Patricia Eleanor Kohler
Patricia Eleanor Kohler
December 3, 1933 – October 10, 2026
The family of Patricia Kohler regrets to announce her passing.
Patricia was born on a family-owned cattle ranch outside of Keremeos, B.C. along with her brother Gerald and her sisters Carole and Maureen. The ranch also had fifty acres of orchards where she developed her strong work ethic and natural acceptance that helping others is just part and parcel of life. Patricia was a dedicated volunteer her whole life. As a young girl, she would ride her bike around Keremeos selling Christmas cards for the Anglican Women’s Association, when she started school, the war had just started, she then sold Red Cross New Magazines.
Patricia went on to get married and had four children, John, Dianne, Louise, and Ruth. She worked alongside her first husband at the ranch and orchard. The farm also had five hundred bee colonies which she took care of. She drove a truck up and down the highway transporting fruits and vegetables from their farm. She eventually separated from her husband after the children were grown, she decided a change of scenery was in order. She was in Abbotsford working when she met a Yukoner, who convinced her to come north in 1971, when the famous river boats burned down. She went to work cooking at the Travel Lodge Hotel and cleaning buses for Atlas Travel. Her skills at driving trucks were helpful in driving tours throughout the Yukon for Atlas Travel.
Patricia joined the ranks of the many courageous women who formed the Minibus Transit system in Whitehorse. It was created by a group of enterprising women who were concerned over the lack of public transport for young mothers living in the rural areas of town. Their efforts resulted in a bus system being established, with 5 Fleury Mini-buses painted lime green, so they could be seen in the snowy dark days of winter. The system was founded in 1975 and became so successful the city took over the service in 1981.
Patricia also worked in many Yukon camps baking and cooking; it was there she met her second husband Ted.
Patricia made sure the Elks Lodge’s famous steak dinners and other popular events continued for many years.
Patricia was an extensive traveler, visiting many countries around the world. Most memorable, was her trip through the Panama Canal, where her grandfather had worked and died of malaria.
For many who knew her, Patricia is a volunteer’s volunteer. President of the Yukon Council on Aging, The Golden Age Society, Yukon Lung Association, Yukon Order of the Pioneers Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Purple, and Foot Care Clinic offering free podiatry services for seniors.
In 2020 Patricia received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, from the Governor General of Canada. This is Canada’s highest National honor for volunteer service.
Patricia remained extremely active even in her later years. “She is not there to look pretty” she works hard as a volunteer to make sure the events happen in the first place.
Patricia had always maintained “if you ever need a helping hand, it is at the end of your arm. As you get older you must remember you have a second hand. The first one is to help yourself, the second is to help others.” – Audrey Hepburn.
The family of Patricia would like to thank all the staff at Thomson Center for the wonderful care and kindness given to her over the years.
At Patricia’s request, no service will be held but asks you to donate to the Animal Shelter in Whitehorse.
