Occupational therapist, clinician, and former senior scientist is remembered by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital for her commitment to evidence-based care for occupational therapy in paediatrics. Dr. Rigby passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018.

A well-loved member of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Holland Bloorview) from 2005 to 2013, Dr. Patricia (Patty) Rigby had a natural affinity for the children, families, and people with whom she collaborated. A long-time clinician at Holland Bloorview, Dr. Rigby was also an accomplished senior scientist with Holland Bloorview's research institute for eight years. She was recognized with Holland Bloorview's Circle of Honour Award in 2008.

Dr. Rigby's curiosity and passion for children's rehabilitation has led to advancements in the development and evaluation of assistive technology as well as outcome measures to evaluate rehabilitation services for children with physical disabilities. At Holland Bloorview, she closely collaborated with Tom Chau, Gillian King, Steve Ryan, Virginia Wright, and many others.

"Patty was a cherished colleague, a benevolent human being, and superb mentor to many", says Tom Chau.

Dr. Rigby was also an associate professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Upon her retirement in 2017, she was awarded Professor Emeritus status, in recognition of her long service and exemplary leadership. Dr. Rigby pushed the envelope in the collective thinking about family-centred care, and played a major role in the development and sharing of the Person-Environment Occupation (PEO) model to guide occupational therapy practice. This model is currently being used by occupational therapists around the world.

Colleagues remember Dr. Rigby as an incredibly caring, giving, and compassionate individual whose smile instantly lit up the room. No matter how busy she was, Dr. Rigby was always ready to support her teams and students and focus on what mattered most to children, youth, and families. She embodied the family-centred approach in all of her contributions to the field, from research to clinic to academia.

Dr. Rigby will be missed and always remembered by her students, colleagues, friends, family, and her husband Professor John Wedge. Dr. Rigby's family wishes to acknowledge the support, kindness, and generosity of all of Dr. Rigby's colleagues that have shown their respect over the last month.