Paul was born in Chatham NB, son of Margaret Callaghan and Alexander (Sandy) Harriman. His father died after less than 10 years of marriage leaving Margaret and three young boys. Their ambitious young mother went back to teaching in order to raise her three wonderful sons on her own. In part, due to her love of education, the boys including Paul all went on to university and into successful careers. Paul was forever grateful to his mother for her support and guidance. Paul went on to St. F.X. University for his pre medical training in Science and then onto Dalhousie University where he earned his Doctorate of Medicine in 1961. He went into General Practice in Chatham NB for three years. There he married his wonderful sweetheart of 57 years Joyce Shanahan who brought him the most joyous years of his life. He then took further training at McGill University and obtained his fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1969. He practiced in Calgary for three years before setting up his practice in Peterborough, Ontario. He delivered over 5000 babies, practiced exemplary maternal medicine and later became an expert in colposcopy. He was a well respected physician who was beloved by his patients. All of this was done while supporting his young and energetic wife and family. During this time Joyce returned to obtain her refresher RN course and resumed her nursing career.
Together, as a family they enjoyed many summers at their cottage on Anstruther Lake in Apsley, Ontario. He guided and supported all his children in their academic pursuits as they achieved over 30 years of postsecondary education. His recreational time was spent skiing at Devil’s Elbow as well as golfing and curling at Peterborough Golf and Country Club.
Paul and Joyce also enjoyed travelling, making their first trip to China over 25 years ago. They went all over the world including Ireland, England, Greece, France and Egypt. Their last adventure was a penultimate cruise from Vancouver to Australia.
His pursuit in life was to be the best loving husband, father and physician possible. He distinguished himself by his drive towards excellence.
He is survived by his adored wife Joyce, who was a true partner in all aspects of his life; his four children Dr. David Harriman, Faculty of Medicine Yale University residing in Madison Connecticut (William and Claire), Dr. Maureen Harriman Faculty of Medicine UBC (David Smith, Gabby, Eric, and Jacqui) residing in Whistler BC, Dr. Karen Harriman, practicing dentist in Maryland (Andy Friedman, Alexandra, Aidan and Nicholas) residing in Alexandria Virginia, and Brian Harriman, teacher with Toronto District School Board (Sandra McCallum, Sophie and Jonah) residing in Toronto ON; his brother Donald (Augusta MacDonald) of Fredericton NB . He is predeceased by his brother Richard.
He wanted to express many thanks to his colleagues and nurses who supported him all these years especially Jackie Wellman, Betty Saunders, Susan Johnson and Julie Aldhan.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the COMSTOCK-KAYE LIFE CELEBRATION CENTRE, 356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough, Ontario, 705 -745-4683. A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the CATHEDRAL OF ST. PETER-IN-CHAINS, 411 Reid Street, Peterborough. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Paul may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca/en/?region=on please direct donation towards “Wheels of Hope” in the personalized message. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockkaye.com
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