"The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age,
which means never losing your enthusiasm”

- Aldous Huxley


Paul A.Kelman took his last breath on January 31,at the age of 72, with his partner Heather Babin at his side. After many years of struggling with emphysema, he had survived longer than any of his doctors predicted which might be credited to his very determined personality and excellent medical care at UHN as well as home palliative care. During his last month, in the excellent Kensington Hospice, Paul was able to connect with some of his old friends and colleagues who report that he was in good spirits. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Olga Kelman. Left to grieve are the love of his life Heather, his only sibling Deena McNichol, and her family. Paul will be missed by many relatives, lifelong school friends, film and theatre friends and acquaintances, as well as numerous MBV81 ‘fans’ who he corresponded with for decades.

Paul was born in London, England and spent an unconventional childhood with his parents, both artists, and sister, living in England and France. In 1955 they moved to Ottawa, where he attended elementary and high school. At University of Alberta he earned a BFA which led to his career as a writer, actor, and director. He was very proud of his work on the Alberta Cowboy Show, in High River, Alberta with the innovative Theatre Passe Muraille. I Love You Baby Blue and Maggie and Pierre were also highlights for him. He starred in My Bloody Valentine (1981), a cult horror film.

He was a wannabe cowboy, fashion designer, poet, avid reader, and entrepreneur, into virtual reality before it’s time. And this only scratches the surface of who Paul was. He loved animals and passionately sought to help and protect them. Minou was a comforting feline companion to Paul; birds and squirrels and raccoons visited him regularly, on the deck. Paul’s world shrunk as he became disabled with his poor health but his spirits remained high supported by his intellectual curiosity and most recently enthralled with study of the Templar Knights.

May his memory be a blessing.

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