett (interim Dean)
Feb 05, 2021
I send my condolence to the Carew family at the passing of their father & much respected soldier, Gen Carew. I first met Gen Carew as a student while he was Commandant of the Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College in Kingston. He was truly admired for his zeal & dedication while passing on his knowledge and building the professionalism of the Canadian Army. I also had the benefit of his wisdom and welcomed guidance as I later commanded the British Columbia Dragoons. I will miss the friendly and enjoyable conversations we had as we shared a drink or two as members of the Whizzbangs. A truly professional and compassionate soldier who gave much to the Regiments in which he served, the Army and Canada. He will be missed.

Denis Cyr

Former Commanding Officer and Honorary Lieutenant Colonel the British Columbia Dragoons
Feb 05, 2021
To the Carew family, General Carew was a constant supporter of the British Columbia Dragoons and its Regimental family. I fondly remember many great conversations with him and I never hesitated to ask him for his guidance on Regimental matters. I will miss his mentorship and leadership.

Sincerely, Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Cliff Jamieson, former Commanding Officer, British Columbia Dragoons
Feb 04, 2021
Dear Janice, Dana & Suzanne, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your father. You were little girls at the time and will probably not remember, but when you, your Dad & Mom arrived at Dusseldorf in 1969, I met you there to take you to your new home in Iserlohn. Your Dad deployed almost immediately to Sennelager with the Regiment--Strathconas when we went there and Dragoons when we came back.

This was followed by the move to Lahr, where, in addition to the normal heavy workload associated with commanding a unit, your Dad also had to contend with

establishing an Army Regiment on an Air Force base. It made for some "interesting" situations, which I witnessed first hand as your Dad's A/Adjt & Adjt.

Needless to say, your Dad successfully rose to every challenge, accompanied by his very dry sense of humour.

Good times that will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace, Soldier; your duty's done.

In sympathy,

John Boileau
Feb 03, 2021
I was saddened to learn of the passing of your father. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Although we had not seen each other in years, I often shared recollections of my regimental officer years with your dad, Pat, to military colleagues. As an Armoured officer in the 1960's I had occasion to learn from him, a leader and mentor, whose presence made serving in the Armoured Corps an invaluable experience. I cherish the memories of time spent serving with, and being in the presence of, your dad. May his soul be granted eternal rest.

Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.

We will remember them

J. R. Digger MacDougall
Feb 03, 2021
To Janice , Dana , Suzanne and the Carew Family.

Saddened to hear of your loss. Patrick helped me get through training in Meaford in 1959, and throughout my career he always seemed to be around when advice and guidance was needed. His energy and enthusiasm knew no bounds and was evident in all that he did, whether commanding or on staff. He loved the regiments he served in and was always a Corps strongman. He worked hard and played hard, as anyone at a mess he was present at will testify, always one of the last to leave having sung all the songs, knowing all the words. No doubt he’s in Valhalla, doing the same.

With great respect, Shirley and Clive Milner
Feb 03, 2021
R.I.P. Patrick

Thank you for your service to our country.

Sincerely Rick V

BCD...SYEP 1982
Feb 03, 2021
Janice, Suzanne & Dana,

So saddened to learn of your dad’s passing.

Served with him in West Germany in 1959, Ottawa 1966 & again in 1970 & 10 years later at the Army Staff College in Kingston.

He was a fine , dedicated officer who was promoted to BGen at the College.

He had a great sense of humour who enjoyed social outings with us all.

We send our deepest condolences to you all.

He will be remembered fondly.

Sincerely,

Dave & Barb Henderson

Gananoque, ON
Feb 03, 2021
Dear Janice, Dana, Suzanne and Myken, please accepted our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Dad, an exceptional leader and a fine gentleman. Pat Carew gave a lifetime of service to the Army and to Canada. Similarly your Mom and all of you served alongside him, supporting your Dad with love and care. Thank you! Please know just how much your Dad was admired and appreciated for the contributions he made to our soldiers and to our nation. May the embrace of family and friends give you strength in the days and weeks ahead.

Respectfully,

Walt and Leslie Natynczyk
Feb 03, 2021
Patti and I send our condolences to the Carew family. General Pat was a well-respected soldier who loved the Army and the Armoured Corps. He dedicated most of his adult life to his three regiments and he did so with great passion. I knew him a as a true professional who always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye. It was that sense of humour and understanding of the average soldier that made him so well respected. We will remember him.

Cam Ross,

MGen (ret'd); former Colonel of the Regiment, LdSH(RC)

Victoria, BC
Feb 03, 2021
Dear Janice , Dana and Suzanne, it is with great sadness that Marlene and I salute the departure of your father. I had the pleasure to serve with Patrick and appreciated very much his no nonsense in getting the job done while displaying an excellent sense of humour and respect of and for all ranks under his command. He will be missed but not forgotten. Thank you for having shared him with us.
Feb 03, 2021
My condolences to the Carew family on the loss of their father and grandfather. General Pat made it one of his missions to keep me on my toes from the time I first met him in the ‘70s at the Combat Arms School through the various occasions our paths crossed! I came to appreciate his sharp wit and interest. Shortly after I retired to the Okanagan, while in a small shop, that familiar booming voice challenging me from behind took me back a few decades. He will be remembered.

