I am saddened to hear the news about Paul's passing. My sympathies to his immediate and extended families.

I am so sad to lose Paul. 
He was a person with a long, long list of friends: people who treasured him and felt treasured whenever we ran into him. His arms opened wide when he saw someone he knew, which must have been dozens of times a day.
He was a talented man who used his many gifts to support, celebrate and bolster other artists. He will be remembered as the most reassuring host, and the kindest of impresarios.
I made it to the Cameron once in awhile, but we bonded over our kids, who played together for years. It was great sharing child-care with Paul: the kids loved and admired him and always had a great day. One night when it was my turn to babysit, Paul ended up fetching a bottle from the Cameron and drinking it with me: my marriage had just broken.
I will miss those open arms.
Ciao, Bello.

P.S.....he really got the ball rolling.
gOgO 
and P.S I got the begonia  part of my name from the Cameron HOuse.

Our sincere condolences to everyone who knew Paul well, and our best wishes for all of the wonderful memories of Paul to rise up now. During the time we frequented the Cameron, I remember Paul was always smiling and cheerful, dedicated and devoted to his family and friends and to those of us who "hung out" there. Paul was always welcoming and gallant. His presence here will be missed by many. Thinking of you all...

Paul was a big part of the Queen St.  revival and his passing leaves a huge hole that I doubt will ever be filled.
Henry Levy

I met Paul and Michael one summer in London, Ontario a long time ago and remember both of them so well.  I am sad to hear of Paul's passing but he leaves behind a wonderful legacy. He will be a part of the Toronto music scene forever.

Here is the slideshow made for the Cameron memorial that followed the funeral. I thought that you might enjoy seeing these old photos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne6FOlePDFA

Paul was a very good friend of mine in the 70's.  He had a warm and affectionate heart.  He once ran half a block up McCaul St. from The Blue Angel (where he worked) on Queen to just give me a hug.  I think he only made a few TV commercials, but the one where he is in a field and has only one line...something like ..."Maybe I should shave my moustache..." was a hit.  He knew Keith and Anita in France...he had a way of falling into interesting situations.....he loved the children in the Whole Earth commune..(I have some beautiful photos)and he was always an uplifting presence.  I last saw him, after many years, at a wedding in 2009.  I was surprised to see it documented in the picture section of this memorial...Rosemary Kelly, Paul and me.  Rest gently Paul. xxPatricia Ormsby.  My heart goes out to you Cathy.

I worked with Paul in the 70's when he and I did a nutty dope comedy called "Bull Durham" by John Gray at  the Global Village Theater on Breadalbain St. The cast included Norman Browning, David Petersen, Richard Partington......we sang home on the range in 12 part harmony and laughed much. Paul was a wonderful sunny presence and he threw himself into the show with abandon. He was always easy to like, optimistic in the face of obstactles.....one of those rare truly nice guys.
I live out of Toronto now but I would stop into the Cameron on occasion when Paul was there and his face would literally light up when we met. I wish to hell I had stopped by lately to say hello. Great to have known him !

Paul, his sis and Herb bought The Cammeron the month that Now began. The place is historical, God bless Paul. He was one of the nicest of people. His contribution to Toronto is immeasurable.

I had the good fortune of meeting Paul shortly after becoming a neighbour to him and Cathy.  He was such a positive, enthusiastic person and his excitement was contagious.  The positive impacts of his life will live on for years to come and he will be missed...

Lots of love to Paul`s family.He was such a good and generous man.

Known Paul since the 70's. Saw him only a while ago, looking and sounding great. Hard to believe he's gone. Reminds me how short a time we all have here. He will be missed a whole bunch. 

Hey Paul, See you on the other side!

Paul was a lovely man, my condolences to his family>

To Paul Sannella's Family,

I saw Paul Thursday the 9th of December, at the Cameron House, in the midst of a packed front room for Sam Ferarra's annual Art Exhibit.  Of course Paul was there, because he was such a great supporter of art, and through his legacy the Cameron House, he actively supported so much.  He looked better than ever, vital and bright, with that moviestar smile - we hugged, and continued milling about all the creative action that was on display as always at the legendary Cameron House.  On Sunday i was shocked to hear of his passing, and I'm not sure i have ever been in such disbelief.  He was just here.  
Paul was the reason my band and I enjoyed a year long residency in the front room of the Cameron House - we had played our first gig that fortunately got recorded on dvd, he saw it and was immediately an advocate for our residency.  Safe to say without him, we'd never have known stages like the Danforth Music Hall, Phoenix, etc, nor meeting people like Mary Margaret, and etc.  He had spirit and interest and chutzpah and love in spades.  His care and discernment is pretty unparalleled  in my mind.  Because he was this for so many artists.  His heart will forever be important to me.  He lived and gave so well.  I want to send my deepest condolences, he is already so terribly missed.  And if there is comfort in 'making a mark' and a difference in Toronto, Paul has done so much.
Elana McMurtry

Paul & Cathy are more than neighbours... they're our friends who live next door.  We'll miss you Paul.

