The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast from November 23–25, 2020 in remembrance of Professor Patricia E. Gainer, clinical professor in the School of Dentistry.
It is with great sadness to announce that on November 1, 2020, Patricia “Patty” Elizabeth Gainer lost her valiant battle against ovarian cancer. She died peacefully at home with her devoted husband, Tim Carmichael, and two close friends by her side.
Patty was predeceased by her parents, Walter Dunham Gainer, and Sheila Jean Gainer (nee Murray).
She leaves to mourn, her husband of 33 years, Tim Carmichael; two older sisters; an older brother; a great many friends and colleagues; and innumerable dental hygiene students.
Patty grew up in Edmonton, and was a great-granddaughter of a longstanding pioneer Strathcona family. She attended the University of Alberta, receiving her diploma in Dental Hygiene in 1979, followed by her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Zoology in 1982.
Patty worked as a dental hygienist in the private sector for a total of 37 years. The majority of her career was spent in the specialized field of periodontics, applying her exceptional technical skills to a dedicated following of patients. She was known for her thorough, comprehensive care delivered with a gentle touch; and her strong ethics, and professionalism.
In 1992 Patty began her career in teaching in the dental hygiene program at the University of Alberta. She taught in all aspects of the program but was a pioneer in building and delivering the local anesthesia course to the province of Alberta. She worked within the continuing education department for a number of years, offering this course to graduate dental hygienists wishing to expand their skills in this specialized course. She also taught this course to the dental hygiene student body, and held this position for 27 years. In 2011 Patty was promoted to the rank of Clinical Professor within the faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.
Patty has received a number of professional awards, both peer and student nominated, in recognition of her exceptional clinical competency and technical abilities. She was a beloved and favourite instructor among dental hygiene students, many of them noting her compassion, sense of humour, gifted teaching ability, and strong clinical skills. She will be sorely missed within the teaching community.
Obituary originally published by the Edmonton Journal. Edmonton Journal.
For information about lowering the University of Alberta banner, visit the In Memoriam webpage.In Memoriam webpage.