February 3, 1947 - June 5, 2020
It is with sadness to report the death of Paul on June 5th 2020. Although born in London England, his family moved to Ipswich, Suffolk where he attended Sale Grammar School. After school Paul worked on the oil rigs in the North Sea before deciding to travel to Canada to begin his new life of adventure. Arriving in Canada Paul hitch hiked his way across Canada in the seventies and eventually found himself living in Sooke BC. Shortly thereafter he moved to his residence close to Kemp Lake where he lived for over 40 years.
Paul was employed as a "rink rat" (a term he found delightful) at the Sooke Arena for several years before taking a position with CP Rail as an ironworker on bridges throughout Western Canada.
Tragically Paul suffered a spinal cord injury after a motorcycle accident on his way to Kemp Lake in the early eighties. After a long-stay in Vancouver hospital and GF Strong Rehabilitation, Paul returned to his residence where he continued his recovery and regained his ability to walk; albeit, at an unsteady gate. With his persistent demeanor Paul was not going to let his disability slow him down.
He was trained and worked as a welder, became a Realtor, had an entrepreneurial drive where he started and operated a vending machine business and was owner/operator of Saseenos Esso station.
Paul was very community minded and involved with many activities. He volunteered for Otter Point Fire Dept, was Treasurer Branch 54 Sooke Royal Canadian Legion from 2004-2008 and was also an executive with Sooke Marine Rescue Society currently known as a JDFMRS.
Paul was predeceased by his longtime partner Amanda (Mandy) Black, his parents Sydney and Doris Gleave and sister Judith. He is survived by his brother Geoff, and many extended family.
In lieu of flowers be kind to one another and make a donation in Paul's name to a charity of your choice.