Patrick Bernard was born on July 22, 1935 at the Manor Hospital, county of West Midlands, in western central England. His parents, Bernard and Phyllis (Marriott) Moylan had been married in the early months of 1935 in a Civil Union, District of Walsall in Staffordshire. Patrick was the older brother of Valerie, who sadly died at a young age of scarlet fever.
It was not easy growing up through WWII. The Moylan family resided on Hospital Street in Walsall. Thousands of buildings were damaged and people killed or seriously injured by the German Luftwaffe throughout the area. In the post-war years, both the population and rebuilding effort grew exponentially in the area. Further hardship occurred as Patrick’s father died of TB at a young age. That left Patrick, his mom and sister Valerie to live with his grandma and grandpa. In time Patrick’s mother remarried and he soon welcomed a new father figure in his life, Joe Sambrook (Papa Joe). A few years later, the family welcomed Patrick’s younger sister, Gillian. Patrick always said once Papa Joe arrived, there was always food on the table.
By the time Patrick turned 19, he had joined the British Army. He was soon posted to Nicosia, Cypress, as a peacekeeper. Here he excelled in his post, as well as an individual. Nicosia is the divided capital city. South of the border is the Greek Cypriot community and to the north the Turkish Cypriot community. The division took place as a result of a period of political and violent conflict, also known as the Cyprus crisis, between 1955 and 1964. Throughout his entire life Patrick often reflected back to his time in Cypress, with many positive stories. He was also involved in service in Egypt. Patrick became a NCO (night commissioned officer) during his tenure in his service to her Majesty, a position which he thoroughly enjoyed. Upon returning to England, Patrick served as a guard for a year in London.
In 1957, Patrick, along with a friend, immigrated to Canada. The following year he brought over his future bride, Patricia Mary Law and they were married in Toronto on June 14, 1958. Patrick found work as a painter and decorator and after his marriage started his own business, “Patrick B. Moylan Painting and Decorating.” Kim was born December 17, 1959 at St. Joseph Hospital in Toronto. The family soon called 2696 Lakeshore Blvd. West in Toronto home.
By the early to mid 70’s, Patrick had experienced a few near-death experiences in his life and he had seen “the light.” He became a born again Christian and started preaching the word of God on the streets of Toronto. His whole life became dedicated to the word of God and Bible Study. Patrick truly lived out his new calling as he would give anything to anyone who was in need. In fact, by the time he moved into Elgin Abbey, he had given everything he had away. Patrick was extremely interested in photography and technology. In fact, he used this self-taught knowledge to create and post YouTube videos on a variety of Biblical topics. Patrick also created tracts, and handed them out regularly during his walks, as part of his street ministry. So appropriately, Patrick soon became known as “The Tract Man.” In truth, material things had very little meaning to Patrick. His life revolved around his strong faith and his family.
In the mid 1980’s, Patrick and Patricia (Pat and Pat) mutually parted ways. Patricia returned to England, where she passed away in 2008. In 1988, Patrick proudly became an official Canadian Citizen. Patrick retired from the painting and decorating business in 1990, at the age of fifty-five.
Patrick thoroughly enjoyed all the time he spent at the Queensway Cathedral, yet his favourite thing to do was to tell stories to his grandchildren around the kitchen table. He was so very compassionate towards others and was very giving. He maintained correspondence with many people from around the world including the US, Africa, Australia and England. He had the touch for praying for people. Tea, soup and sandwiches were staples in his diet, however he had a soft spot for rice pudding. He was a frequent visitor to one of his favourite places, MacDonald’s, where he would enjoy coffee and a muffin, sometimes even twice a day. He loved to visit others there and read the paper. Going to the movies was a delightful habit on Saturdays and listening or watching Benny Hinn was a close second. Of course, listening to gospel music was a pleasure Patrick enjoyed. He loved to sing and often remarked how he missed the days where everyone went out dancing as a past-time.
Patrick moved to Hanover in 2006 to be closer to Kim and his grandchildren. Here he continued his ministry and spent much time with his friends in Christ at the Hanover Missionary Church and later Hope Community Church. In 2011, he relocated to Chesley, a community he was familiar with as he spent much time in nearby Scone, where he previously had a trailer and enjoyed visiting when his family would camp there. In time, he began attending Chesley Community Church, just steps from his home at Elgin Abbey. Patrick will be greatly missed by his family as he was always there for every event; Christmas, birthday parties, special events, British Tea Time, or just for a dinner.
In recent months Patrick’s health has declined and how fitting that he was called Home to Jesus, on Good Friday, in his 83rd year.
Beloved father of Kim Moylan and her partner Reg Tanner of R.R. #3 Elmwood. Cherished grandfather of Ron (Kristi) Moylan of Hanover, Dawn (Chris) Baillie of Thunder Bay, Audrey (Marc) Bross of Mildmay and Jessie Pawlak of Hanover. Patrick will be sadly missed by his great-grandchildren Zach, Justin, Clara, Keira, Erin and Ivy as well as his sister Gilliam (Wolf) Goettel of Germany. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia, sister Valerie and his parents Bernard and Phyllis (Mariott) Moylan.
Given his love of worship and praise, please join Patrick’s church family at Chesley Community Church (307 1st Ave. N.) on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 10:45 a.m. as they continue to spread God’s word.
Memorial donations to Chesley Community Church, a ministry Patrick appreciated, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Until we meet again.
“Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.”
(Matthew 25:21)
