Paul was a much-loved son, foster son, brother, nephew, cousin, and grandchild who lived his life with love and joy.

He liked McDonalds chicken nuggets and French fries with Raj. He liked ice cream and TV watching with John. He liked swimming with Har. He loved Bi without limits, and he called Shami “mom.” Catherine used to complain Paul loved John more than her, and John would say, “Of course he loves me more. I don’t make him shave and shower and go for walks,” and Paul would laugh out loud.

Paul was very shy about going bald, and always wore a baseball cap. Once Catherine lost control of the clippers and shaved off all the rest of his hair by mistake. Paul was a bit fussed until Catherine told him it was a ‘Raj’ haircut and he was comforted. But the next visit, Paul refused to let his mother cut his hair and insisted on a professional hairdresser.

Paul lived with his forever foster family in Alberta, in a house, and visited his biological Mom and stepdad in BC, who lived many years on a sailing vessel. Paul adapted to both worlds and had many friends both in Edmonton and on the docks in Cowichan Bay. He loved that people said ‘hi’ to him. His foster family included him with their friends and family, and Paul enjoyed many family gatherings.

In Cowichan Bay Steve (also known as Screaming Liver) used to call him ‘Captain Hammer’, and he was a special friend to Bank Robber Ray (since reformed) who said Paul was a good man and meant it.

His stepbrother and three sisters were a source of joy to Paul, and when he visited his Mom there were visits and phone calls and zoom meetings and people all over the place and Paul couldn’t believe his luck. He attended occasional family gatherings in Edmonton, and was always glad to see aunties and uncles and cousins and grandparents. He recognized and remembered everyone. He liked to be told he was tall, like Daddy Harold. Paul attended the soccer games of his foster brothers and cheered them on.

Paul was a better driver than his mother, in a back-seat sort of way, and always knew where he was. If Daddy John did something sensible to avoid an accident, Paul would make a little noise of approval. John would often ask, “Should I stop at this stop sign, Paul?” and Paul would agree. When Paul first met John, Paul called him ‘ho ho’ and confused him with Santa Claus. “Daddy John is NOT Santa Claus,” his Mom told him, and in the background John said, “ho, ho, ho.” Paul caught onto the joke and in later years would sometimes call him ‘Ho ho’ for fun.

Paul attended the Temple in Edmonton and Anglican churches in Duncan and Lake Cowichan. He lived his life with the expectation that he would be loved, and he was not wrong. In return, he gave us love and joy, laughter and happiness. He was loved until he died, and he loved all of us.

Rest in the light, Dear Paul. You are with Har now, and Har is with God.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.