Dr. Paul Stuart Renault

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, Dr. Paul Renault. He passed away, at the age of 78, in the care of Hospice Halifax, on May 14, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

Paul is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Claudine (née Pothier) and his children & grandchildren: Danielle Hickey (Mike) & Benjamin and Isabelle; Marc Renault (Nisa) & Xavier and Brân; and Lise Renault (Jesse Robb). He will also never be forgotten by his sister Jennifer Steeves (Andrew); by his brother-in-law Guy Pothier; by his brother-in-law Phil Pothier (Mary) & children Philip (Julia), and Laura; sister-in-law Rita Duplessis (Jack) & children Nicole (Joey) and Colin (Melanie). Having been retired for over nine years, his patients were already missing him, but the impact he had on their lives will remain as his enduring legacy.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, J. Léopold “Paul” and Rose (née Copsey) Renault; his brother, Michael Renault; parents-in-law Charles and Ona (née LeBlanc) Pothier; and sister-in-law, Dianne Pothier.

Born in Campbellton, N.B., he remained proud of his roots, which included both French and Acadian heritage, along with his British half from his mum, who came to Canada as a war bride. Growing up, the Roman Catholic faith was an important cornerstone of his family and he actively participated in mass as an altar boy.

After graduating high school, Paul moved to Antigonish to attend St. Francis Xavier University. He was a proud alumnus and spoke fondly of his time there to anyone who noticed his X-ring. After graduating in 1969, with a B.Sc. in Chemistry, he continued his studies with graduate work at Dalhousie University where he not only earned an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, but also scored his last first date. He remained at Dal where he facilitated undergraduate labs and taught organic chemistry. Chemistry ignited a real life reaction when he met the love of his life, Claudine. They were married in 1974, and they remained inseparable for the next five decades.

After the birth of their first daughter, Paul made a big change from further studies in organic chem to attending Dalhousie Medical School and graduating in 1982. He practiced as a family physician in Halifax for 35 years; he began his career on Henry St., then spent many years at Duffus Street Medical Centre in the North End, and finished with his own practice on Bayers Road.

He was a dedicated doctor taking great care with his patients and their families. While he had patients of all ages, the geriatric stage was a high percentage of his practice and he spent many hours in nursing homes. He felt a call to provide the best care to all his patients, but especially to those nearing the end of their lives.

Claudine worked with Paul, managing his doctor’s office, along with their home and family. They were an amazing team in all areas of life; and thrived, loved, and laughed through it all. For them, together was always better. They are an inspiring example of a true marriage partnership and a life lived well together.

Even with the long hours put into his vocation, he always prioritized spending quality time with his three children. Paul always looked forward to family summer vacations spent in Argyle Shore, P.E.I. where he enjoyed golfing, birding, being the “vacuum” hitter for impromptu baseball games, walking along the endless sandbars, catching a summer show at the Confederation Centre, and driving with Claudine to her favourite craft stores. As the years went by, grandchildren were eagerly welcomed into the family and he was a devoted “Père” to all four kids.

When he had some downtime, he could always be found working on something, whether in the garden, a DIY project, collecting stamps, building a puzzle, or deciphering a cryptic crossword with Claudine. Those activities were often paired with CBC Radio or a mix of musical genres like classical, musical theatre, folk and his favourite 60s hits. He loved listening to his daughter Lise play the piano and sing, and would sing along (more often making up his own words, because lyrics weren’t his forte).

Heartfelt thanks to the hardworking staff at 8.2 Halifax Infirmary, 9 Lane, and Hospice Halifax where Paul spent his last months.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 5, 2026 at St. Stephen’s Church, 6032 Normandy Dr., Halifax. Following mass, there will be a reception in the church basement, and then burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.

Donations can be made in Paul’s memory to Hospice Halifax (https://hospicehalifax.ca/ways-to-give/donate/), who so gently, kindly, and generously cared both for him, and his family, in his final days.