Paul William Arthur Druitt

Paul William Arthur Druitt passed away on March 22, 2022, at the age of 70, with family by his side. He is survived by his wife Donna Druitt, whom he married in 2004, his son Nigel (Amy) Druitt, daughter Jordona (Michael) Hubber, stepsons Jeff (Krystle) Lanz and Ryan (Nadine) Lanz, and seven grandchildren, Jaina, Ian, Ayden, Addison, Connor, Shelton, and Luxx. He is also survived by his brother, Jason (Dinah) Druitt, and sister, Beverly Hazzard.

Though conceived in Jamaica, Paul was born shortly after his parents, A.W. Nigel Druitt, MD, and Doreen Freda (Vine) Druitt, and siblings returned to England from a five-year mission term. The family was staying at his paternal grandparents’ home in Sway, Hants, England. Paul was delivered by his father in the early morning hours of September 4, 1951, while his brother and sister waited expectantly at the top of the stairs.

Less than a year later, the family traveled to Worthington, Ohio, where his father was pursuing a residency in psychiatry. After two years there, the U.S. government wanted the family to take out citizenship or leave the U.S. After a drive across Canada, his father found the perfect place in Kelowna, BC. Paul celebrated his second birthday on Vancouver Island while renovations were being completed on their home/medical office in Rutland, BC. The following year, acreage was acquired, and Paul and his siblings grew up on their parents’ hobby farm. Riding horses, milking cows, and gathering the eggs were almost daily occurrences. Paul attended Okanagan Adventist Academy from Grade 1-11 and finished his last year of high school at Auburn Academy near Seattle, Washington.

Paul’s father started a Pathfinder club (church-associated youth organization). As the eligible age to join was nine years old, and his mother was needed as a counselor, Paul became the club mascot. He even participated on the floats that were entered by the Pathfinders in the Regatta and May Day Parades. He was quite a hit in his little uniform that Mother had sewn for him.

Paul developed an avid love for the snow and the joy of sliding on it when he was just three years old. He went on to become an excellent skier and a leading member of the Canadian Ski Patrol. Paul joined the Ski Patrol in 1977. His home office is filled with awards from the Ski Patrol, a testament to his time and dedication to an amazing organization. His greatest achievement was his Lifetime Membership award, presented to him in 1996. He was the 37th member of the organization to receive this award. He was also an organizer of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics with the Ski Patrol. He gained lasting friendships, many of whom became like family to him long after his retirement from the Ski Patrol. His love of skiing was passed along to his daughter Jordona, who spent days up on the hill with him Junior Ski Patrolling.

He began working at Kelowna General Hospital as an orderly, eventually working his way up to purchasing. The rest of his career was spent within the health care system. Well respected within his field, Paul made lasting friendships along the way. He finished his career as Director of Logistics for the Fraser Health Authority in 2018, and retired with his wife Donna to West Kelowna, BC.

Paul always had a love for travel. He and Donna made several trips to Mexico together. He loved to spend time in the ocean and the waves. As the kids were growing up, he was able to take them both away for trips on their own: Nigel to Las Vegas and to Edmonton, Alberta for a Star Trek convention, and Jordona to Florida and Disney World.

The grandkids always had a special place in his heart. Paul was a knitter and made every grandchild a blanket (or two) when they were born. The grandkids will be cherishing these over the years. He loved to spend time and play with them. He never took life too seriously. Paul was always goofing around and practical joking.

Per his wishes, there will be no memorial service held for Paul. Memories and wishes of sympathy for his family can be shared online at Valleyview Funeral Home, Kelowna: www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com