Farewell with love
Patrick Michael de Jourdan was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada to parents John and Joan de Jourdan. Patrick is survived by partner, Benya Heyse; his sons, Spencer de Jourdan and Blake de Jourdan (Josh); siblings, Robert de Jourdan (Andrea), Susan Daniel (David and family), Mary Frances de Jourdan (Tim and family), and Bart de Jourdan (Pam and family).
Patrick’s early years were filled with sport – swimming, skating, skiing, skydiving and football and a house full of family. He was a creative problem solver from an early age – taking apart and reassembling appliances, electronics, bicycles, motorbikes and cars.
Upon leaving school, he worked with his parents, John and Joan where he rapidly developed a passion for photography. As a third-generation photographer, Patrick was well known in Lethbridge as a successful business owner (de Jourdan’s Studio) and innovative member of the photography profession. Patrick was the recipient of many awards, one of which was earning his Master of Photographic Arts from the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) in 2002. During his photographic career Patrick was awarded 11 National accreditations from the PPOC. He was one of the first photographers in Western Canada to fully integrate digital photography in his studio and later played an integral role in a small team of individuals who gave seminars and instruction Canada wide on how to integrate this cutting-edge technology into traditional photographic studios. When residing in Lethbridge he was an active member of the community. Patrick did the photography for the annual Fire Fighter Calendar fundraiser. He sat on many boards including Big Brothers Association, Chamber of Commerce, and the Professional Photographers of Canada. Patrick was the President of the Professional Photographers of Alberta for two years and the Alberta Delegate for the Professional Photographers of America. Patrick was well known and respected in so many circles.
In 1985 he married (Kelly Petersen) and had two children (Spencer and Blake). Although they parted ways, their love for their children never waned. Patrick was a devoted father. In 2004 Patrick made the brave move to follow his brother (Robert de Jourdan) to Germany where he not only learned a new language but also worked tirelessly to develop new skills in a world where photography was rapidly changing with the onset of the digital world. Patrick’s creativity and passion for learning led him to collaborate with many academics and professionals in the world of drone use for digital twinning and 3D imagery. His enthusiasm and drive to share this forefront technology would greatly assist many workplaces. He saw how it could reduce workload, increase safety and lower industrial carbon footprints leaving the world a better place.
Not long after arriving in Germany, Patrick met Benya Heyse whom he lovingly shared his life with for almost two decades. As time passed in Germany, Patrick became a part of Benya’s family, and was loved by them and many others he encountered. Benya and Patrick enjoyed sharing walks in the beautiful old city of Lubeck and wonderful music at many concerts – the last being Cat Stevens recently. Pat immersed himself in Benya’s culture and all Europe had to offer. He loved his new home.
Sadly, Patrick was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. Benya remained a pillar of strength for him throughout this challenging time. Though cancer has been a part of Patrick’s life over the last 9 years, he was determined to live life to the fullest and never let it define him or his life. He enjoyed an active lifestyle of cycling, walking and exploring until the end. Patrick met all challenges in his life with complete enthusiasm and passion and found good in the most difficult of situations. Patrick never stopped smiling and remained excited about where life was leading him.
Recently, Patrick followed a work opportunity back home to Canada, arriving in Edmonton, Alberta on 05 August 2023, just two weeks prior to his passing. In spite of feeling ‘off colour’, he completed his first week of work with positivity, looking forward to sharing his knowledge and learning from his new workplace. Tragically, his condition deteriorated rapidly – requiring life support prior to his passing. Patrick’s sudden death has left a huge loss in the hearts of many. He was a mountain of a man – a gentle giant and a wonderful friend to many.
He departed this world with his family surrounding him with love.
The Celebration of Life will be held in Calgary (Alberta, Canada) at Fish Creek Park (Glennfield Group Use Area/ASPEN Facility) September 13, 2023 from 2:00 -4:00 pm. We welcome anyone wanting to share in the celebration of Patrick’s life. There will be an opportunity to share memories at this time. For planning and catering purposes can you please let us know if you will be attending and if you would like to share a memory (sm.daniel56@gmail.com) Please note that this is an outdoor venue, in a natural setting. Please dress for the weather.
