With heavy hearts, the family of Patrick Andrew Cooper Rushowick announce his sudden passing on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 in Kingston, ON. He was 28 years of age. Patrick was born on November 17, 1984, the perfect anniversary gift to his parents, Geoff and Bonnie (nee Cooper) Rushowick. He grew up in Yorkton, SK and attended Columbia and M.C. Knoll Elementary schools, graduating from the Yorkton Regional High School in 2003. Patrick was involved in many activities in school and after school as well. He was a Queen Scout, a youth bowler and a member of the Kalyna Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and a volunteer at the Yorkton Hospital. Patrick took piano lessons as a child, but discovered drums in the school band program and enjoyed attending competitions and trips with the band. When he was 14 he joined the 2834 Army Cadets and this ignited his passion for the military. Following his graduation from High School, Patrick attended the Royal Military College in Kingston, ON graduating from the Officer's Training Program with his Bachelor of Science in 2008 and went on to serve as a Combat Engineer. He loved the military and his career included tours of duty in Afghanistan and Haiti as well as service on Canadian soil. Patrick was widely respected by the soldiers he led, by his peers and by his commanding officers in equal measure. Patrick was united in marriage to Skye Ashcroft on December 23, 2011 and most recently made his home with his fur-baby, Zeus in Kingston, ON. He had many hobbies but above all enjoyed cultivating his relationships and friendships with others. A friend to many, Patrick loved to socialize and he spiced up every gathering he attended. Recently Patrick attained his Class M licence and his favorite pastime was hitting the road on his big black Yamaha motorcycle. Patrick loved his family with all his heart, and no matter where he was posted there were regular phone calls home. He shared a special bond with his siblings and even when they weren't together, there were calls, text messages and Facebook to keep in touch. When he came home on leave, he did his best to spend time with all his friends and extended family - greeting each person with his signature hug that let you know that you were loved. Patrick will be remembered for his passion for the military, his sense of humour, his smile that could light up a room and that grin that usually meant something full of fun was about to begin. We celebrate his kind heart and his compassion that extended beyond all those he knew and loved, to everyone he came in contact with. Patrick will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Patrick leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, his parents, Geoff and Bonnie Rushowick; his brother, James Rushowick (and his fiancé, Karla Hollowell); his sister, Tessa Rushowick; his wife, Skye as well as her parents, Rob and Audrey Ashcroft, and her sisters, Rae and Autumn; his aunts, Irene (Warren) Englot and Kathy (Vern) Novak and their families; his uncle, Bill Cooper; his goddaughter, Chloe Diner, daughter of Tom and Mimi Diner; his Godfather, Rick (Sharon) Schaefer and their family; as well as many other relatives and tons of good friends. Patrick was predeceased by his grandparents, Leslie and Lenore Cooper and Stephen and Violet Rushowick; and by his grandparents-in-law, Thomas Ashcroft and Edgar Riffel. A Memorial Service with military honours was held on Sunday, June 23,2013 in Kingston, Ontario officiated by Padre Bob Ley. A Service to Celebrate Patrick's life was also held on Friday, June 28,2013 from St. Andrew's United Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Shani Apland and members of St. Andrew's United Church Choir led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "When I Needed a Neighbour", "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory", "I Danced in the Morning" and "Praise the Lord With the Sound of Trumpet". Members of Pat's family shared words of tribute and prayer. A special taped music recessional was "Born to be Wild" by Steppenwolf. A private family cremation committal will take place at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
