David Melvin Paul

David Paul Sr. passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021, at home. Dave was predeceased by his parents (Horace Paul Sr. and Stella Wright [Paul]), siblings (Horace Paul Jr., Wayne Paul, Muriel (Ducky) Paul, and his daughter (Joyce Paul).

Dave is survived by his wife (Christine) of sixty-two years and his children (Cheryl Sampson, Sonia Paul (Daniel), David Paul Jr. [Dorothy], Dean Paul, and Aaron Paul). Siblings (Edward Paul, Delores (Dolly) Desjarlais, Robert (Chum) Paul (Diane), Jean Hall) plus his 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Dave worked hard from a young age at his family farm and then proudly worked for the WSANEC people in many capacities as a Tsartlip First Nation Band Manager and for the South Island Tribal Council in housing, treaty, economic development. Dave proudly worked with the Constitutional Working group in policy, when the constitution came home to Canada in 1982. While many knew Dave as an active Indigenous political leader and a sports mentor, he was proudest of being a coach and working with the WSANEC youth, as he coached basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. Many of the teams started out with very little experience, he brought these same teams to win league championships, and then to the provincial championships.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a graveside funeral service at the Tsartlip First Nation cemetery on Saturday, October 30, 2021, 10:00 am.

The Paul family wishes to thank the family and friends who have stood with us over the past few years and the past week, it is greatly appreciated. The Paul family would like to thank the Saanich First Nations Adult Care Society who provided home care services for the last few years.