Patrick was a brilliant photographer. Please honour him with casual, colourful dress.
Sandie Kaupp says
Spencer and Blake, I am so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was just the nicest man. Please accept my condolences.
Mary Frances de Jourdan says
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support with Patrick’s passing. While Benya and Pat’s extended family are still coming to terms with this massive loss, these messages are greatly comforting. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words.
Benya and Patrick’s extended family.
Deb Trehearn says
I mostly knew Pat through my sister in law, Mary Francis, Pat’s sister . I knew him to be very special as he loved unashamedly and was very much loved in return . A big life well lived. Thoughts are with all his friends and family feeling this enormous loss.
Mary Frances de Jourdan says
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support with Patrick’s passing. While Benya and Pat’s extended family are still coming to terms with this massive loss, these messages are greatly comforting. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words.
Benya and Patrick’s extended family.
Arne Ramcke says
Eine sehr traurige Nachricht.
Mein herzliches Beileid an Benya, seine Kinder und seiner Familie!
Mit besten Grüßen,
Arne Ramcke
(Ehemaliger Nachbar von Benya und Patrick in Lübeck Germany)
Ed and Roxy Travaglia says
On behalf of our family, we offer our deepest condolences to you. We have many wonderful memories of Pat. He took our wedding pictures and of our toddlers which all hang proudly on our walls. His memory will live on and we will remember an amazing man. ❤️
Borns Annette says
He was the friendliest and kindest neighbour , a wonderful person to share impressions with and a valuable member of our community – he will be deeply missed. Danke für alles Patrick !
RIP
Christine Duff says
I met Pat as a young boy while studying in Canada when his sister Mary-Frances was my room mate. Through Mary Frances I knew of his work and escapades over the years when I caught up with Mary Frances. My condolences to his siblings and their families at this sad time but hold dear the beautiful memories you all shared with Pat. These will be with you for ever.
Love Duffer
Mary Frances de Jourdan says
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support with Patrick’s passing. While Benya and Pat’s extended family are still coming to terms with this massive loss, these messages are greatly comforting. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words.
Benya and Patrick’s extended family.
Doug Curran says
Some years ago Pat loaded his SUV with backdrop and a full computer system to help me with a big sales convention job, shooting portraits and groups. Patrick’s computer and software knowledge always amazed me.
We finished the job well and in celebration drank good single malt, lit Havanas, and danced to Motown songs on my back deck into the early hours.
Mary Frances de Jourdan says
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support with Patrick’s passing. While Benya and Pat’s extended family are still coming to terms with this massive loss, these messages are greatly comforting. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words.
Benya and Patrick’s extended family.
Tim Ryan and Anne Gray says
We will be unable to attend in Edmonton on the 13th, but I want to share with you the Pat de Jourdan that we all cared for deeply. He was first a customer and quickly became a close friend.
The last time we were able to share time with him directly, we had a few days layover in Germany and made our way to Pat’s place in Lubeck. Pat insisted on taking us for “breakfast on the beach”. It was February 2005 and we were skeptical given the weather.
This was Pat’s little joke, as this was the beachfront cafe in Travemunde. We all had a chuckle.
We will never forget his smiling face, his sense of humor, and his profound humanity.
Mary Frances de Jourdan says
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support with Patrick’s passing. While Benya and Pat’s extended family are still coming to terms with this massive loss, these messages are greatly comforting. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words.
Benya and Patrick’s extended family.
