It is with great sadness that the field hockey community mourns the loss of a pioneer of our sport, Pat Hall. Pat passed away peacefully with her family on Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
While Pat has won many accolades over the past seven decades, in recent years she has been a recurring name crossing the stage. In 2020, Pat was inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame for her decades of contributions to both field hockey and softball. Pat was then honoured at the Greater Victoria Sports Awards return to the local stage in 2022, as the organizing committee presented an award in her name, the Pat Hall Volunteer Award. Just this past Fall of 2023, Field Hockey Canada then announced Pat as a member of their 2023 FHC Hall of Fame as a builder.
Pat’s list of contributions is endless. In addition to her many years as player, coach and umpire, Pat served on the executive of the Vancouver Island Ladies Field Hockey Association (VILFHA) for over 40 years. She has been Victoria or BC representative with Field Hockey BC, Field Hockey Canada, the Vancouver Island Umpires Association and the Victoria Junior Field Hockey Association.
She was honoured four times with VILFHA’s most prestigious award, the Christine Trophy, for combining sportsmanship, service and playing ability. She was also honoured by Field Hockey BC with the Barbara Schrodt Award (for those who have made a significant difference to the sport across BC), the Gold Pin Volunteer Award, and the Sport BC President’s Award. In 1983, Pat was named Victoria Sports Person of the Year. In 1993, she was awarded with VILFHA Life Membership and, in 2013, the VILFHA introduced the Pat Hall Officials Development Award, held within the Field Hockey BC Foundation.
If you would like to contribute to the Pat Hall Officials Development Award visit:
https://give.vancouverfoundation.ca/s/give?ID=a0e41000005DMugAAG
Standing on the shoulders of pioneering giants, the Canadian field hockey community will be forever grateful for Pat’s contributions to the sport and the stage she set for field hockey players, coaches, and officials for years to come. A lovely lady who is already sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to Pat’s family at this difficult time.
“Thank You Pat”
A Celebration of Life is being held Monday, November 13, 2023, 2:00 pm at Mary Winspear Center, 2243 Beacon Avenue (Sidney). Plenty of parking available, refreshments available after service.
