James Wayne Paul

Jim, aged 84, passed away after a short battle with cancer on Monday, January 15, 2024, at home surrounded by family as he wished and on his terms. He has gone to join his father, Ross, his mother, Ella and his only brother and best friend, Ken.

Jim was a successful and talented business owner, but his love for life and sense of adventure are what endeared him to all. He was a passionate traveller, a lifelong gardener, and an enthusiastic fisherman. Unfortunately, for some, he also enjoyed country music and corny jokes.

Throughout his life, he dabbled in creative hobbies, including card making, framing, painting, drawing, rock tumbling, and making wine or beer (and even making “explosive” root beer when his children were younger). These hobbies were often the source of the homemade gifts he made for those he loved, accompanied by a personally crafted card with his signature hidden happy face.

He married Irene (née Basarab) right out of high school, and together, over 58 years, they built a family, many homes and a life. Their journey started in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and took them to the Yukon, northern and southern Alberta, and then finally settling back in the Lower Mainland. Along the way, they made many lifelong friends and had three children: Jeff (Chris), Marty (Lori) and Carla (Dean), seven grandchildren (Jason, Robyn, Nicole, Alex, Jeff, Holly and Katie) and, at the time of this writing, six great-grandchildren with more on the way.

He lost Irene in 2018, but not before they managed to travel the world in their retirement. Together, they visited every continent except for Antarctica and travelled most of the oceans. Though they had a preference for warmer weather and colder drinks, it was the memories and friends they discovered along the way that made the travelling special.

After Irene lost her battle with cancer, Jim found joy again with long-time friend Ailsa Odermatt, which happily added three more “kids” (Craig, Kevin (Katie), and Kirsten) and two more grandkids (Lizzie and Caleb) to his growing clan. Even though Jim and Ailsa sometimes acted like love-sick teenagers, it was amazing to see him so bright again. They also continued the travelling tradition, first with his relocating to Vancouver Island, then adventures on cruises, ferries, and road trips complete with more corny jokes and country music. They made the absolute most out of their brief time together. 96 bottles of beer on the wall, take one down and pass it around.

You will be missed. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity and raise a glass in his memory.

PS Though Marty wanted us to say he was the favourite, we all know it was Carla.

PPS Grandpa… You’re it.