Marian Irmler Selk says
Our heart felt condolences to the family. Pat was always a kind and caring person and amazingly talented. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Irmler family
John mcknight says
I will never forget our successful attempt at climbing Mount Chisel in the Columbia valley. Pat,Tim, Andrew and I. Pat was so excited that day when he realized he had cell reception. Like a very excited child he phoned friends and family to tell them about the adventure. We left the trail head and drove back to a very fancy golf course in Fairmount via the dust bucket. Pat was laughing his head off when we exited the brown van and 4 grown men came out in this very expensive and fancy golf course parking lot after our day’s climb. What a memory. I will miss him.
John McKnight
Dianela Estevez says
My deepest condolences to all the family. I’m so sorry to hear about his passing. I met him in Lübeck, where we were learning german. He was very friendly and always supportive. Please accept my condolences.
Leanne and Ian Kruger says
I too mostly knew Pat through my sister in law Mary Francis. Best memory is when Pat came out to Australia many years ago and he enthusiastically took reams of photos for a mountain race we hold in our small town. Condolences to all the family at this very sad time.
Kay Smith says
Sending love to the family, and especially my dear friend, Mary Frances, at this sad time. So glad that you are together. ❤️
Dee says
To MF and Pat’s partner, family, friends, neighbours,
we are very sorry for your loss. We never met Pat; he was spoken of often and with love by our friend MF, as a talented loving man, and much loved brother and friend.
We are thinking of you all.
Hoping that good memories give you comfort. A time for gathering and remembering.
With love and deepest sympathy from Dee and Kev in Australia.
Dave Kortt says
I am so saddened and I send my condolences to his family. In 1991, Pat took me into his studio as a high school work experience student as I also had a passion for photography. He first taught me “old school” in the black and white darkroom and progressed me through to the point where I received my professional accreditation at 19 years old. Thanks to Pat for taking me under his wing. A big guy with a big personality. Miss you Pat, you did a lot.
Tom Cullen says
My sincere condolences to Patrick’s immediate and extended family. Although I lost touch with Pat early on, I have always held the de Jourdan family close to my heart. Susan and I were close childhood friends in Lethbridge and I remember so well, when I was 5, when Mrs. de Jourdan (Joan) invited me in to see their new baby. Patrick was a big baby, and from what I’ve just read he lived a very big, amazing life. So many beautiful memories. I am so sorry to hear this sad news.
Love Tom
Dean Seiz says
My condolences to the family.
Met Pat playing High School football while he coached, in the mid 80’s in Lethbridge and was always positive and helpful. Friends wedding photos sessions there after and around town. A person that I remembered and thought highly of.
Gone too soon.
Dean Seiz
Werner-Lutrop Dirk says
I’m sorry about the loss of your brother. He is to the day one year younger than myself. Wishing you, Tim and Patrick’s entire family strength in this difficult moment.
Love from Dirk
Sylvia Berres says
Eine sehr traurige Nachricht.
Unser herzliches Beileid an seine Familie und Benya. Sylvia und Juliane aus Lübeck
Vivian & Ludger says
Patrick was – it‘s still almost impossible to use past tense – an artist, an expert covering all fields of photography, and so much more. From the beginning in 2011 he created our hompage, he was a fountain of brilliant ideas. He became a friend and therefore it was only natural for him to do the photos of our wedding last year. But most of all: He was a a fine person, a man with a great heart of gold.
Dear Patrick, may you rest in peace!
Vivian & Ludger
Andrew Kolasko says
Pat had a joyfully infectious personality and was always a pleasure to be around. Having done dozens of commercial photography projects with Pat over a 10+ year period I experienced firsthand his unwavering standard for quality, his limitless creativity, and passion for his work and relationships. He had true heart and will be sorely missed. Condolences to all of Pat’s family and good friends.
John Mcknight says
I will never forget the day when Pat, Tim, Andrew and I summited Chisel Mountain in the Columbia Valley. Pat was so excited when he realized he had cell reception on the top. He was like a big kid phoning his friends and family telling them about his accomplishment. On our way home from the trail head in the dust bucket we exited at a very fancy golf course in the valley. We came out of that brown van looking like 4 coal miners who hadn’t seen a bath for many weeks. Pat was laughing his head off asking the golf pro if there was a tee time available and was our attire appropriate for a round of golf. He was funny, outgoing and full of life. So sorry for your loss. We will miss him dearly.
