Pat, 82, of Vancouver, passed away peacefully September 22, 2017 with her long time friend Stephany Grasset, Stephany’s daughter Antoinette Posehn and son Stephen Grasset by her side.
Pat was born to the late Claude and Mary Rebbeck, November 3, 1934 in Ipswich, England. As her family moved frequently in her early years, Pat attended nine schools and three universities in England, Australia and Scotland before graduating with Honours in Medicine from Edinburgh University. Pat interned in Montreal before moving to Vancouver and accomplishing her goal of becoming a surgeon, gravitating towards breast cancer and melanoma surgery.
Of note, Pat became the first female surgical resident in Vancouver and the fourth female to be certified in general surgery in Canada. As well as performing surgery, Pat also taught medical students and surgical residents throughout her career, as well as served as a member of the BC Medical Journal Editorial Board for 27 years.
After arthritis in her hands forced Pat from active surgery she became a deputy registrar for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
Pat is survived by her two siblings, Peter Rebbeck and Jane Paul, both of England, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She will be fondly remembered by her many friends and medical associates as being highly intelligent, witty and extremely passionate towards her long and successful career in Medicine.
In her life outside work, Pat loved to garden, was a voracious reader and enjoyed boating and all things associated with the ocean.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to “Bard On The Beach” another one of Pat’s many joys.
0 Comments
Mary Trott
My dearest Stephany, Antoinette and Stephen, I mourn our loss, but am grateful that Pat’s passing was peaceful, surrounded by those she loved. I am also thankful for the many memories she left to us to treasure.
Errol McKinstry
As a family physician from 1969 to 1977 in Vancouver I referred all my acute surgical patients to Pat. She was a consummate professional, always gracious, engaging, and expert in her consultations by phone or letter. I appreciated her kindness to my patients and teachings when assisting her at surgery and post-op care. at St..Vincents hospital. I knew of the arthritis that sadly shortened her surgical career and was glad she joined the College. I recall reading her biography with many awards in a volume lauding top Canadian women.. I wish I had kept in touch with her following my re-training in psychiatry & practice in Richmond. My condolences to her family & friends. She is a great loss to our medical community and will be greatly missed.. Best wishes–Errol.
june Balogh
I am so sad that i did not know much sooner. I just wanted to say my sincere and deepest condolence to her partner and family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Rebbeck at CPSBC, she was a kind and compassionate women whom is deeply misses. We use to chat and she would share many stories especially around Christmas and how they would welcome many into their home for Christmas. At this Christmas and all the ones that has passed I will always hold me the chats and her forever kindness. My thought and so many prayers go to each of you. June Balogh