March 17, 1945 – May 10, 2026
Surrounded by his loved ones, Patrick Garey passed away peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on May 10th after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma cancer. Born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1945, he was named appropriately to the day. The son of Walter and Margaret (McGowan), Pat grew up on the West Side of Saint John as one of 4 siblings, with a slew of Garey cousins. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood of hockey, band, parish life at St. Rose, and riding family ponies in all the local parades.
After graduation from St. Malachy’s, Pat earned bachelor’s degrees from Saint Dunstan’s University, PEI, and UNB before embarking on a fulfilling career as a teacher and school administrator in Saint John. Humble by nature, education was a lifelong passion for Pat. Pat went on to earn master’s degrees from Fordham University in New York City, University of
Maine, and UNB. Pat taught at St. Rose and Islandview School before serving as Principal of Lakewood Heights School and East Saint John School. He retired from the School District Office as the Supervisor of Guidance. In retirement, he served as a mentor and advisor to new
teachers through the University of Maine, lectured in the Faculty of Education at UNB and audited classes at UNB and NBCC.
Pat is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary McElwaine-Garey. Pat was a dedicated father to their 3 children and volunteered for their sports and music activities. His passion for photography documented these events both for his children and their teammates. He captained the M.S. ‘School’s Out’ for many summers, enjoyed family cruises, car trips, ski vacations, and spent warm summer days at the cottage on the Washademoak Lake. Pat was a jack of all trades and a creative problem solver. He could build, fix, or salvage any problem. In 1983, he helped build the family’s new home complete with a solar panel, offering public sessions to those interested in learning more about this emerging technology. In retirement, he enjoyed helping his children renovate houses, maintain their cars and work on ‘projects’.
Pat was quick to help a friend or neighbour. His loyalty and devotion to loved ones was exemplified in making daily and nightly trips (rain or shine!) to the nursing home to care for his aunt, mother, and brother over the years. Pat and Mary also had an active circle of friends, including a Gourmet Group for over 40 years and a wine-tasting group. He also enjoyed retired teacher socials, principals’ breakfasts, Irish Canadian Cultural Association events, restoring his antique Morris Minor, working at local ‘Home Shows’ and caring for his grandchildren. Over the years, Pat served terms on the YMCA Board of Directors, Music Alive Board, and
volunteered for Romero House as the van driver in the winter months. Pat was the consummate gentleman who was an encourager, helper, full of integrity and a devoted father. He was deeply loved.
Pat is also survived by his three children, Maura, Martha (Matthias), and Matthew (Jillian), his brother Ken (Alison) of Sussex, and his sister Marg (Joe) of Cape Breton, 5 grandchildren; Owen and Mack, and Elise, Emerson, and Edelle, sister-in-law Eunie McElwaine, and several nieces
and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents and brother Lawrence Garey.
The family wishes to thank the incredible physicians of the Palliative Care Team and the wonderful staff of 3BN and Bobby’s Hospice.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424). Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 14th at Brenan’s Funeral Home on Paradise Row from 2-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church on Somerset St. on Friday, May 15th at 11 am.
