Pat Haugen

Pat Haugen, born June 22, 1946, to Lou and Ida Strandberg of Prince George, passed away with her husband, Ken, by her side Dec 20, 2025, at Nanaimo Regional Hospital from complications of multiple myeloma. Ken would like to acknowledge the amazing support and cheerful providing of her needs by the doctors, nurses, LPNs and all support staff at NRGH during the 16 days she was in their care.

Pat received her PhD in Pharmacy 1973, did pre- and postdoctoral research for 7 years in pharmacy, computer science, food science, and forestry. Her proudest achievement was her role in developing the polymers used in the fire retardant for the early water bombers of the 1970s. Missing the personal interactions of community pharmacy in Prince George that she had experienced in her undergraduate years, Pat and Ken moved to Ladysmith in 1978. She enjoyed working as a community pharmacist full and part time in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan and Lake Cowichan. She assisted many adjusting to the computer world both in business and personally. Pat was also involved in providing home oxygen and in developing the Hospice program at NRGH. For her extensive community work she received the Bowl of Hygeia Award in 1990, which is an Internationally recognized award given to a pharmacist with an outstanding record of public and community service.

Upon retirement, 2008, she was finally able to devote time to her passion for photography of practically everything. She was a charter member of Nanaimo Yacht club 1985, Cowichan chapter of vintage car club of Canada 1998, and passionately involved with the Ladysmith Camera Club.

Pat’s engaging smile, positive, straightforward approach to life, and generosity in helping others in so many interest groups, created lasting friendships with so many people who will deeply miss her, especially her husband of 56 years.

Instead of flowers, which Pat loved to photograph in their natural setting, please make a donation in Pat’s memory to a charity of your choice.