February 6, 1954 ~ April 21, 2026 (age 72)
It is with heavy hearts that the family of John Patrick Oram announce his passing which occurred at his home surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the age of 72, following a brave battle with cancer.
Born in Saint John NB on February 6th, 1954, Pat was the second of four children born to his parents, William and Bertha (Marsh) Oram. He was a brother for Michael, and his sister Mary Jane and his brother Danny. At that time his family lived in a big house on Chelsey Drive on the water, right on the spot where the look out is now located.
As a young boy, the outdoors was where Pat felt the most at home. He spent his days running through the woods, knowing every stream and brook where he could fish, snare rabbits and build camps with his friends. His father was a scout leader and taught Pat outdoor survival skills and Pat took right to it. Nature wasn’t just something he enjoyed, it was something he understood deeply, something he spoke of often and where he felt closest to God.
The family lived into the north end where Pat played hockey, and when Pat was a teenager, they moved to Champlain Heights. He graduated from Simonds High School in 1974, where he made friends easily. He played football, studied Electrical, he met his lifelong friend Steve Thomas, in whom he found a brother and a kindred spirit, his future Best Man at his wedding and Godfather to his son. They shared many fun and hair-raising adventures and remained close throughout their lives.
It was at Simonds Pat first laid eyes on Paulette Parsons, his future wife whom he would later meet and marry. It was love at first sight. A deep, soul mate kind of love that felt like we already knew each other, that they were home. It grew deeper and stronger over the years, even with life’s many struggles and trials, and lasted throughout their lives.
Pat apprenticed and completed his Red Seal Journey level Electrician certification in 1982. He later furthered his studies in Electrical Instrumentation. He worked locally on commercial jobs, but the bulk of his career was at heavy industrial job sites across Canada and the United States. Pat had a natural way of connecting with people and made many friendships along the way.
In March 1986 God blessed them with a son, Jonathan Patrick, who was his parents’ hearts’ desire. Pat loved being a father. He was a very hands-on dad, doing feeding, changing, everything and loving it all. As Jonathan grew Pat shared with Jonathan his love of nature. They developed a very close relationship, sharing common interests like fishing, boating, and many annual father and son roadtrips adventures exploring the Maritimes making many wonderful memories together. Of all the roles he filled in life, being Jonathan’s dad meant the most to him.
In his years working as Electricial Foreman, he loved to coach and mentor the younger workers he was supervising. He was respected for his skills and known for wanting to share what he knew and help them build confidence in their skill set.
Pat was a kind and gentle man who loved the simple things in life. He was a loving husband to Paulette and father to Jonathan He believed in living life to the fullest. He had a deep appreciation and love of nature that he always wanted to share with others. He loved God, his family and friends. He was a loyal and devoted friend, and a brother to many. He gave his love freely and deeply. He loved music and sitting on the deck and listening to the birds.
Pat lived life on his terms. He was a man of few words. And he saw things clear. What was a right way and a wrong way, a fair and unfair way and he stood on his morals and values. He was a champion of the underdog, even if it cost him. He said what he meant and meant what he said. If he was your friend, you had a friend indeed. We will all miss you Pat.
He leaves behind the love of his life for the last 45 years, Paulette; his son Jonathan; sister Mary Jane (Michael) McGrath; mother in law Doreen Parsons; brothers in law Wayne Parsons and Christopher (Katherine)Parsons; sisters in law Donna (Glenn) Scott, Lynda (Fred) Johnston, Doreen Shippee, Rosanne Parsons and Brenda (Rob) Garnett; his chosen brothers Steve Thomas, Paul Tobias and Craig Miller, special girl Avery Miller, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pat was predeceased by his parents, brothers Michael and Danny and brothers-in-law Allister, Raymond, John Frances and Kevin Parsons. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his wonderful Doctors, Dr. Groom and Dr. Hemings as well as Elizabeth and the staff from Extra-Mural for their wonderful of Pat.
Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Rd., Saint John, NB (506-646-2424). Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from11AM – 2PM followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 2PM in the Fundy Chapel. For those who wish, donations in Pat’s memory to Extra-Mural Saint John, NB, would be appreciated by family.
