Your Stories, Our Mission: Hervey & Patricia Blois

Born and raised in Mission, Hervey Blois and Patricia Brackley's paths crossed in a moment that seemed destined during one of Patricia's brother's baseball games. Little did they know, this chance  encounter would blossom into a lifelong journey filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories.

Their love story began with Hervey's military career in 1972. After marrying in December 1973, they  embarked on a whirlwind adventure from Ontario's varied landscape and blustery climate. Amidst the cold, they welcomed two sons – Christopher in 1976 and Jamie in 1978. Despite the distance from their hometown, the military community became their extended family, fostering lasting friendships.

In 1980, their military chapter closed, and they returned to Mission. Hervey worked at Mission Memorial Hospital while Patricia resumed her career at Scotiabank. Reconnecting with family and friends, they enjoyed the vibrant community life and connections.

Their time in Mission was packed with sports and clubs for their children. Hervey balanced part-time roles at the BC Ambulance Service and a locksmith business with his hospital job. Despite their busy schedules, they cherished every moment together and made the most of their holiday time with their boys.

When they got married, Hervey didn’t have much vacation time, and they couldn’t afford a honeymoon. For their 15th anniversary, they had planned a trip to Hawaii. To make it official, Hervey and their two sons surprised Patricia by showing up at Scotiabank with a Justice of the Peace to renew their wedding vows in front of bank customers as witnesses before jetting off to their long-awaited honeymoon.

Their journey took an unexpected turn when Hervey re-enlisted in 1990, leading them to Victoria, BC, where he joined the Canadian Airborne Regiment. Hervey's deployment to Somalia with the surgical unit brought Patricia to Nairobi, Kenya for two weeks, offering her a glimpse of a world far from home and reinforcing their gratitude for Canada.

Their travels continued across Europe, with Patricia and their youngest son joining Hervey in Vienna, Austria during his deployment, leading to a whirlwind tour covering thousands of kilometres. Subsequent postings in Calgary and Edmonton brought new adventures, including memorable trips to the Caribbean and Mexico to escape Alberta winters. Retirement in Chilliwack ushered in even more adventures, from cruising the Panama Canal to exploring New Orleans, exotic trips to China and the Baltic Sea, adding to their treasure trove of memories.
As they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Harrison Hot Springs, they reflected on a lifetime of love, laughter, and shared experiences. Though  health challenges altered their plans for a Hawaiian celebration, the warmth of family and the joy of togetherness made the occasion unforgettable.​

“We've been fortunate to travel extensively, but our greatest joy is watching our grandchildren grow. Our grandson, 25, runs a landscaping business in Mission, and our granddaughter, 22, works as a Flight Attendant for Air Canada, sharing our love for travel. Our oldest son, Christopher and wife Debbie, now live in Port Alberni, offering more opportunities to explore Vancouver Island. Our youngest son, Jamie, recently married Pinky, adding three grown children to our family. Jamie, following his father's military path, will soon be posted from Vancouver, opening up more travel opportunities. Patricia's 95 year-old mother still resides in Mission, making us realize that home is where our parents are.”