Patrick Joseph Gamble passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with his daughter Deanna by his side. He fought with incredible determination and courage to beat his cancer. He loved life.
Born September 12, 1939, to Beatrice and John Gamble. Patrick grew up on South High Street making friendships that lasted a lifetime with childhood friends. He attended St. Andrew’s School and Port Arthur Technical. He achieved an accounting certificate through the Ontario Association of Accountants.
Patrick worked at Nor Shore Ready Mix before starting Construction Forming Systems in the early 1970’s, with partners Vic and Sergio. He worked over 30 years at CFS before semi-retirement. He continued working with properties and investing until the time of his passing. He developed friendships with business associates, tenants, neighbours and employees over the years.
Patrick married Elsa Sorby in 1970, they were together until the time of her passing in May 2016. He and Elsa were snowbirds in Florida for over 35 years. They began in Fort Lauderdale, then on to Hobe Sound and finally in Stuart, Florida. Special lasting friendships were formed with many people from many places over the years spent in Florida. He met many new friends after 2016 and continued his snowbird life until just prior to the time of his passing.
Golf was the sport he truly enjoyed. Along with playing golf, Pat and Elsa volunteered at the Honda Classic in Florida every year. He was a member of Fort William Country Club taking great pride in the clock installed in memory of his friend Elmer Klock. In 2003, he succeeded in getting tickets to the practice rounds at the Masters. He and Elsa volunteered at the LPGA Solheim Cup in 2005 at the Crooked Stick Golf Club in Indiana and in 2011 in Ireland at the Killeen Castle. He thought he visited his mother’s childhood home in Ireland, he was off by 10 numbers visiting #33 Railway Street instead of #23. A memory we laughed about numerous times. in 1994, he and Elsa went to Norway to visit her relatives. They were able to attend the Winter Olympics at Lillehammer making for a memorable visit.
Patrick served on the board of TBDHA & St. Joseph’s Hospital in the 80’s and 90’s. He was also a member of PC party and was chairman of the Save the Pagoda Committee. He contributed yearly to a bursary at Lakehead University. He was actively involved in many local organizations supporting local businesses and events. Pat was always informed and up to date on news in our area and from around the world. He was a very knowledgeable man on a vast variety of topics.
Pat loved to socialize. He enjoyed dinners out, plays, concerts of many genres, sporting events, entertaining and interacting with other at any gathering. Pat always looked forward to outings with Ann Robinson and Pat Lang. He truly appreciated their friendship and caring, especially during his illness. He spent time watching thunderstorms come in over the lake, shipping activity, and the beautiful view from his home on the hill.
Patrick is survived by daughters Andrea Best (Mike) and Deanna Gamble, by his grandchildren Kelly McGuire, Katrina McGuire (Tristan), London Gamble (Amber), and Harper Gamble, by his great grandchildren Hunter Bolduc, Ellie, Emma and Bentley Gamble, Sophia and Hudson McGuire-Forbes, his loving companion Patti Constantin of Stuart, Florida, and by many friends new and old.
Patrick was predeceased by his wife of 46 years Elsa, by his parents Beatrice and John Gamble, by his in-laws Emil and Mary Sorby, brother Jimmy and his wife Fran, brother Jack and his sister Mary Jane Wedding.
Thanks to the Doctor’s and staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Cancer Clinic and the Doctor’s and staff in Stuart, Florida for their care and compassion. As well to his friends and neighbours both here and in Florida who supported him through his illness, thank you. To Doug Robinson for his help getting dad home, I can’t thank you enough.
A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, in the Chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street. Donations to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
