Obituary

Surrounded by love, Pat entered peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Saviour. Pat was the devoted husband of Sharon, the love of his life, for 64 years. Cherished father, constant support, and inspiration to Steven (Janet), Kerri (Dale) and Beth (Kurt). Caring Grandpa to Tyler (Jessica), Vanessa (Joel) and Allison Kropf, Emma (Phil) and Riley (Kailey) Price, and Liam Rafferty. Proud Great-Grandpa to Emmett and Leo Morden, and Nathan, Blake and Nolan Kropf. Survived by his sister Esther (Gary) McElwain, as well as a large, beloved extended family. Predeceased by his parents, Leo and Esther Rafferty, his brother John and his sister Lorraine. Born in Toronto, Pat attended Humberside Collegiate Institute. He later studied at the University of Guelph where he earned a B.A. and M.A. in Political Studies. Pat’s entrepreneurial spirit guided him to establish Rafferty Insurance Brokers Ltd. in 1972. Pat enjoyed the outdoors and sports: curling, hockey, including the old timers league, and hours spent fishing in the north, particularly in New Liskeard and at his cherished cottage. He was a staunch supporter of the Fergus-Elora Community and served as a former Fergus town council member. Pat was also an extraordinary patriot and strongly believed that Canada is the greatest country in the world! Pat’s faith guided him on every step of his journey. He had a generous heart, was compassionate and celebrated the success of others. Pat, known affectionately as “Paddy” to family and close friends, will be deeply missed, but we are ever grateful for our precious memories. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David Street South, Fergus, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and again from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 267 Geddes Street, Elora. Following the service, we will proceed to St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elora for the burial. A reception will be held afterward at St. Joseph Parish, 760 St. David Street North, Fergus, where we can share refreshments and fellowship. The family has requested that, in place of flowers, donations be made in Pat’s memory to the Groves Memorial Community Hospital Foundation or Michael House in Guelph. Visit https://www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Pat’s online memorial.