Joseph Ernest Wilbrod Paul Bazinet

Born - Joseph, Ernest, Wilbrod, Paul – “Paul” Bazinet, on Feb 14th, 1932 in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Dad used to joke about “What a day his Mother must have had” having had Paul on Valentines Day. Dad was the young age of 93. Interestingly enough, Dad passed away on April 27th, 2025, which happens to also be his Mother’s Birthday. Dad had a long a fulfilling life.

Dad came to Prince George in 1957 as a Faller, and worked in camp out at Fife Lake, he then became a Sawyer for the Mill where he found out he was allergic to wood dust. Dad met Mom in camp and they were married in 1959. In 1966 Dad started his own business with his wife Simonne by his side.

Together they began Spruce City Sanitary Service Ltd. Mom and Dad began with household garbage and Simonne started recycling when there was no such thing as a recycling program. Over the years Spruce City Sanitary Service Ltd., grew into the Vacuum truck and then HydroVac business. In the beginning Dad’s business applied for and obtained an “LT” Lisc to clean up and transport Hazardous and Non-Hazardous waste. He was proud to say that Spruce City Sanitary Service Ltd held License number 0033 – yes that’s right the thirty third LT Lisc the province of British Columbia ever issued!

He started by cleaning out oil tanks, then catch basins, household septic tanks. From there he further grew the business in 2000 with the help of his two sons, not only Vacuum trucks but now HydroVac Trucks as well. Daylighting for utilities and installing new and replacement hydro poles, servicing oil water separators and so much more.

Over the years Dad contributed to the growth and development of Prince George. Dad’s equipment helped to bring materials for the construction of the new Immaculate Conception Church. Later including materials for the addition of the school and gymnasium. Dad helped to build many horse pens, and fences. Dad will be remembered for his generosity, and compassion, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

In 1998 Dad semi-retired and would race Chuck Wagons, he even tried his hand at a Chariot Race or two. He was a proud member of the Interior Pony Racing Association. He traveled the racing circuit in British Columbia and into Alberta.

He loved the sport and he loved his horses. Along the way he made many friends and acquaintances, and he had many stories to tell and experiences to draw from. There is so much to say about Dad, and if we wanted to tell every story we would need to write a book!

Almost daily Dad would have coffee with the crew at Tim Hortons, on Massey Drive, and would often take a tour of Princess Auto, before venturing out to the Office. We joked that Dad should come out of retirement and work part time as he knew Princess Auto better than the people who worked there. Dad always had a good joke and funny antidote – if you asked him “Hey Dad – what do you figure” he would always answer “With a Pencil”. All joking aside we miss you already.

Dad leaves behind four sons and one daughter, several grand and great grandchildren.

Children: Marcel (Kathy), Mike (Tracy), Suzanne, Martin (Heather), Raymond. Grand Children: Andrew, Ashley, Kevin (Jennifer), Samantha, Brock, Rebecca (Bailey), Brenna (John), Amanda (Connor), Sydney, Austin, Dylan, Taylor and Scarlett. Great grandchildren: Brady, Barrett, Benson, Brayden, Hailey, Emily and Aaron.

Dad is predeceased by his wife of many years Simonne, his parents, Bertha and Wilbrod, his brothers Renee and Gerry, as well as a great grandson Bryson, and great granddaughter Brooklynn Faith. Paul is survived by his brothers Armand and Denis. He also leaves behind his companion Margret and a large extended family. Thank you, Margret, for keeping Dad company these past many years, and including him in all the gatherings and events your family organized and held.

Dad, thank you for coming to the shop every day and supervising our work crew and teaching them a thing or two, for always offering a helping hand. Dad has now gone on to join his racing team and has traded his spurs for wings. Dad this is our prayer for you.

Our heavenly Father, we pause at this time.

Mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon us.

We ask, Lord, that you will be with us in the arena of life.

We as cowboys do not ask for special favors.

We don’t ask to draw around the rankest bull, the chute fighting horses, the steer that won’t lay, or to never break the barriers.

We don’t even ask for all daylight runs.

We do ask Lord, that you will help us live our lives here on earth as cowboys in such a manner, that when we make that last inevitable ride, to the country up there, where the grass grows lush, green and stirrup high, where the water runs cool, clear, and deep, that you’ll take us by the hand and say:

“Welcome to Heaven Cowboy, your entry fees are paid”.

In lieu of flowers we kindly ask to make donations to: Rotary Hospice House located at 3089 Clapperton Street in Prince George, BC V2L 5H2 Ph: 250.563.2481.

Dad will be laid to rest in our family plot located at the Prince George City Cemetery. His interment date to be announced at a later date.

A Gathering will take place on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 from 11 am to 4 pm at the Bon Voyage Inn, 4222 Highway 16 West, Prince George. Please park at the rear of the Inn as the Banquet Room door is closest to those parking spots. After the lunch, please plan to share some stories.