It is with great sadness that I learn today of Patience's passing. I will keep fond memories of every opportunity I have had to meet with her, the insightful discussions we shared, and her always kind and supportive words. My thoughts go also to Leo and their two daughters...
Dear Patience, I had no idea that you left us. Today, I was searching your name for one of my new PhD students to contact you and sadly I found out about your death. I know you are now free of pain and all the challenges you faced in your lifetime but I am sure your place is very empty in your home in Bergen and in our hearts everywhere in the world. I hope your patience help your daughters and husband to overcome this emptiness and sadness.
Patience, we met when Esther and Callum started school together. We also got to know you through South Edinburgh Quakers. I remember with a smile the first time you brought Leo along (very odd ministry) and also that wild, blustery night camping at Wiston when your tent blew away! We loved sharing the great outdoors with you all - both here in Scotland and in Norway when we came to visit. We also appreciated your ability to rustle up delicious food at the drop of a hat. We have memories of so many interesting conversations about so many different topics, and really valued your deep sense of care for all around you.
We will remember Patience for her energy, warmth of spirit, and the way that she seemed to ask the right questions in conversations – the ones that helped you find your way to some sorely needed epiphany at just the right time. Much love and light to you Leo, Esther and Saskia
Patience I knew you as a wonderful neighbour to us in Regent Street and I smile when I think of the 4 of you together with all your different skills and characters being a special family together despite your differences and life's challenges. We had fun in Quaker events and I particuLarly remember Leo's Potato-Pooping game at a Christmas party for come reason! I also got to know you more personally when you were diagnosed with cancer before moving to Norway and I still hold you, Leo, Esther and Saskia close in my heart
Patience, you are a great example for your students. Your smile and bubbly personality will be missed by all. Leo, Esther, Saskia, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Leo, Esther, Saskia, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Patience was such a generous and kind person. We treasure our memories of her, and send you all our love.
Leo, Saskia, Esther - os acompaño en el pésame.
We first sailed in 1996, to the middle of the Atlantic, and then mentored my Post-Doc. Profound intellectually and scientifically, breaking new ground with original though and boundless enthusiasm, demanding and encouraging. Bright eyes shining with ideas. And profoundly humane. Felt hosted in my last PostDoc year spent in Edimburgh, together with Leo. I left Scotland knowing that those months had been extremely enriching personally and intellectually, thanks to her, thanks to her and Leo. Despite sparse contacts since there was, there is closeness. Will miss you but you will inspire many of us.
The first time I remember you was when I was a postdoc in Liverpool and you came to give a talk. I was so impressed by your talk - the topic, the rigour, the insight and also how you handled the questions with insight and depth. When I came to Edinburgh in 1997, it was incredible to have you as a colleague and friend. David and I cherish those times we came for lunch and to walk along the beach at Portobello with you all (and Merlin). Thank you for your advice and your friendship through those times.
You came in to my life in 1995. We embraced each other and never let go.
After we met in 1995 we had so many good times and adventures together. You seduced me on my first visit to Edinburgh by taking me to a small hotel far up a Glen in the highlands. You kept the receipt from that stay in your wallet until you died. On your first time in the Netherlands, you were so keen to try out skating. The skates you borrowed didn't fit very well but you loved the experience and you were still skating at the end of 2018. Camping at any time of the year and in any weather, hiking, skiing, kayaking you were up for anything. When we had the girls our ambitions and focus changed and obviously after her first diagnosis with breast cancer we were more limited in what we could do. It didn't stop us to embark on our biggest adventure, our move to Norway. Although the move was an immense upheaval for all of us, we never regretted it and we all agree that we found a good place to settle down. We arrived in Bergen on the 15th of April 2011, little did we know that 9 years later, to the day, the girls and I would be saying our last farewells to you.
I embrace you and will never let go.
Dear P
These astonishing testimonials pay wonderful tribute
To how you have touched and nurtured the lives and careers of so many.
It was a special privilege to be part of life's journey with you,
As you discovered your life's passion for geology.
Your light, your love, and your legacy all shine so brightly.
A comfort for all those nearest and dearest to you,
And for all who celebrate you.
Smile and dance in peace,
After a life very well lived indeed.
"Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance"
Kahlil Gibran
I have only just heard the sad news and am so sorry Patience has gone. I first met her when we were both in Red Rope (Socialist Walkers and Climbers Group) and went on many day and weekend trips together. I then moved to Fife and had my son so wasnt out on the hills as much. I do recall her coming over to collect a wardrobe from me- with Alison I think- and wondering how you both got it home, balanced precariously on the roof of an average car!
I bumped into her again outside an NCT (National Childbirth Trust) sale at Portobello Town Hall; we had both by then moved there and she and Leo had baby Esther! While Patience was pregnant with Saskia, I gave her regular massages. My memory of her, was of understated brilliance: personally and academically. I am sorry not to have seen her since, I think, the day before you all moved over to Norway. I admired her so much for what she took on and all of you for that big step away.
Much love, Rona.
Patience, you were a wonderful researcher, a wonderful teacher, and a wonderful human.
