Oct 27, 2008 - 04:30 AM

Joanne Burghardt

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OSHAWA - Green Party leader Elizabeth May has called the death of Pat Gostlin 'simply devastating'.

Ms. Gostlin, 58, was the Green Party candidate for Oshawa riding in last month's federal election. She was killed early Sunday morning in an accident blamed on a drunk driver.

"Pat's untimely death is simply devastating," Ms. May said late Sunday in a press release. "She was a tireless and dedicated advocate for change. Her warmth, kindness and cheer touched all those she met. Pat will be sorely missed and I extend my deepest sympathies, on behalf of all Greens, to her family and loved ones."

Ms. Gostlin's efforts were instrumental in propelling the Greens into the televised debates in the last election, when she and other Greens organized a protest that hit the national airwaves.

"Many of us were blessed by the opportunity to know and work with Pat. Many more of us felt proud after learning of her tremendous efforts to protect democracy in Canada. Pat will always have a special place in Green history and today we mourn her tragic passing."

According to Durham Regional Police, the crash took place at the intersection of Park Rd. S. and John St. W., in Oshawa shortly after midnight Sunday morning.

Inspector Jamie Grant said the suspect was speeding northbound on Park Rd. when he crashed into the victim's car which was stopped at a red light at John St. W.. The victim's car was forced into the intersection when a car going westbound on John St. W. hit the driver's side of the vehicle, killing the woman.

The suspect then tried to flee the scene but was held by a citizen until police arrived, Insp. Grant said. The man, from Bowmanville, is charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

A message on the Oshawa Green Party website reads:

'At around 12:30 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, October 26, 2008, Pat Gostlin left us here on this earthly plane of existence, a little emptier inside for her loss. Having left the comfort of her friends to return to the comfort of her family, she was struck and killed by a drunk driver. This tragic loss has robbed us all of someone whom we cared deeply for.

Ever the giver, ever the smile on her face. Wherever Pat went, she always carried with her an abundance of warmth, kindness and humour. Never one to judge, she was always ready with a kind word for anyone and everyone she met.

We are devastated by the loss of Pat, and extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends. Pat, you will be sorely missed!'

Students, friends and peers have left tributes on the popular social networking site, Facebook, describing her as an 'amazing teacher', 'a favourite' among former students. She is remembered as kind, gentle and caring and smile and her cheerful outlook are being recalled by many.

Ms. Gostlin recently retired from teaching after 35 years working for the Durham Catholic District School Board.

She was recognized by her peers as a distinguished educator in 2001 and awarded the Ontario English Catholic Teacher's Association President's Award for Durham Region in 2007.

Born in Germany, Ms. Gostlin came to Canada with her mother in 1953 and grew up on a farm in Brooklin.

She spoke five languages and holds a B.A. in cultural studies from Trent University.

Ms. Gostlin was active with her unit of the teachers' federation and served on numerous committees, including the negotiating team. She chaired the professional development committee and was a founding member of the sharing of excellence committee.

She was also an active community volunteer and a member of Amnesty International and the Council of Canadians.

A mother and grandmother, she lived in Whitby with her husband George.