Kirsten Franke Lübeck says
Ich traf Patrick in Lübeck an einer Ampel, fragte ihn , ob er Fotos von mir machen konnte. Er machte wunderbare Fotos und erstellte mir meine erste Sedcard.
Erschrocken und traurig las ich jetzt auf Facebook von seinem Tod.
Herzliches Beileid, viel Kraft der Familie : Fare well lieber Patrick
Monica Lanham says
Pat your positive attitude infectious smile always brightened the room. Your support with the Lethbridge firefighters was extraordinary, your talent in your photography was remarkable and the Lethbridge firefighters will never forget. Rest in peace.
Monica Lanham retired
Local 237 Lethbridge Firefighters
Karola Behrens says
All our thoughts are with Benya, Patricks sons and his family.
May he bring light to whereever he is gone.
And may we all keep him in our hearts and memories…
Thank you Patrick for beeing a friend!
Karola and Markus
Markus says
I have no words. My heart is broken. Never forget! Markus
Mary-Frances Kandel says
So sorry for your loss Pat and the whole family were dear friends- Love Andy and Mary-Frances Kandel
Jessica and Stewart Wyllie says
We were so looking forward to meeting Patrick as he started his new adventure in Edmonton. Susan, David, and family we are so sorry for your loss.
Adele & Ken Duguid says
On behalf of Ken & I please accept our deepest condolences to all of your family on the loss of such an amazing and inspiring full of life man. Ken enjoyed working with him over so many years. We were so happy to call him our friend & will cherish happy cheerful memories of him.
Brenda Schuler says
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of your Beloved Pat. So many memories have rushed back over last few days. I was a neighbor of the deJourdan Family when they lived on 12th Street “A” and 9th Avenue South in Lethbridge, Alberta. We were so Lucky to be neighbors with this Loving and Caring Family. They moved in with Judy, Bob, Susan and Grannie deJourdan, I remember Mary-Francis birth, the day they brought Pat down soon after his birth and then Bart. I remember Mr. DeJourdan’s huge smile and Joan’s gracious ways. We were always welcomed into their Home, Yard and Family. Oh what fun and precious memories. Mr. & Mrs. deJourdan would loaded their kids, my Sister Anne and myself into their Family Station wagon for more than one road trip, we would all get dilly bars afterward. Mrs. deJourdan gave me my first babysitting money for looking after the younger children 25 cents as a young kid I thought I was rich and so proud of my money. They were there for my Family as well when my Dad passed away suddenly. We were sad when they moved away. I have had the good fortune for the last couple of years to have made contact with Mary-Francis through Facebook. Just so hard to believe that your precious Pat has passed away. I am hoping I will be able to get to Calgary for his service and see the Family once more. We are sending our Deepest Sympathy during this most difficult times. Our Prayers & Love are with you. Brenda (nee Quelch) & Dick Schuler & Family
Dee and Kev says
Deepest sympathy to all Pats family, friends, and neighbours.
We had not had a chance to meet Pat, but know that he was a much loved brother and friend to MF, and that he will be terribly missed.
This is a lovely tribute.
Ye are all in our thoughts. Love and hugs from Dee and Kev in Australia
Randy Vanee says
I was very fortunate to call Pat a friend. We hung out a little bit after high school years and had some fun in and around southern Alberta area. Maybe sometimes a bit too much fun. I remember Pat enjoyed Cars, Motorbikes, cabarets, Sweetgrass on Sunday night, cruising L.A. on weekends, pool halls, and many, many fun parties. Pat seemed to know everyone, had many friends and was such a likeable fellow. We stayed in touch a little bit through college years, and even grabbed an old motorhome to go to Vancouver Expo 86. We lost track of each other over the years after that but reconnected on-line just last year. It was so good to see Pat and converse with him, such an intelligent fellow with great insights about life. I wish I could have talked to him much more. I mostly remember Pat’s big smile, he loved to have fun and see other folks having fun as well. I’m so sad for his family. Please know that from my small and limited view, Pat had more fun in his life then 10 others combined. Regardless, his passing was way too early and my sincere condolences.
