Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Christopher’s inspiring obituary for Paul reminded me of a poem called "The Dash". Our birthdate and death date are separated by this dash. It reminds us to live life to its fullest. And Paul did. His life was filled to the brim with those things that really matter - a joy of life, of family and friends. Working hard and playing hard. To paraphrase a couple of stanzas:
For that dash represents all the time
That he spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth
For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
Paul, you spent your dash well and to the fullest. You have been an inspiration to many and enriched our lives with your friendship, humour and kindness and we thank you for it.
I remember Paul as an extremely talented guy – from playing guitar and singing to doing stand-up comedy. His Ed Sullivan Show routine was priceless and I can still remember him performing it at the Brass Rail one night. He had a razor wit and would keep us all in stitches whenever we got together. You could tell he just loved performing the ‘Great Carnac’ routine he and Ross Burgar created. From driving up to Grand Bend on a Friday night for the weekend after a summer job shift to the fun times we all had together at John Clifford’s trailer in Bayfield, the memories are unforgettable. Paul was one-of-a-kind.
Christopher, Debbie, Norene, Nancy, Tiana, Jason & Matthew & family. Please accept our sincere sympathy in the passing of Paul, our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this very difficult time. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days to come.
Bryon & Anne Tribe
