It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Paul. He will be forever missed by his wife Cynthia, children Carrie (Jeff), Chris (Angela), Ali (Ryan), Kent (Rubyana) and seven grandchildren Maddie, Matthew, Tyler, Shaye, Evangeline, Alexander, and Connor. In addition, Paul leaves behind his twin brother Alan, his sister Mary (Squee), nieces and nephews, Cynthia’s sisters Lynda and Susan, and extended family.

Born and raised in Montreal to Elizabeth and Orvald, Paul excelled at math and like his father, could do calculations in his head faster than a calculator. This led him to a stellar career in accounting and banking, first as a CA tax partner with Clarkson Gordon, then Ernst and Young. But he never let his love of numbers get in the way of a game or the after-party. He became legendary at LCC in Montreal and later Bishop’s University in the Townships for his late basketball game scoring sprees. Paul also played on several championship football teams at LCC and Bishop’s, including city and provincial title winners, whose team portraits hang on their Walls of Distinction. Paul’s love of fun and hijinks, usually in tandem with twin Alan, kept many of his friends up way past their bedtime in St. Sauveur and Georgeville.

Paul enjoyed many years at his second home in Venice, Florida where he played a decent golf handicap and made lifelong friends who would look forward to the epic New Years Eve party every year. His bespoke golf cart POG 2 could often be seen ferrying people and supplies to local points of interest, or just out for a cocktail tour of the neighbourhood. Wherever Paul and Cynthia lived, they were surrounded by wonderful family and friends, were also known to host a party or two at their long-time residence in North Toronto.
Paul was the life of the party, and with his strong character he also had a big heart and was a believer in community building. He was on the boards of several non-profits, including Big Brothers of Toronto where he was elected an Honorary Big Brother, and The Canadian Spondylarthritis Association. He also served on Bishop’s University Board of Governors, as well as the Capital Campaign and brought in very significant donations. Paul created a private endowment in his name.

After thirty years as a tax partner, Paul reinvented himself as a private banker within the wealth management firm of Jones Heward/BMO Harris Private Bank. He had built a high profile as a tax guru thanks to his column in the Canadian Tax Journal which he penned for twenty years. He established an accountancy within the Bank of Montreal to advise high net worth individuals and became their trusted and loyal advisor for many years. When he retired from BMO, Paul continued to advise many of these clients from a small practice that he and Cynthia managed.

Paul enjoyed many sports, but his favourites were basketball, football and golf. And unfortunately, he missed this year’s Masters. Paul also loved to lend an ear and was generous with his advice and time to those in need. Paul loved animals and outdoor birdwatching, and adopted many rescued cats who became part of his family.

Most of all Paul was a very proud father of his four children, Carrie, Chris, Ali and Kent. Paul tirelessly mentored, nurtured and encouraged them at all stages of their lives. They have been shaped by his influences and will forever remember his admonishments to do the right thing.

A special thanks to the staff at Sunnybrook Hospital. We would like to highlight our great appreciation of Dr. Amy Nolen, who was an immense support to Paul and his family during his last months, and to Dr. Amanda Steiman for her care over the past several years.

Respecting Paul’s wishes there will be no service. There will a private Remembrance and Tribute to Paul in the summer.

Online condolences can be made at www.etouch.ca . In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to a local food bank or the Ontario SPCA. Thank you.