Paul Manning was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and fiercely-loyal friend and colleague. We are profoundly saddened by his unexpected passing from sudden cardiac arrest on May 27th, 2024, at the age of 59.
Born in 1965 to parents Carol and Harry, Paul was the younger sibling to brother John and sister Brenda. Growing up in Saskatchewan and then the Niagara Region, Paul’s ability to make fast-friends prepared him for a lifetime of adventures. Alongside too many names to mention, Paul and his childhood friends may have even stirred it up a little too much at times! Paul’s laugh filled up every room he was in, his smile was contagious, and his strong, bold character combined with his kind, gentle heart made people want to be near him. His ability to have fun, and to make life fun, seemed almost like a superpower, which is what attracted him to his loving wife, Brenda, after they were introduced to one another in 1998 by a mutual friend.
Brenda and Paul shared similar interests, most of which centred on their love for family, community-mindedness, running and fitness – they were a perfect match in so many ways! Brenda’s calm and soothing manner combined effortlessly with Paul’s outgoing and gregarious ways. They both chose careers in the service of others – Brenda caring for others as a Public Health Nurse, and Paul serving Torontonians as a firefighter, where he began his career in 1999, and prior to that, Paul served Halton Region as a paramedic. Paul’s commitment to service excellence allowed him to move up the ranks within Toronto Fire Services, becoming an Acting Captain in 2017. Paul’s leadership style was one of strength, perseverance, and high expectations; he gave it his all while ensuring his platoon members did the same. As a cohesive team, their mission of public safety was achieved each and every time the truck’s lights flashed and the siren wailed. In 2023, he was promoted officially to Captain, and who knew one could beam with even more pride, but Paul did. He loved being a firefighter and leading his colleagues as a Captain was an honour that was never lost on him. He always said that he was “living the dream” during his career, and that he was!
Paul’s commitment to excellence was also a thread woven through the fabric of his family. Paul and Brenda married in 2003, and welcomed sons Michael and Matthew in 2005 and 2007, respectively. A father’s love for his sons was exemplified by Paul in everything he did including introducing them to his beloved sports, lacrosse and hockey. Both sons excelled at each, and Paul wholeheartedly supported and guided them during their journeys, including being their first-ever coach. A welcomed side bonus were the great friends Brenda and Paul found in their sports families over the years. Paul and his boys loved golf, too, so becoming their caddy was a natural fit with Paul’s ever-supportive fatherly ways. Having started his own irrigation business in his thirties, Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic were passed on to the boys, as evidenced by the lawn maintenance business they developed under the tutelage of Paul’s mentorship. Paul’s greatest joy in life was becoming a father to two wonderful sons, and it showed. Both Michael and Matthew serve as shining beacons of all the good received from both their parents, and Paul would be immensely proud at seeing them rally around their mother during this sad and difficult time, even while navigating their own grief.
Paul’s ambitious spirit led him to enroll at Yorkville University recently in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Even after being out of the academic game for over 30 years, Paul excelled in all his courses. His excitement was fuelled by the inspiration he found in both his professors and his fellow students. He followed his passion by taking this path and his intention was to attain his Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy, where he would continue to serve others and give back to his community.
Predeceased by his mother, Carol (George d. 2012), his sister Brenda, brother Michael and niece Alyson, Paul has left this world far too soon. His loss is undoubtedly felt by his wife, sons, and family, but also by his neighbours, friends, and colleagues. Paul never hesitated to be the “go-to” guy for fixing and building things in and around their Burlington, Ontario, home. Both his “let’s do this!” attitude and his open toolbox served others well as he was considered the hub of their neighbourhood! Sharing his handywork with others, and always with hearty laughs, will be a loving memory for many, and yet another reason his family feels pride for, simply, the person that Paul was. His laudable performance at work proved to be an example for others after receiving a “Team Citation” in 2008 for his heroic efforts in saving lives at an active fire scene and the prestigious Governor General of Canada Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal in 2023. In addition to loving his job, Paul loved his family something fierce, and was never too shy about his love for music or for the Calgary Flames, even in the heart of blue and white country. Paul equally loved his dog, Daisy. To know Paul’s love, one could consider themselves lucky, be it four-legged or two.
Survived by his wife of 20 years, Brenda, their sons Michael and Matthew, his father Harry (Elizabeth d. 2024), his brother John (Terri), his nieces Cara (Greg) and Jessie, and nephews Andrew and Daniel John the void left in everyone’s hearts by the loss of Paul will never quite be filled. Paul’s legacy is the love shared between those closest to him as well as his commitment to being there when others needed him, so that is how he would want us all to carry on, by showing love and honour to one another.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Paramedic Services, Mississauga Trillium Hospital, and the Ontario Provincial Police for their compassionate care during this difficult time.
Ceremony and Visitation:
Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 at Bayview Glen Church 300 Steeles Ave E. Thornhill, ON.
10:00 am Visitation
12:00 pm Ceremony
Following the service, a reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion - Wilson Branch 527 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. 948 Sheppard Ave, W. Toronto, ON, M3H 2T6
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp BUCKO at www.campbucko.ca or Reach Out Centre for Kids at www.rockonline.ca .
As tribute to his mother who passed away only recently, Paul shared one of her famous sayings, so, how heartbreakingly fitting that we share this same saying in Paul’s honour now: “It’s never goodbye, it’s until…” In our time of sadness and grief, thoughts of Paul and his beloved mother baking shortbread cookies together, laughing and smiling all the while, brings us a moment of comfort.
We love you, Paul. Until…
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