Patricio Cabezas
Patricio “Pat” Cabezas
Patricio “Pat” Cabezas, resident of Edmonton, Alberta, formerly of High Level and Grande Prairie, Alberta, passed away at his home on December 26, 2021. As was his desire as his health declined, Pat was at home, surrounded by the love and devotion of his wife and sons, at the time of his passing.
Pat was born in Santiago, Chile. He left the country at a young age, travelling through much of South America, Central America, and Cuba before making his way to Toronto, Canada. Initially he thought he was coming to Canada for a two-week visit, but quickly enrolled to study English as a second language and later studied chemistry. Pat studied at Seneca College, University of Toronto, and University of Waterloo. After graduating, he began the next chapter of his life by accepting a position with Proctor & Gamble in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Northern Alberta truly became his stomping grounds as he also worked in the High Level and Rainbow Lake area for several years. While employed by Mobil Oil, he also spent time working in the jungles of Peru. Following this, Pat acted as an environmental consultant for the oil industry, worked for the Boreal Caribou Committee, and later for the Dene Tha First Nation’s NDeh Corporation before retiring in Edmonton. In addition, while his sons were growing up, Pat volunteered in the community for what was then the Grande Prairie Minor Soccer Association, and was also a board member for the Alberta Arbitration & Mediation Society.
Pat will be fondly remembered by his wife, Elizabeth, his sons Marcello, Sacha, Montano (Emily), Sebastian, Gabriel (Melissa) and granddaughters Sofia and Julia, as well as his step children Jennifer (Chad) Taylor (Gavin, Ember), Don (Nicole) MacNeill, and Lawrence MacNeill. Pat was predeceased by his parents in Chile.
The family will be having a private celebration of Pat’s life.
Pat’s family expresses heartfelt thanks to the dedicated nurses and staff in AHS Homecare, and the other medical professionals who assisted them in taking care of Pat during his final days.
Pat Cabezas was a good friend and co-worker. He built a good relationship with the First Nations in northern Alberta. He was always professional in his work, his knowledge and experience went a long way to establish opportunities for the First Nations and Industry
I will miss my friend.
Stan Salopree
We are very saddened hearing the news of our dear friend Pat’s passing. Although in past few years we missed meeting for our coffee’s at Starbucks and catching up on world politics and life in general, I will always cherish those times together along with the family times we enjoyed with the Cabezas several time over the years!
I can’t believe where the past 20+ years have gone. Elizabeth and all the family our heart felt condolences and prayers go out to you. I also personally want to let you know what a wonderful man Pat was and he will be truly missed! Love Bev & George Thomas
My thoughts are now with Pat’s family and I hope they have as many good memories or Pat as I do.
Pat was a true friend and great company. He stood up for what he believed in and made a big difference in northwestern Alberta in his co-chair leadership on the Hay-Zama Committee — coordinating efforts between industry, the Dene Tha’, government and environmental groups.
Many “firsts” came out of that effort, including twinning the Hay-Zama Wildland Park with Dalai Lake National Nature Reserve in Inner Mongolia. Pat was recognized with an Emerald Award for that work. Ever humble and gracious, he always said it was for all of us doing that work. There is no doubt it was Pat who got the ball rolling and ensured it made a difference.
Pat is already sorely missed. I will miss our sushi nights and banter on global matters . . . Rest in Peace Pat.
Patricio Cabezas. I’m Chilean he said. What a great name I said to him. First met him at Seneca in early 70s. He was kind and taught me how to study and make notes. We looked like rebel hippies ready to take over the world. He gave me a famous poster of Che. My condolences to the family.
Thank you so much for your note. I did not know Patricio during his college and university years, but he has told me many stories and had fond memories of his years at Seneca.
I only just found out that Pat had died. I remembered him from our time together bay the University of Waterloo. We worked together in the EMS library. He was probably the most interesting person I had ever met in my sheltered world. We lost track of each other when I moved to BC and he to Alberta. I had tried once pre Internet days but was unsuccessful. It was only today when I had reason to think of him that I Googled him and realized he had left his earthly bonds. What a ground breaker he was. I’m so happy that he has such a large family he in his “country of choice” if not his country of birth. He was a lovely man.