Mr. Arthur Paul Durand

Arthur Paul Durand passed away peacefully on April 10 2023 at the age of 92. Paul was predeceased by his wife Mary Durand (2021), his son Michael Joseph Durand (1962) and Mary’s son Ronald Joly (1983). Surviving family members include Mary’s three children (Paul’s stepchildren) Jim Joly, Jacqueline Joly and Marc Joly; Paul’s brother Joseph Durand, his niece Lisa and nephew Jeff as well as Marc’s children Jordan and Kyle.

Paul was born August 3 1930 to parents Michael Joseph Durand and Marguerite Isabel Johnson. At the age of 16, Paul joined the Merchant Marines and journeyed around the world. He had very fond memories of his travelling adventures and spoke about his shipboard days throughout the rest of his life. Paul later joined CP Rail, where he worked until retirement. At CP Rail, Paul enjoyed his positions of switchman and later conductor and always maintained a keen general interest in railroading.

Paul was previously married at a young age and had three children, Michael, Kathleen and Marcie.

Paul married the love of his life, Mary, in 1969, and they were together for 52 years. They were long time residents of Coquitlam and later lived at False Creek before eventually relocating to New Westminster. Paul and Mary shared travel adventures to New York City and Greece on several occasions and enjoyed many vacations to Reno, Nevada. Paul also loved music and was an accomplished piano player. He spent many hours entertaining the residents of Burnaby’s New Vista Care Home with his spirited piano playing, both before and after he became a resident there himself.

When Paul’s wife Mary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Paul was with her every day, providing love, support and comfort.

Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff at the New Vista Care Home for their kind and compassionate care of Paul.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawn-burnaby.com for the Durand family.