In memory of

Paul Jean Martial

October 30, 1953 -  July 21, 2023


It is with profound sadness that we share with you the loss of Paul Jean Martial. Surrounded by his family, Paul passed away on July 21 at Markham-Stouffville Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years Nora, his daughter Katherine, and his son-in-law Walter. Dearly missed by his sisters Nicole (John), Johanne, Denyse (Neill), Lise (Dennis), his brother-in-law Victor (Claire), nieces/nephews, relatives in Quebec and abroad.
Paul will be remembered as a person of integrity, compassion, and devotion. He enjoyed spending time in nature at the cottage, writing poetry and was an avid runner completing his latest 10k with his daughter in May. Born in Montreal to Jean Albert Martial & Andree Louise Martial (née Lessard) he grew up in Toronto with his sisters. He loved spending time at the cottage, swimming in the placid lake, campfires with family and friends and collecting ‘rusty’ cars. Nora and Paul attended Victoria Park where they were high school sweethearts. Paul then graduated from U of T and further pursued a degree in law at McGill, following in his father’s footsteps.
Paul forged a reputation of a creative and determined, bilingual lawyer over a successful 40-year career. He was a distinguished Deputy Judge on the Toronto Small Claims Court bench until his passing. His earlier career included working at the License Appeal Tribunal, the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, and the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Most recently it was his honour to support new francophone Canadians working with Justice Canada.
Paul volunteered with numerous community organizations and had served on the Board of Governors of Seneca College. He was passionate about supporting the francophone community, was a member of the ‘Chevalier de Colomb’, club Richelieu, and a founding member of AFRY.
A bilingual Memorial service will be held on Saturday October 28th 11am at Saint-Louis de France Parish, 1415 Don Mills Road. Reception to follow from 1-3pm at York cemetery 160 Beecroft Road, Toronto.
The family wishes to thank the Markham-Stouffville Hospital for their compassionate care. If desired, memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.



C'est avec une profonde tristesse que nous partageons avec vous la perte de Paul Jean Martial. Entouré de sa famille, Paul est décédé le 21 juillet à l'hôpital de Markham-Stouffville après un courageux combat contre le cancer.

Il laisse dans le deuil son épouse Nora depuis 44 ans, sa fille Katherine et son beau-fils Walter. Il laisse également dans le deuil ses sœurs Nicole (John), Johanne, Denyse (Neill), Lise (Dennis), son beau-frère Victor (Claire), ses neveux/nièces, sa parenté au Québec ainsi qu’à l'étranger.

Nous nous souviendrons de Paul avec affection. Il était une personne d’une profonde compassion, d’intégrité et de bienveillance. Il aimait passer son temps dans la nature au chalet et écrire de la poésie. Il était un coureur avide et couru son dernier 10 km avec sa fille en mai. Né à Montréal de Jean Albert Martial et Andrée Louise Martial (née Lessard), il a grandi à Toronto avec ses 4 sœurs. Il adorait passer du temps au chalet, nager dans le lac tranquille et faire des feux de camp. Paul a fréquenté l’École secondaire Victoria Park où il rencontra Nora, sa petite amie depuis. Paul a obtenu son diplôme de l’Université de Toronto et a poursuivi ses études en droit à McGill, sur les traces de son père.
Paul s’est forgé une réputation d’avocat bilingue, créatif et déterminé au cours d’une carrière réussie de 40 ans. Il a été éminent juge suppléant à la Cour des petites créances de Toronto jusqu'à son décès. Au cours de sa carrière antérieure, il a notamment travaillé au Tribunal d'appel en matière de permis, au Bureau du Tuteur et curateur public et à la Commission ontarienne des droits de la personne. Plus récemment, il a eu l'honneur de soutenir les nouveaux Canadiens francophones auprès de Justice Canada.

Paul a fait du bénévolat auprès de nombreux organismes communautaires et a siégé au conseil d'administration du Collège Seneca. Il était passionné par le soutien à la communauté francophone, et membre du Chevalier de Colomb, du club Richelieu ainsi que membre fondateur de l'AFRY.

Les funérailles auront lieu le 28 octobre à 11 h, à la paroisse Saint-Louis de France, 1415 chemin Don Mills, Toronto. La famille recevra les condoléances au salon funéraire Cimetière York, 160 Beecroft, Toronto de 13 h à 15h.

La famille souhaite remercier le personnel à l'hôpital Markham-Stouffville. Si vous le souhaitez, des dons commémoratifs peuvent être faits à la Société canadienne du cancer.

Guestbook 

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Lies and Bill Ferriman (Childhood friend of Nicole)

Entered October 20, 2023 from Don Mills

Bill and I were so sad to hear about Paul’s untimely passing in July. I have many fond memories of hanging around the Martial home on Underhill Drive so many years ago! Paul was often right there as the teasing younger brother. As an adult, he certainly led an accomplished life both personally and professionally…Our hearts go out to Nora and Katherine and the rest of the families.

Gail Sanders (Friend)

Entered October 21, 2023 from Cookstown Ontario

Paul was not only a good friend. I saw him as a loving husband, a proud father and a caring son/brother. He will be sadly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Love,
Gail Sanders

Harriet Sherman (Neighbour for 27 years)

Entered October 21, 2023

Paul, Nora and Katherine have been wonderful neighbours to our family for 27 years. Paul was always kind, willing to help, and caring towards our family. His presence and friendly chats over the fence will be greatly missed! He was a man of true character. The Sherman family sends our love and our hearts break with yours at this sudden loss

Daniel Niesing (Membre du CA de l'AFRY)

Entered October 24, 2023 from Aurora

Sincères condoléances à la famille de la part d'Anne et Daniel NIesing

Paul a été un pilier pour la communauté francophone de la région de York. Son implication et présence active ont aidé à forger la francophonie de la région. Il sera grandement manqué.

Alain Demers (ami)

Entered October 24, 2023 from Quebec

Father, we live and move in You alone. We are not separate from Your eternal life. There is no death, for death is not Your Will. And we abide where You have placed us, in the life we share with You and with all living things, to be like You and part of You forever. We accept Your Thoughts as ours, and our will is one with Yours eternally.
A course in miracles, Workbook for Students, Lesson 163.

Photos 

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