Paul Gustav Baardsen

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Paul Gustav Baardsen on June 18th, 2026. He was born in New Westminster, BC, May 16th, 1947 and the only child of Arne and Nola (Wessels) Baardsen. He led a most dedicated and devoted life to his loving wife, Marlene (Tapala) of 56 years and also leaves behind his two daughters Nola Blackburn (Vance) and Misty vanPopta (Lawrence Lemus). He adored his grandchildren Alec and Sam Oram and Georgia and Amelia vanPopta. He had bonus grandkids in Andrew (Oana) and Aaron (Rachel) Blackburn as well as Izabela Lemus. The addition of experiencing being a “Greatpa” to Isla and Isabella was also a joy to him.

He worked tirelessly for the BNSF railroad for 49 years; working his way up from being a boxcar sweeper as a teen, to becoming a locomotive engineer until he retired. Paul loved hunting, dog obedience and field trials and doggy playdates with his friends. Golfing, fishing, listening to the Blues and watching hockey was always part of his life. He spent many years volunteering and sitting at the sidelines as the "Team Grandpa" for his granddaughters sports teams, and loved sitting and listening to his grandsons serenade him with the strumming of their guitars and the singing of their songs. He appreciated the simple things and moments in life and it was his family at the centre of his joy.

He created a beautiful legacy in the small family he built, and he will be greatly missed by all those whom he loved, whom he was loved by, and by everyone he made laugh.