John & Madelon

i am so sorry and shocked to hear of paul' s death. He was always so full of kindness and cheer to me- I already do and will miss him -the loss of the cameron as a home.

Our condolences go out to all of Paul's family and friends. We will never forget his generosity and his support for the arts community. There never was a kinder more welcoming host. He will be sadly missed and dearly remembered.

Although it has been many years since I have seen Paul, I still remember him as a kind and caring gentleman. My condolences to all his family and dearest friends.

What a sad and terrible loss.  I'm sure there is not a local Toronto musician who has not cross paths with Paul somewhere along the line.  He will be greatly missed by so many.  My deepest condolences to his family.

We are so sorry about Paul's untimely passing. Just spent a lovely evening with him a month ago at Sharmaine's birthday party and discovered a long time mutual friend.(Brian Mitchell)
We are currently in Antigua with our family and thus unable to attend the memorial but send his family our deepest condolences.
with love,

Condolences to all. Paul was a special guy, always sweet and real. I am among many who will miss him.

We are saddened to hear of Paul's death.  Joyce and I recall with great affection many a late night spent at the Cameron.  Paul's energy was infectious, his smile big and his support for those around him boundless.  Our friendship with Paul dates back to the 80's, when time seemed endless.
I ran into him recently and was greeted with a great, crushing hug and that smile.  We will miss the chance to see him again.  Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

To the Family of Paul Sannella,

I never saw Paul frown.  Not ever.  Was acquainted with him for about 26 years, played the Cameron many times back in the day when it was one of the coolest places north of NYC.  Paul (with Herb, too) helped to form the whole Queen Street West ethos, and in this sense, is a pioneer in Canada's cultural history.  

Paul was a great guy to work with and for.  

Fast forward to 2010 when I ran into him in Toronto at The Communist's Daughter one Saturday afternoon.  Michael Johnson and the Red Orchestra were playing a European cabaret styled Roma music, joyful and life affirming.  Paul greeted me with his usual high spirit, and  we agreed how great the performance was, chatted briefly, and that was the last time I saw him.

I can only say that Paul's warmth and charm, his sparkle and spirit, will be missed.  However, it's a great legacy that, though he's human, I never saw him down or negative.  I don't think his facial muscles quite allowed that.  Being a good person, as is how Paul lived his life, I imagine he's safe somewhere in the universe.  For if life is indestructible, as science claims energy is, Paul's is definitely the best kind of energy and that never dies.

Sincerest Condolences,

In my 20's Paul was a big supporter and mentor; he always was ready to debate, advise, and often improve  my ideas. While I was thinking aloud about a project for OCA, he said he liked it so much that he wanted to be in it. I could not believe that he would come out on a rainy morning to learn lines then crawl around in a scarp heap just for my "art" project. It's one of my favourite things I made at OCA and fills me with joy that it now is a small and quirky reminder of our friendship.Paul, thanks for all the great talks and laughs.

i am so sad to heaar of the passing of paul, he was truely a great man

Dearest Cathy

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Paul's death.  My heart goes out to you.

Jane Buyers

We were very sad to hear of Paul's passing. He was always a bright light on the Queen Street strip and will be missed greatly. Our deepest sympathies to all of his family.
Max Wagner and Steve Koch

I was shocked and saddened to hear of this.  I only got to know Paul in the last couple of years; we'd run into each other walking our dogs at the Brickworks.  A wonderful person.

I will miss Paul. My condloences to his family

Paul was a beacon of joy, reality and compassion and a true friend. As a member of the Toronto music community, I will always be indebted to Paul and his contributions to our lives. Condolences to all of his nearest and dearest.

Cathy: i am so very deeply saddened to hear about Paul. my heartfelt condolence to you. xoxo

We will miss seeing Paul walking his little dog, Ida through our neighbourhood and stopping for a chat. He was a truly lovely person.  Our hearts go out to his family.

Sending Cathy and Paul's son and family lots of love. So sorry to hear of Paul's passing.... I used to go to the Cameron to meet with friends and always appreciated this welcoming neighbourhood and community gathering place. Paul's smile would light up the room. (I posted this earlier but my name was not attached). Love and hugs, Jude Johnston

So sad to hear the news. Long after my siblings and I stopped carousing our nights away at the Cameron, Paul would stop in on our parents at their home in Prince Edward County. This has been a banner year for loss - our parents AND Paul,a man of enormous good will. My condolences to all.

