Paul Anthony Sellars

Paul lived for his people. He built his life around Jenn and their three boys. Music was always playing, sports were always happening, and Paul was always coaching something – usually multiple teams at once. Those everyday moments are the ones missed the most.

Paul was born in Northampton, England, and always felt connected to where he came from. England was never far from his heart and always felt like home. Raised in South Langley, he grew up valuing family, friendships, and a sense of adventure.

Paul’s childhood was shaped by music, literature, poetry, and strong family traditions, along with a love of being outdoors and exploring. He grew up loving soccer and spending as much time as possible playing sports with his friends, hiking, skiing, camping, and travelling - interests that stayed with him throughout his life.

At university, Paul studied poetry and philosophy and then, almost accidentally, became a police officer. He loved it. From his training in Regina to his first RCMP posting in Whistler and later the Lower Mainland, Paul built lasting friendships and gained experiences that stayed with him, many becoming exciting and entertaining campfire stories. Those who knew Paul remember him more for his presence than his profession. He was funny, quick witted, and full of life. He had a sharp mind and a love of ideas; an avid learner and thinker who was rarely short on perspective and usually right. He was generous, thoughtful, and caring. Wherever Paul was, things were better.

Music was one of Paul’s great gifts. He had an instinct for it; an ability to read a moment and choose exactly the right song at exactly the right time. Whether at a gathering or in the car with his family, he created the soundtrack to so many cherished moments.

Paul was a proud father to Owen, Gavin, and Parker. He poured himself into their lives, especially through sports, coaching their soccer teams and sharing his love of the game both on the field and from the sidelines. He loved soccer, hockey, skiing, and being active with his boys, as well as time spent camping and travelling with family and friends, especially family trips to Maui.

At home, Paul brought stories to life. He read The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter aloud from beginning to end and shared his love of Star Wars. He encouraged creativity and imagination, made home movies to mark special occasions and invented exciting tales of pirates, rangers, and wizards where the boys played starring roles.

Paul faced a long and difficult journey after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2016. He met each challenge with fierce, quiet bravery—not for himself, but for the chance to remain present in the lives of those he loved most. He defied the odds, holding on to time, creating moments, and building memories.

He was a devoted husband, an extraordinary father, a loving son, a wonderful brother, a passionate coach, and a loyal friend. Paul will be missed by everyone who knew him.

He was well loved and loved well. He carried joy with him and shared it generously.

How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.