Obituary of Patrick Wycks

A native of Crinkle, Ireland, Patrick Wycks, 93, of London, Ontario, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the wee hours of Monday, January 7, 2019. Patrick is survived by his wife Anne (Quinn) of 59 years, sons Brendan (Valerie Troy), Desmond and Michael (Leslie Dupuy), daughters Gerri and Bernadette, grandsons Ryan and Kevin Wycks, granddaughter Phoebe Dupuy-Wycks and extended family. After living in Toronto and Birr, Ireland, Patrick, Anne and family put down permanent roots in London, Ontario in 1966. Throughout his life in Ireland and Canada, Patrick maintained a deep love for both his homeland and his adopted country. A voracious reader, he read 4 newspapers per day and would also speedily complete any crossword puzzle or jumble he came across. Patrick enjoyed watching all kinds of sports, especially golf, tennis and hockey. He was also a snooker player and pool shark to be reckoned with. In his day, Patrick was a great hurler (Ireland’s national sport), helping his Birr team to a coveted and heralded county championship over Tullamore in 1946. Patrick worked for 20 years at St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital as a Rehabilitation Officer, assisting discharged patients to transition back to life in the community. After he and Anne had raised their family of five children, Patrick enjoyed a retirement of nearly 35 years, during most of which he and Anne enjoyed very good health and vacations back in Ireland. He spent his free time reading mystery and thriller novels; writing letters to his kinfolk in Ireland and the U.S.; acting in plays at London’s Irish Club; trying for a win, place or show at the horse races; cheering for local sports teams; singing in the church choir; dining out with Anne; and playing cards and enjoying coffee with their many friends. Patrick was active and sharp-witted into his 90's, until a recent stroke and resulting health complications took their toll. Patrick’s family extends special thanks to the medical, nursing, and support staff at Mt. Hope Centre for Long Term Care and at University Hospital in London for their loving care and support during his final days; and to the John T. Donohue Funeral Home for being very understanding and accommodating during this difficult time. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, in London. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, 196 Dufferin Avenue, on Tuesday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. Patrick will then be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Cemetery in London. Memorial donations may be made to the Irish Benevolent Society of London & Area: www.irishbenevolentsociety.ca.