Paul David Paisley

May 9, 1951 – March 16, 2012

It is with great sadness the Paisley family announces the passing of Paul David Paisley in his 61st year. Paul passed away suddenly with his loving family by his side. Paul was a gentle soul and will be dearly missed. Paul was born May 9, 1951 in Sarnia, ON to Bev and Shirley Paisley, both deceased. Paul loved his sports and giving back by teaching, coaching and guiding many kids along the way. Paul recently retired in September, 2011 after more than 25 years with Canada Post as a mail carrier. Paul did so much in the community as Mr. Grape, Santa Claus, Captain Community, BJ Birdie, Frosty the Blizzard and many more characters. Paul lived a full life and always had time for everyone. His smile and laughter will live on in all of us.

Paul is survived by his siblings, Sharon, Mike (Jackie), Rick, Brian (Jodi), and Diane (Barry) Stubbert. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews; Erica, Alex, Dustin, Kipp, Tate, Kylee, and Marissa and great-nephews Owen and Dakota. He will be missed by his best friend Allison McLeod, her son Connor and his neighbours Anne, Laura and Ian.

A visitation will be held at HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church Street (905-684-6346) on Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. A celebration of Paul’s life will follow at the Holiday Inn Convention Centre, 325 Ontario St. from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. (Please park in the back of the building). In lieu of flowers, donations to a Youth related charity of your choice in memory of Paul would be much appreciated. On-line tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com.

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Paul David Paisley was known as many things to many people. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and someone very special. To family and friends who knew him best, Paul will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Paul was born on May 9, 1951 at Sarnia General Hospital in Sarnia, Ontario. He was the son of Bev and Shirley Paisley. Paul grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Paul was raised with five siblings. He had three brothers; Brian, Rick and Mike and two sisters; Sharon and Diane. Paul was involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Paul had a number of interests. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Paul was an active child who took part in baseball, hockey, lacrosse and bowling. He was a Spartan with the St. Catharines Minor Hockey Association. However, to Paul, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Paul had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from St. Catharines Collegiate in 1969. His favourite class in high school was Phys. Ed. Paul graduated high school with honours.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Paul enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were the Chafe family, the Ryce family and the entire Facer Street gang. Later in life, he became friends with Allison McLeod, her child, his neighbours Anne, Laura and Ian, and pretty much anyone who lived in the city of St. Catharines.

Fortunately, Paul enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Paul worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a letter carrier. He was employed with Canada Post. Paul always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Paul enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were coaching youth sports, TV broadcasting and acting as the sports mascot for many different teams and associations. Basically he participated in any sporting activity he possibly could. He was content to enjoy his favourite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Paul found pleasure in sports. In high school, Paul played basketball, rowed, and participated in track and field. Recreational sports in his adult life included golfing, bowling and darts. Paul was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favourite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were the March Madness basketball, NHL playoffs, all Olympic events, the National Lacross Championships and the Grey Cup.

Throughout his life, Paul was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Paul was an active member of the CYO Basketball club and the Spartans Lacrosse.

Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Paul was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included numerous recognitions from the St. Catharines Sports and Recreation Council for coaching.

Paul was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His favourites were his dogs, Skippy and Rocky. They were best friends for many years. He had Skippy for 18 years and Rocky for 15 years.

When Paul’s retirement finally arrived in September of 2011, he was well prepared. Even in retirement, Paul continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Paul was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him. Unfortunately he didn't have much opportunity to fulfill all the plans he had set out for himself.

Paul passed away on March 16, 2012 at St. Catharines General Hospital in St. Catharines, Ontario. He is survived by his siblings, Sharon, Mike and his wife Jackie, Rick, Brian and his wife Jodi, and Diane and her husband Barry; his nieces and nephews; Erica, Alex, Dustin, Kipp, Tate, Kylee, and Marissa and his two great-nephews; Owen and Dakota. A visitaiton was held at Hulse and English Funeral Home and Chapel on Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 11:00 - 2:00 p.m. A celebration of Paul's life followed at the Holiday Inn Convention Centre in St. Catharines the same day. Paul's final resting place is Victoria Lawn Cemetery in St. Catharines, Ontario with his mother Shirley.

Simply stated, Paul was a good and kind person, a gentle soul, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Paul leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Paul David Paisley. His smile and laughter will live on in all of us.