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April 9, 1948

- February 7, 2014


Patrick “Kostic” Verigin, educator, golfer, scrabbler, and seasoned traveler, died on Friday, February 7, 2014. He was 65. 


Born to Pat and Helen Verigin on April 9, 1948 in Nelson, B.C., he was a decorated track & field athlete in his youth. He loved raspberry piroshki, wintering in Hawaii, Deep Space Nine, and his ‘68 MG Midget sports car.


Following the Nigerian Civil War, Pat traveled to Etinan in 1970 where he taught mathematics at Qua Iboe Mission Secondary School. He learned the local Ibibio language and was the first white man to coach and play for a West African basketball team.


For over 30 years, Pat taught math at Frank Hurt Secondary in Surrey, B.C. Among his colleagues, Pat was known as a devoted teacher who encouraged his students to reach their full potential. He retired as Department Head.


Everyone knew Pat as an extraordinarily kind, gentle, and compassionate man. He believed in crossing cultural barriers, in the bonds forged by true friendship, in helping others, and in keeping his obligations.


In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice located in Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Trinidad and Tobago, or the Congo. Pat had close friends from each of these countries. 


A celebration of life will be held in Vancouver, B.C. with family and friends in the summer of 2014.



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