Patrick Bolen, co-founder of popular Victoria book store Bolen Books, died at the age of 81 on Oct. 30.
He first opened the original Bolen Books with his then-wife, Madeline Bolen, in 1975.
In 1977 he left to open a bookstore in Calgary and Madeline took over operations for decades after. The store is now run by their daughter, Samantha Holmes, and granddaughter, Madeline Holmes.
“We always like to say it’s woman run and woman owned since 1977, and next year will be the 50th anniversary of Bolen,” said Samantha.
She adds that although her father’s involvement in the bookstore was limited, he was always proud of its legacy.
“He was very proud of that store, he was proud of us, he was proud of myself, he did feel very good about it,” she said.
In his obituary, Pat was remembered as an animal lover who came to Victoria from Saskatchewan. He later moved to Calgary, Courtenay and returned to Victoria in 2015 to be closer to his family.
“He was passionate about the CFL and his Saskatchewan Roughriders,” reads the obituary. “He loved nature, animals, a nice glass of whisky and all the comforts life had to offer.”
“He will be missed by his daughter, Samantha (Ron), son Timothy, granddaughter, Madeline (Ben), and great granddaughter, Willa, as well as his many friends and relatives.”
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Some 49 years after first opening its doors, Bolen Books now dubs itself the largest independent book store in Western Canada.
It’s moved four times within Hillside Shopping Centre over the past five decades, and has grown by over 10,000 square feet to a total of 20,000 square feet at its current location.
It landed at its current spot in 1996, and underwent an extensive renovation in 2013, where it’s now home to more than 30,000 titles that change regularly.
It’s also hosted hundreds of author visits and signings over the years, including by British comedian John Cleese, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, and RUSH band member Geddy Lee.
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