Patrick Meinster - a godly man who loved all things English

Ronald, Patrick, and Bert celebrating their birthdays.  Taken March 19, 2009.

I can't say I knew Patrick well, but well enough.  He loved people and he loved to help.  I knew him from church where I could find him visiting with others in the lobby or out patrolling the parking lot during events.  He was always friendly, always cheerful, always nice.  

I knew he loved England because of his tribute to the people and its popular media from his colourful car.  He bought a Mini Cooper in Ontario and brought it back with him to Maple Ridge where he lived at the time.  He asked Lori Allan to paint it with English icons.  My daughter and many others helped in the task.  You can see it in the photos below.

Patrick's Mini.  That's Lori Allan and Leanne Svendsen in the third photo.

He used to bring his polychromatic Mini to car shows where it was very popular.  It was a great source of pride for him and gave him many opportunities to visit with others and share the Gospel if anyone asked.  He was never pushy, but always open to sharing his faith.

The thing that Patrick loved most was God.  He showed it in his devotion to others, his parents, and his daughter.  His dedication to church and desire to serve was part of that love.  Love, to him, was not a feeling, but an action.  He didn't just show his love, he lived it.

Patrick moved to Chilliwack some years ago.  He became aware of his cancer only a month before his passing.  My friend Bert visited Patrick in Hospital a few days before he died.  There was no anger or bitterness.  His faith told him what he always knew.  He would be going Home.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen



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