John Robert Paul

It is with very heavy hearts that we say goodbye to John Robert (JP) Paul who passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday evening, August 7, 2025. He will be forever loved, missed and remembered by family and friends, hopefully, with smiles and laughter.

John was born in Stonewall Manitoba on May 8, 1938 to Harvey and Mary (nee Shaw) Paul, both now deceased. He grew up in Balmoral Manitoba with a number of brothers and sisters: Lorne (deceased) (Lynda); Betty (deceased); Lillian (deceased); Judy (deceased); Sandra (Glen); and Brian (Jackie).

He is survived and will be forever missed by his loving partner Lorraine Smith, children Geoffrey Paul (Linda), Jim Paul (Gail), Leanne Molyneaux, Sheri Smith (Carlos Alburquenque). Predeceased by Sean Smith (Natalie). In addition, John is survived by his grandchildren: Danielle Paul, Cody Paul, Kyle Christy (Robyn), Corey Molyneaux, Riley Paul, Emma Christy, Jordan Molyneaux, Brienna Molyneaux, Blake Paul, Kailey Molyneaux, Charlotte Smith and Ashleigh Smith. As well, he will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, and friends.

John’s great friend Ian Hubbard (Maralyn) was a steadfast friend right to the end, sharing his time with him and the inspiration to keep going. His considered his sisters in-law Elaine Jefferies (Harold, deceased) and Yvonne (Vonnie) Moore (deceased) as great friends and always looked forward to their visits.

John graduated from school in Balmoral, Manitoba and shortly after having played baseball in Warren, Manitoba he was picked up by a farm club, the St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he played professional ball for a year in the US. After returning to Manitoba he then trained and worked with Manitoba Hydro. In 1964 John moved to B.C. with his young family, settling in Merritt, B.C. and went to work for BC Hydro.

John was with BC Hydro for over 33 years. One of John’s favourite jobs was when he, along with a great crew mainly spearheaded by Ed Proc, put in a power line going up Hamilton Hill where, because of the terrain, they had to use horses – Punch and Judy. John took this in stride feeling that he was only doing what was needed. Helicopters were also involved in this job. After retirement, in March of 1997, he continued with his own company taking on powerline contracts throughout BC.

John decided that he didn’t have enough to do so he became even more active in removing trees as well as tackling hundreds of the trees that pine beetles infested in BC. He was also known for the great stump removal jobs that he did in the Merritt area as well as in the Interior of BC and the Okanagan.

Many of you reading this will also remember seeing John with his great friend Patches who was in charge. They were inseparable for many years.

Sports were very important to John and he took pleasure in playing baseball for years then fastball. He passed his love of sports on to his sons, sometimes coaching them as well as playing alongside them for a number of years. Curling was also one of the sports that John enjoyed and took part in, quite often going to the provincials with his teams.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing John will miss him but remain grateful for how he touched their lives with his kindness, compassion and helpfulness. Many had the privilege of calling him Dear, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Brother In-Law, Friend.

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, care aides, staff members and volunteers at Coquihalla-Gillis for the kindness, compassion, and care given to John during the two years that he was there. As well, thank you to Merritt Funeral Chapel for the kindness, compassion and support that was given to us.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring John’s memory by donating to the Recreation Department at Coquihalla-Gillis House. With your donation to the very active Recreation Department you’ll be benefiting the residents.

Coquihalla-Gillis House 1699 Tutill Crt, Merritt BC V1K 1C6. 250-378-3271