Patrick B. Colvard

Patrick B. Colvard of Annandale, Va., died peacefully on January 2, 2014, after a month's long decline in health due to cancer. Pat was the son of the late Dr. George T. Colvard and Fleda Harrell Colvard. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, George and Helen Colvard.

Pat was born in 1931 and grew up in Deming, New Mexico, where his father was one of the town's two doctors. His father was a POW in the Philippines who survived the Bataan death march but was later killed when his unmarked prisoner transport ship was torpedoed. His mother supported her sons as a nurse. After graduating high school from the New Mexico Military Institute, he moved to Richmond, Virginia, with his mother and brother.

He was a graduate of the University of Richmond and the Medical College of Virginia's School of Dentistry. Upon graduation, he served in the army in Giessen, Germany, after which he opened his dental practice in Fairfax in 1958. He closed his practice in 1998. He spent many years with the Wakefield Forest Elementary School PTA players, where he not only performed a number of different on stage roles, but was a creative force behind the scenes doing prop and set design. He coached many of the softball and basketball teams on which his daughters played. He enjoyed traveling and tending his vegetable and flower gardens.

He is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Bernice S. Colvard; his daughters Anita Colvard, of Bluemont, Va., and Lisa Colvard, of Centreville, Va.; his sister-in-law Jacqueline George of Richmond, Va.; and two nephews. He also leaves his cat companion, Pixie.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2014, at Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va. (703-978-3060). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Fairfax County.