LESTER ANDERSON says
Condolences to the family Pat was my neighbor in Lethbridge lived across the ally from me and enjoyed many an adventure together many memories sad to here of his passing
Bart and Doreen Krogman says
Our condolences! Pat was a good guy and a great Photographer. All the best to the families!
Linda Margaret Flaman says
We are sincerely saddened to learn of Pat’s passing. Albeit we have not had contact of any sort with him for decades, we never waivered in our fondness for such a great guy. He leaves this world a lesser place. Our heartfelt condolences to all his family. Sincerely, Linda and Keith Flaman, Coaldale, AB.
Wendy Benoit says
My heart is saddened by the passing of Pat. Our families were neighbours in Lethbridge and as a dear friend of his sister Judy, I loved watching him grow into such a kind, gentle man. He will be missed by those who were lucky to have him as part of our lives.
Condolences from Wendy Benoit (Jordan)
Ron Burr says
My condolences to Pat’s family. I knew him many years ago during his time in Lethbridge. His father took my and my brother’s baby pictures. May he RIP.
Azeb Girma-Driehorst says
We are deeply saddened by the news of Patrick passing .just a couple of weeks before we were laughing together at our daughters confirmation. I know a thousand words won’t bring you back,
I know because I have tried; neither will a thousand tears, I know because I have cried. You will always be remembered no matter what. your presence, love and kindness will forever be with us. Rest for now until we meet again
Our condolences to his family and his great love Benya.
We will miss you my dear friend
Azeb & Sönke
Trittau / Germany
Tim Trehearn says
Pat was an amazing friend to my wife Mary Frances. A friend who opened his heart to not only Mary Frances but everyone he met. A friend who loved unconditionally, shared his pain and his joys and remained positive until the end. The 3 of us shared a wonderful week together in June this year. Benya too. We rode our bikes, shared good food and talked a lot. Openly and honestly. Words are inadequate. We did some fun stuff together. Nepal, Hinchinbrook Island, Fitzroy Island, John and Heather’s cabin. Mount Chisel. I will miss him greatly.
Alan, Ros & Andrew Calder says
Sincere condolences to all of Pat’s family and friends. We met Pat some 20 years ago when he came to Australia. He joined us for Ros’s 40th birthday celebration on Fitzroy Island and of course took some wonderful photos. While the grief will be tough, we know that the joy of your wonderful memories of Pat will always be with you.
Brenda ( Mass) Pyne says
My memory of Pat, is that he was a kind and gentle giant. He lovingly photographed our daughter’s graduation. One of my favourite memories from our youth, is one warm day in the 1970’s when Pat, Mary Frances and I were having a water fight. Thinking that we’d be safe in a tree that was 2 houses away. over at the church, we were wrong as Pat proceeded to link 2 or 3 garden hoses together to get us! Such an engineer. I am so lucky to have been included in this very wonderful deJourdan family. Big hugs, prayers and condolences to Blake, Spencer, Benya and all of you, M.F, Susan, Bart and all.
James Szarko says
My sincere condolences to family and friends.
Pat and I were friends in high school and that carried on throughout the years and even though we never saw each other often when we reconnected it was no different than when we were face to face in our school years. There are many crazy stories, mainly with a lot of laughter and good sincere humour. There was always additional energy in the room when Pat was there and a genuine appreciation for all those in that room. There was always a bit of mischief but again always in a kind and caring way with good fun as the outcome.
The last few years we had some really good intellectual conversations about life and our journeys and my only regret is not having a chance to say good bye to a gentle giant, someone I will sadly miss.