Joseph Roger Louis Paradis

Born in Montreal in 1944, Roger was the beloved son of the late Joseph Paradis and Madeline Proctor.

Roger’s early life took him across North America, as his father’s work in engineering meant frequent moves. He made friends easily – on baseball diamonds, football fields, and on the track. Wherever he found himself, Roger could start a conversation with anyone over his unmatched memory for sports and music trivia.

His family eventually returned to Montreal, where Roger studied Civil Engineering at McGill University, graduating in 1969. At the wedding of mutual friends, Roger met the love of his life, Louise Harland. She was a bridesmaid, he a groomsman. Their connection was instant. They married on June 6, 1970, and built a life together rooted in faith, family and community.

Roger went on to work on some of Canada’s most ambitious nation-building projects, including the construction of the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station. He was respected across the civil engineering community for his meticulous hand-drawn plans, precise calculations, and later, for his business supporting the steel fabrication industry. For decades, Roger also ensured the safety of construction sites by inspecting and certifying cranes and booms.

But his proudest accomplishments were never professional. Roger was most himself on the sidelines – cheering and pacing. He was a devoted and enthusiastic supporter of his children’s athletic and academic pursuits, attending every soccer game and mountain bike race. He was also an exceptional long-distance runner, competing in marathons well into his senior years, always with quiet determination and unwavering discipline. He was an active member of Track Niagara for many years and played old-timers softball.

Roger was a man of deep and abiding faith. He was an active member of his church community for over 25 years, leading Bible study groups and teaching children’s liturgy with care, conviction, and humility. He brought a sense of purpose and presence wherever he went.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Louise, and by his children: Lise (and her sons Miles and Travis), Eric (with partner Trina and step-daughter Ally), and Melanie (with partner Mitch and children Everett and Genevieve). He is also grieved by his brother Robert (Valerie, d.), sister Laura-Lee (Steve), and a circle of family and friends who will miss his quick wit and uncanny memory.

The Paradis family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by the most conscientious Dr. S. Faraz Masood, Dr. John Nolan, Dr. Robert Mackett, Dr. Nigel Tan, Dr. Aiman Alak, the Cardiac Care Unit at Hamilton General, the ICU and ED teams at Greater Niagara General Hospital, and the homecare nurses and physiotherapists who supported Roger during his final years.

A visitation will be held at Patterson Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Funeral mass will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7