Paul Edward Deeton

Paul Edward Deeton, beloved husband of Iris Peterson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the age of 79 surrounded by family in his treasured home. Incredible and loving brother of Mary McManus (Trent Taylor) and Linda Barfoot (David). Best buddy and step father of Lee Anne Ward.

Predeceased by his parents Edward and Marie Deeton and his first wife, Elaine Deeton.

Paul will be so missed by niece Kathleen McCadam (Scott), nephew Ryan Barfoot (Karin Westland), niece Tara Kelly (Dave), nephew Sean Barfoot (Michelle). Paul was a special Grand Uncle to Connor and Reilly McCadam, Oliver and Autumn Kelly, Wren and River Barfoot, Ted and Hazel Barfoot.

Paul leaves behind his loving Step-grandchildren Derek Halls, Jessica Halls (Will Zorn), and Mark Halls (Kelly Rudling). Paul welcomed with much love his many Step-great grandchildren Conner, Jack and Caleb Halls, Mikayla and Zoe Zorn, Chloe and Mackenzie Halls.

Born in Stratford, Ontario on July 3, 1944 . Paul spent his childhood in Waterloo Region, ON. He graduated from Waterloo-Oxford Secondary School, University of Waterloo and University of Western Ontario.

Paul enjoyed several careers in his life. He began as a secondary school teacher in Sudbury and then moved to Niagara Falls where he continued his passion of teaching and love for coaching. For many years, Paul coached his high school basketball teams to the highest competitive level in Ontario and then continued his coaching at Niagara College. While living in Niagara Region, Paul established Deeton Sports in Fonthill and was the owner of a popular Fonthill Dining establishment (T. J’s).

Paul and Elaine moved to Whistler to enjoy an early retirement in 1988. The first year, Paul skied about 100 days and then convinced himself to embark on another career to balance his skiing passion. He set up his own business as a Financial Planner and established Deeton Financial in Victoria.

After Elaine’s passing, he was blessed to have found another soulmate in Iris. He and Iris began many adventures together starting on her sailboat followed by playing golf on six continents.

Coaching others was a lifelong passion that followed him to his Financial Planning Clients and then on to coaching his friends and family to enjoy the games of golf and pickleball. Making games enjoyable was his mantra and he created ingenious rules for his “golfing geezers” that allowed them to succeed in every game. He loved to encourage and he made every game a “healthy, fun” outing. It was about the experience and it had to be enjoyable. Rules were adjusted to make that happen.

Having grown up on a farm, Paul developed a love for animals at a young age. Paul never met a dog that he did not enjoy. Bella, their beautiful ragdoll cat brought Paul much enjoyment and entertainment. Bella was well skilled at offering tactical assistance on the golf course as she motored around aboard a golf cart.

Paul was a radiant presence in our lives, and his departure leaves a void that can never be filled. Our memory of Paul will forever remain etched in our hearts as we remember him with profound love and admiration. Paul possessed a vibrant loving spirit touching the lives of all those blessed to have known him. Paul had a generous heart, an extremely quick wit and an incredible sense of humour. His winks and smiles stayed with him up to his last breath. Paul took an interest in everyone he met and loved to hear people’s stories. During his illness, he continued this sincere love of people taking a genuine interest in every one of his caregivers and visitors. Paul showed how much he appreciated them and sincerely wanted to hear their stories.

In remembrance of Paul, let us strive to live our lives with the same passion, respect and kindness he possessed. May you honour his memory by seeking joy in everything you do and find time every day to share and appreciate your love for each other.

A celebration of Life will be held on June 15 at 1:30 at Crown Isle Golf Club in the Ballroom.

Memorial Donations may be made online to Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation and Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Thank you to the many healthcare providers at the Comox Valley Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital A special thank you to Dr. Kyle Murphy, Dr. Alastair Teale, and the nursing staff of the 3rd Floor. Paul’s care was excellent and so appreciated.