Pat (Gilbert) Garrett
Patricia Joy Gilbert was born on March 15, 1953 in Stettler, Alberta to Roy and Norma (Koss) Gilbert. Pat grew up in Stettler with her older brother Gary and her younger sister Jaqueline. As a child, Pat enjoyed speed swimming and later got her lifeguard certification. On the weekends, she would help her grandparents on their farm, hauling bails, harvesting, and taking care of the farm animals. Pat finished her grade 12 year in Settler.
Pat started working for the City of Edmonton at 18 years old. She worked at the Kinsmen Fieldhouse and at the Queen Elizabeth outdoor pool as a cashier, working her way up from a part-time cashier to a full time Clerk Typist III. Pat had the privilege of being involved with the Commonwealth games at the Kinsmen House, getting to be near the Queen and her entourage. In 1972, Pat went to NAIT, where she studied business.
In 1973, Pat married Arthur (Art) Hamer Garrett. In 1980, Pat and Art moved to Millet for the first time and on December 8, 1980 their first son, Michael, was born. Their daughter Rochelle was born on May 30, 1982 . In 1982, Pat, Art, and the kids packed up and moved, but then came then back to Millet in 1985, where Pat has lived ever since. While living in Millet, Pat worked at the Wetaskiwin Times for 10 years, and then for the City of Wetaskiwin Visitor Centre for two years. In 1995, Pat helped Tim Okkerses, his stepdaughter, and his wife grow the Pipestone Flyer from a 12-page tabloid to over 48 pages. The paper started out as a home-based business, but with determination they made it into part of the commercial business on main street Millet. Pat continued to work with the Pipestone Flyer for ten years.
In 1986, Michael wanted to become a Beaver in the Scouting Association. Pat got a call asking her to volunteer as a Beaver leader, as otherwise there would be no Beaver program. She became a Beaver leader “Rainbow”, and then moved up to Cubs and she became “Akala.” Pat was an assistant coach for her kids' softball team, and sat on the recreation and cultural board for over 12 years.
Pat became a town councillor in 1989 and was involved with many committees and programs in Millet, such as Millet Public Library, Millet Agriculture Society, Millet Seniors, and the Tourism Committee, to name a few. During the early 90s Pat and ten others began the Victim Services unit for our district and sat as the president for six years. In 2001, Pat established the Citizens On Patrol program (COPs) for Millet which she is still active in today. Because of her time and effort, Pat received the Alberta Solicitor General Crime Prevention Award in 2001.
Today, she is a member of the Millet & District Historical Society and a chairperson for the Millet Tourism Committee. Pat is also a current council member for the Town of Millet. She is an active member of the Millet Lions Club and has been a chairperson for 2 years. In 2013, Pat was named Citizen of the Year; in 2017 she received the Lions Community Award for a lifetime of community service. In 2017, Pat also received the Judge Brian Stevens Good Fellowship Award ibecause of her help with bingos, working events, the Millet Parade, Community Awards, Christmas hampers, and grant funding. Pat is the vice-president for the Millet and District Recreation and Agriculture Society. When asked why she got involved with all this volunteering her answer is simple: her kids.
