Paul was born in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, England on March 6, 1933. He was the only child of Metford (George) and Ruth White. As a young boy during the war, he played cricket and watched fighter planes roaring in the air above RAF Weston-Super-Mare.
In the early 1950s, Paul completed his National Service with the Royal Air Force. Along the way he had bits parts in two classic British films; he hands over a jury’s verdict in “Brandy For The Parson” (1952), and is seen pushing a vintage automobile in “Genevieve”(1953).
Paul embarked on a career in journalism, working for two newspapers in Southern England; The Weston Gazette and The Dorchester Times. After seeing an expanse of wheat fields in a promotional film about life in Canada, Paul signed up and emigrated to Canada in early 1957 to pursue his budding career. But he had to give up his dreams of being a journalist in Canada when his money ran out, and he started work as a shipper on the bottom rung of the Capitol Records ladder in Toronto.
Early on, Paul demonstrated initiative in a very competitive business. By early 1963, he was the Capitol of Canada A&R man who had faith in The Beatles’ first disc release. He convinced his Capitol superiors to stick with them that year. They did, and their reward later was their first number one disc in North America. His star at Capitol continued to rise.
Paul enjoyed a very successful career with Capitol Records of Canada. He became good friends with famous Capitol recording stars including Nat King Cole, Al Martino, and our own Anne Murray. In the mid 1960s, Paul was among the first to see the potential for Canadian artists to sell their music internationally. There was no roadmap for what he was doing, and he was able to help create successful careers for Canadian artists across many musical styles.
In later years, Paul and his wife Valarie (nee Cripps) loved to travel and spend time with friends. When Valarie became ill, Paul was a devoted care-giver who put her happiness above his own.
Paul will certainly be remembered by many for his accomplishments in the Canadian music industry. For others, he will be remembered for being a fine friend who enjoyed keeping on top of current events, watching English television programs, and reading books by Wodehouse and Crompton. Paul also loved looking after small pets including his cat Oliver.
Many thanks to the wonderful staff at East General, Sunnybrook Hospital and Del Manor in Toronto. A celebration of Paul’s life will be announced at a later date. Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice. Paul supported The Parkinson Society Of Canada, The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, and The Ontario (SPCA) Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals, among others.
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