Jane Butler, Ottawa

It's been a very long time since I've seen Paul. I moved far away many years ago. My fondest memories surround the time 8 of us shared one of those old Victorians on Sherbourne. The mornings when we gathered in the kitchen for coffee and conversation were full of stories and Paul's raucous infectious laughter. I always meant to drop in and surprise Paul the few times I passed through TO. But Life got in the way. Now Life has made sure that will never happen. I feel privileged to have known him, I am very sad for his family and friends. He was a true "mensch"He was and now is a great soul.

Paul was, is, and remains a sweetheart. One of  the too few  true 'gentle men' that I've had the pleasure to meet. My condolences to family and friends. Paul's zenlike presence and easy smile will be greatly missed.  Andy Cottrell

Dear Cathy and all of Paul's family, I was deeply saddened to hear of your of loss of Paul... a truly wonderful man.

I AM SO SORRY CATHY. I'M STUNNED AND SADDENED.SPOKE WITH PAUL ALMOST DAILY 
WHILE HE WAS OUT WALKING THE DOG YEAR AFTER YEAR. PAUL WAS ONE OF THE GOOD
GUYS AND I'M TRULY GOING TO MISS HIM

very sorry to hear - thanks all-ways and much love

Cathy  - sorry I can't be there for service & memorial at the Cameron. 
Condolences to you and Paul's family & Julian & Deborah.
I used to live across from the Cameron for 15 yrs. and used to see him all the time in the old days. Will miss his him terribly - so sad he left us so early.
Love & Peace,
Annie Nikolajevich

Very Sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I had been out of touch for a few years but he was one of the kindest men and always with a smile. He gave so much to Queen Street. It wont ever be the same.
My deepest condolences to his wife and son.

I cannot imagine what Paul's closest loved ones are feeling. He was so lovely. My heart goes out to Cathy Ann Marie and Boo.  Even those that knew him peripherally felt that he was a close friend.  I am sad not to see his ready smile and feel his warm hug. I worked at the cameron as a waitress for years and felt that he was always pleased to see me when I would run into  him since. He sort of did that with everyone.   I am very grateful for the bits of him I carry.

Sending Cathy and family lots of love. So sorry to hear of Paul's passing.... I used to go to the Cameron to meet with friends and always appreciated this welcoming neighbourhood and community gathering place. Paul's smile would light up the room.

I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He was a lovely man who always had a kind and encouraging word when I was a young musician finding my way in mid 80's Toronto. In '85 when I was 22 and having my first child, he gave me what is still some of the best parenting advice I've ever heard. In subsequent years when I saw him with less frequency I always found him to be the same generous and sweet man. I'm very glad to have known him.

I will miss seeing Paul, and talking  about art. He was always so supportive and generous. I'm sad to hear about his passing and send my best to everyone close to him in this difficult time.

Paul was one of the first people I met when I moved to Toronto in the 80's as a young artist, lost and kind of alone.  I will never forget his encouragement to me at that time.  I saw him just last year at a vegetarian restaurant on the Danforth and though he did not recognize me I remembered him and was really glad he was kicking around.  Very sad to hear of his passing.

Me and my cousin Mark are sad to hear this news. Paul was a friend to both of us. Our thoughts are with you. 
W/love Joanne and Mark

I saw Paul's smiling face a the grocery last Friday.
We had a short chat and exchanged warm holiday greetings. I am very sad to hear he has gone.

It was very sad news to hear of Paul's passing. A longtime friend who came into my life at an important time, Paul was always an inspiration. I don't know of anyone who could match his passion for life and the arts, or his ability to see beauty in even the smallest artifact. I still have a coffee cup he found at Value Village and gave to me in 1988 - only because he conferred such an elevated aesthetic to an otherwise simple object. Paul's capacity to tell a story and share his life with others will be most missed. My sincere condolences to Cathy and Julian, and all of the Sannella family - your loss is heartbreaking.  We will all miss his infectious smiles and laughter.

I saw Paul's smiling face at the grocery store on Friday. We had a brief chat and exchanged warm holiday greetings. I am very sad he has gone.

Paul was a sweetheart - my thoughts go out to you. He will be missed.

Paul and Julian were a big part of my life for a relatively short while and I remember that time and the both of them with great fondness. I was deeply saddened to hear about Paul's death and your loss. I hope the attached photo gives you a little joy at this very difficult time.

I met Paul when I was in 4th year University. I was trying to write a screenplay and had heard Paul used to be an editor. He took the time to read my whole script and we met in Kitchener one afternoon for lunch and to talk about it. He was very encouraging, but very honest as well and definitely not one to mince words. Katie and I are very saddened by this and offer our condolences. See you on Monday.

Paul was my first crush and I am saddened by your loss.
I hope you find comfort in your family and friends.
Almost 50 yrs later and I remember him...he was a bright star and will be remembered.
God bless.

OBITUARY

Mr Paul Anthony Sannella

July 24, 1946 – December 12, 2010

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