Larry Mintz

West Kelowna
Feb 03, 2021
Dear Janice,Dana,Suzanne, Myken and extended family.

On behalf of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps please accept my heartfelt condolences for the passing of your father and grand-father. He served his country, Corps and Regiment with great distinction. Known throughout the Armoured Corps for his professionalism and panache he will be remembered and greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

Georges Rousseau, Colonel Commandant, Royal Canadian Armoured Corps.
Feb 03, 2021
Patrick leaves the world and all of us who knew, loved, and respected him, much better. He's another star in our heavens, and is sorely missed. We keep you in our prayers.

Carmel & David Worrall
Feb 03, 2021
Jan- I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He lead a great life and you can be proud. You look so much like him! All the best to you and your family.

Beth (fellow Mexico traveler)
Feb 03, 2021
All Strathcona’s extend sincere condolences to the Carew family on the passing of General Pat. His professional interest and pride in those organizations with which he served never wavered throughout his active service career and well into retirement. The benefit of his counsel was sought by many over the years and widely respected.

He shall be missed.

Perseverance

Craig Hilton

Colonel of the Regiment

Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians)
Feb 02, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Patrick. He had a wicked sense of humor and always made me laugh. I visited him at his home a few times and really enjoyed his company. Even though he hasn't been there for a while he was well loved and will be missed in our church community of St. Michael's. My condolences....

Shea McLean
Feb 02, 2021
Dear Janice, Dana and Suzanne and Myken. My heart is hurting over Uncle Pat, I will miss him dearly, I loved his sense of humor , his smile, his stories when he would tell one or two. And yes I will even miss his cigars too. I always enjoyed visiting with Pat and Dianne and you Girls. Please keep in touch .. I Pray God will bless him, Rest in Peace Uncle Pat.

Sincerely Richard dePfyffer
Feb 02, 2021
Dear Janice, Suzanne, Myken and all of the Carew family. Jack and Gail Greenhalgh send you our deepest condolences. Jack was a friend and associate with B Gen Carew for many years through the BCD regimental family and also through the family of St Michael and All Angels Cathedral in Kelowna. Gail was a friend of Diane. We both recall with pleasure many occasions of friendship and fun. We always enjoyed his subtle humor and keen wit. One such occasion was showing him a photograph I took of a 16th century graffiti carved into the stones around St Winnifred's Well in North Wales.The name CAREW boldly stood out among the other offerings and I teased him about it.

I will miss him.' Rest Eternal grant unto him O Lord.'

Jack Greenhalgh Padre Ret'd, BCD
Feb 02, 2021
All the Ladies of the Carew Family,

Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of your Dad/Grandfather. We served for many years in the same regiments and Pat was a well respected leader in the Armoured Corps,by all ranks. He was a no nonsense leader but he had a deeply humanistic trait and caring side for his soldiers, NCO's and officers and the respect was reciprocal. He served his country in war and peace for over three decades. May he Rest In Peace. We will remember him.

Darrell & Heather Dean
Feb 02, 2021
Sincere condolences to the family of Pat and Diane; such lovely Sunnyside Road neighbours. Thank you for your service, Pat.

Sharon Mckenna
Feb 02, 2021
Sincere condolences to the Carew family. Mr. and Mrs. Carew were wonderful patients for many years. We valued their loyalty and enjoyed their visits. Our thoughts are with you.

Sincerely, the Team at Okanagan Dentistry
Feb 02, 2021
Condolences to Janice, Dana and Suzanne.

My girlfriend Philomena Douglas and I travelled in Europe in 1960 - 1961 and we had a wonderful stay in Germany with your mom and dad - it was when either Dana or Suzanne was born. Your parents were excellent hosts and i have fond memories of that time. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. May your dad rest in peace.

Marie (de Pfyffer) Fabbro

Kamloops, B.C.
Feb 02, 2021
Dear Janice, Suzanne and Myken and all of the Carew family, on behalf of The Royal Canadian Dragoons for whom your father gave so much we offer our most sincere condolences on his passing. He served his Regiments and his country well. He may be gone, but never forgotten. Rest in peace Dragoon.

Peter Atkinson Colonel of the Regiment The Royal Canadian Dragoons
Feb 02, 2021
On behalf of all ranks of the British Columbia Dragoons, please accept our most sincere condolences. BGen Carew was a stalwart example of a military leader and professional. His dedication to the Armoured Corps during his time in service with both the Regular Force and the Primary Reserves, and thereafter in his service to the BCD, RCD, OMMS is testament to his passion for soldiering. The example he set for generations of leaders and soldiers cannot be overstated, for which the Regiment is exceedingly appreciative. We stand by to support his family and friends in perpetuity.

Sincerely,

Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin J Mead, Commanding Officer

Chief Warrant Officer David R Moon, Regimental Sergeant-Major

British Columbia Dragoons
Feb 02, 2021
Dear Janice, Dana, Suzanne, and Myken. We send our condolences to you and your extended family. Patrick was a great soldier and provided fine leadership to a multitude of different organizations. We will miss social contact with him particularly our wonderful Birthday Lunches. May he rest in peace. Jack and Jean Dangerfield