I feel privileged to have had you has a boss, colleague, mentor and friend. I came to Edinburgh in 2005 to work as a postdoc on your Apennines project. You are one of the most encouraging, positive and forward thinking researchers I have ever met. You were critical (and taught me to be) but you were also incredibly good at congratulating people when they did well (or tried!) You were always full of ideas, and very keen to test them. Rigorously. Always. You turned me into a proper scientist, and it was fun! I have been inspired by your passion and happiness, whatever the circumstances, be it in the office, in the field in front of a fault scarp, or while sharing a delicious Italian meal after a long and tiring day in the heat. Teaching with you was fun too, and I cannot remember many negative moments from these formative years, except maybe the practical jokes that turned horribly wrong, and of course when you left to go to Norway (although that seems to have been an excellent move for you and your family).
I came to Edinburgh as a postdoc, thinking I would go back to France afterwards. Fifteen years later, I am still there, and I owe you so much!
I am heartbroken by the news. My thoughts are with Leo, Esther and Saskia. I will never forget you.
When teaching, you were not satisfied with us being quiet after finishing a segment of your presentation. You kept telling us to speak up if there was something we did not understand. When someone did, you would always thank them for doing so, assuring them they were not alone. I was so lucky to have you as my supervisor. And I am so happy to have known you. You will be missed.
Patience was so welcoming when we moved to Edinburgh, took an interest in how we are settling in, and always was open for questions and discussions. Remember the walk we did together in Woodhall dean, when we first got lost and then found it and it was wonderful i still walk that walk sometimes and have often thought of you all. I also miss my discussions with Patience about how to be a female academic, teacher, researcher. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with Leo, Ester and Saskia - sincere condolences.
Patience, Through the ups and downs you were there with an open door, sage words and a warm, kind heart. Your intellect and open curiosity to understand and push others to question will be sorely missed. We have lost a lovely colleague, a mentor and a dear friend but are left with some wonderful memories xx
Dear Leo, Esther and Saskia, receive our love and sincere condolences.
Patience it has been an honor to be your friend and exchange with you on geological fundamentals.
Rest in peace. You'll never be forgotten.
Love
Pascal
Patience, you will always be in my heart. 2020-04-15
Marit Zeiffert og Per Christian Aanensen
2020-04-15
Kjære Leo, Esther og Saskia.
Vi minnes Patience i takknemlighet. Hennes gode egenskaper vil leve videre. Husk at hun vil være en del av dere for alltid.
Patience was such a wonderful person to be around. And such an inspiring scientist and educator. I can still hear her infectious laugh and see that broad grin.
Too early. Too soon. Sail away well Patience.
DDear Leo, Saskia and Esther. I'm so, so sorry you have lost your wonderful Patience.
I first met Patience in the shores of Loch Ereboll, when she came to join an undergrad field trip. It was a disgustingly rainy day and the students went home on the coach and I took Patience up the hill to look at Lapworth's iconic imbricate thrust sequence. We got thoroughly soaked and I think she thought I was mad. Even so, she asked me to apply for a PhD with her and when I came up to Edinburgh for the interview, she drove me all over the city to persuade me to say yes.
Our first field trip was truly memorable. On our first day in the field, we found an old mine claim stake with the original paperwork lodged in a rusty tin can - the claim had been named the Patience Claim! We were joined by her good friend Jan Vermilye and we looked on in amusement as Patience got so excited by one of the beautiful faults we found, that she leant down and kissed it. Her incredible joy at exciting geology was infectious, and in subsequent weeks and years she taught me the benefits of combining multiple datasets and approaches to address a specific problem (she utterly failed to get me excited about coding, though. The work she put in trying to teach me to code only taught me I didn't have the attention to detail that she did). She was incredibly hard working: she would wake us up in the field each morning making coffee very loudy to express her disgust that we werent out of bed ready to look at faults! She was also a great adventurer. Towards the end of that first trip, we went to Canyonlands to meet Joe Cartwright and Chris Mansfield and camp in the Grabens district. She taught me to sleep under stars with a gentle piss-take that having a tent wouldnt save me from a ravenous mountain lion
She was a hard taskmaster as a PhD supervisor, but an inspiring one. She was also a great support through my later career, making the effort to introduce me to come of the leaging geologists in our field. I met het at AGU the first time she was away from her baby Esther. She was excited about being a scientist again and headed off with great gusto to join the conference. I met her again at the end of the conference and she was desperate to get home to Esther and Leo. She taught me it was possible to be an academic and a mum and how to juggle the competing demands. Its lovely to see on here how she provided similar support for so many people. I wouldnt be where I am now without Patience and I have always tried to take her example in supporting my own students and colleagues.
Patience, well miss you.
We joined in the zoom memorial event organised by Chris and Jane. I was struck by the elemental themes of the music and the spoken words: rain, rocks, light, sea, hills, birds... All meaningful to Patience and to those left behind. All bound together with another single syllable: love.
Wat een verdriet en gemis dat Patience niet meer bij Leo, Esther, Saskia en al haar geliefden kan zijn. Ze heeft zo veel liefde, aandacht en kracht gegeven dat zal altijd blijven. Dappere Patience, tot het einde haar eigen koers.
Leo, Esther en Saskia, ik denk aan jullie