SHEDDY
Patrick
October 16, 1978 - July 1, 2024
Patrick Sheddy was born in Edmonton, Alberta on October 16, 1978 and passed away unexpectedly in Vancouver, British Columbia on July 1, 2024.
Our hearts are heavy with grief. He gave us so many gifts in life and his death cannot take those away; we will live life more fully in his memory.
Patrick experienced great pain and sorrow with the passing of his brother, Jim, in 2017. His heart was broken. They were so different yet were the best of friends. Pat stood by Jim throughout his life and when Jim became ill, Patrick moved in to take care of him.
He had to say goodbye to his mother, Marjo Sheddy, in December 2023 who died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. His heart was again broken but he stood tall and looked on life with a new insight. Patrick never lost the ability to brighten the world with his beautiful soul and even though he had suffered great loss and personal injury, he was always ready with a smile and an encouraging word for others.
Patrick loved hanging out with friends, cruising around, having adventures, sitting on top of the water tower and dreaming about the future. He loved to be by the lake and the ocean. He loved being out on the water. He loved the freedom of being in a boat. He loved being out on the water so much that during a special summer at Cameron Lake, in Waterton, he paddled himself and siblings to shore in a great storm, complete with raging waves! He was always the first kid to jump in the cold lake. After Patrick graduated from high school, he joined his father, Bill Sheddy, who lived in Vancouver, for a cross-country road trip in which they drove to Boston, where Bill dropped Patrick off at Berkeley School of Music. Patrick spent two years studying music at Berkeley where he was surrounded by talented and inspiring musical friends. After his studies in the US, Patrick returned to Vancouver for a short time before moving to Montreal carrying with him only his guitar on his back and his cat. He immersed himself in the culture, becoming fluent in French and was able to work bilingually. He often spoke fondly of his time spent there and of his friends in Montreal.
Following an accident, Patrick returned to Vancouver to rest and overcome his injuries. Patrick lived with chronic pain but he didn’t let that hinder his passion for music. He played public pianos all over Vancouver. He believed in sharing his gift and love of music with others, always playing by ear. He loved the feeling of piano keys under his fingers. Patrick carried with him wherever he went a piece of music written in Bach’s own hand - proof of his admiration for the composer! Patrick played the piano like no one else and if you were lucky to have heard him play, it never left your ears; it was in your heart. He loved the banjo, guitar, guitalele and ukulele and he played for friends and family every chance he got.
Sophie Durcham and Patrick lived together during and after the pandemic. It was a deep and devoted companionship.
Patrick had enthusiasm for animals in which he got from his oldest sister. He would have such desire to go hang with the horses even though his allergies always got the best of that situation.
He had a love for dogs, especially the family dog ‘Taffy’ in which he gave the oddest nicknames. He was funny, eccentric and the most authentic person we ever could have known. He was wildly talented and truly knew how to charm and entertain. He had music and music had him. His life was devoted to music - he had a plan, a musical plan: in his own words to “amplify, elevate and celebrate”. He aimed to spread joy through music, to share it’s radiance and to live a wondrous life.
His father, Bill Sheddy of Vancouver, B.C., along with Patrick’s sisters Loreina, Jenny and Kelsey will carry Patrick’s passion for life in his memory. Patrick was always our safe place and the one full of great advice and wisdom! He was the most honest man even if you didn’t like what he had to say he showed true sincerity and honor.
He shared his love for music with his family, composing and singing along with family members to our made up songs and as we sang the words he would play to our tune! Uncle Pat will be missed deeply for his imagination and humour by his nieces and nephews, Jadin, Madyson, Toni, Emma, Oliver and Sylas. He taught them a love for music, the stars, the outdoors, the game of chess and some sweet cooking skills!
The world lost a true, genuine, magical and adventurous soul. He loved life and lived it best in the moment, enjoying the small things that most people would give no notice. When you hear the keys playing or the string strumming, think of his life- one filled with passion and liveliness. Think of Patrick Sheddy, a beautiful and elegant man full of kindness.
The family will hold private celebrations of life. If you wish to make a donation to the Drumheller Music Festival where Patrick played his first piano debut, this would be greatly appreciated by his family.
