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Walter Malysh posted a condolence
Friday, April 2, 2021
Sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I did not meet him but heard of him from the Pruce's My father and Paul were first cousins.
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Elie Savoie posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
So deeply sorry for Paul's passing. We became good friends as a result of golfing together for about 20 plus years. We shared a lot of laughs and good times and also a few pints at the 19th hole. I always enjoyed his light hearted attitude and sense of humor. I miss him very much and think of him every day. I hope he's in a better place now.
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Jennifer Oades posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
I appreciate being informed of this sad news. I only knew of Paul, but he, as well as many people on this list, helped shape my interest and work in corrections and conditional release. My condolences to his family. (Jennifer Oades, Chairperson, Parole Board of Canada).
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Ben Van Den Assem posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
I was very sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I had the pleasure of working with and for Paul at the Prairies regional headquarters from 1979 to 1982. My condolences to Paul’s family. (Ben Van Den Assem Ottawa and Henley on Thames, England)
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Jane Miller-Ashton and Fraser Simmons posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Feeling so sad for Paul (and his family) that he has died of COVID and the loss for us all. It reminds us of the enormous collective and individual justice work by everyone on this list - towards the betterment of corrections and communities in Canada over many years and of how we are all connected. It is important to share these memories about our friends who have passed away, but also as a constant reminder of the chances we have to remember and feel grateful for each other right now – especially in these times.
Neither of us knew Paul very well having only met him on a few occasions but we were certainly aware from afar of his long years of service and important and fine contributions. Our deep sympathy and condolences go out to Vera and family. We would like you to know too that we found it heartwarming to read recollections of others who were fortunate to work directly with Paul, and to learn more about his love and pride of family and about his good work in so many places, so many positions and on so many projects. It called to mind for me (Jane) a time when Paul, (who was not directly involved) had an opportunity to offer some counsel and ideas to the planning committee for the Okimaw Ochi Healing lodge in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. The other members of the committee and I greatly appreciated his timely advice, counsel and wise support. (Jane Miller-Ashton – retired Director Native and Female Offender Program, Correctional Service of Canada, and Fraser Simmons – retired Regional Director, National Parole Board, Pacific Region)
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Bob Brown posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Paul’s passing is truly sad. I may not have known Paul that well, but even on the west coast of Canada his reputation was well known. His many contributions to enhancing “corrections” from coast to coast to coast are well documented be it with the Correctional Service or the National Parole Board
One of the few times I personally met Paul was back in the mid-nineties in Saskatoon. If I recall correctly, while at RHQ and following several meetings we ended up by ourselves in a hallway waiting for another colleague. Having been advised that Paul was quite the Saskatchewan Huskies football fan I thought university football would be of common interest given my pride in the Western Mustangs from the University of Western Ontario. Unfortunately, I forgot that my Mustangs had recently beaten Paul’s Huskies in the Vanier Cup. As we continued to chat the Vanier Cup result became apparent and I learned quickly how much the Huskies meant to him. I had to use the few diplomatic skills I had to avoid being shackled and sent off to Sask Pen. A quick addendum, the Huskies won the Vanier Cup in 1996 and again in 1998 which Paul was quite happy to let me know. To Paul’s family please accept my sincerest condolences. (Bob Brown – retired District Director, Parole, Victoria, B.C.)
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Gord Holloway posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing from this terrible virus. Paul was the ultimate stalwart for the Prairie region and CSC as a whole. My condolences to Vera and his entire family. (Gord Holloway – retired, District Director Parole, Winnipeg, Correctional Service of Canada)
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Frank Porporino posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Sad to hear...and sadder still to hear that Paul passed away from COVID. I didn’t know him well but I do remember that he was quite a character...an unforgettable kind of guy. (Frank Porporino - Board Member International Corrections and Prisons Association and Past-President, International Association for Correctional & Forensic Psychology)
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Larry Motiuk posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Sad news indeed. I will always remember Paul fondly as a pragmatic man and steadfast in his commitment to delivering professional correctional services. (Larry Motiuk – Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Service of Canada, Ottawa)
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Randie Scott posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Vera and family:
The passing of Paul is yet another sad addition to the growing list of those who deserve remembrance. While I may not have known him as well as so many others, his significant contributions to the Correctional Service and his friendships with many are considerable. Rest in Peace, Paul. (Randie Scott – retired Assistant Warden William Head Institution, Pacific Region)
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Irving Kulik posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
My condolences to the family and friends of Paul.
(Irving Kulik Executive Director, Canadian Criminal Justice Association)
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Don Tully posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
To Vera and family:
I had the pleasure of working with Paul for a few months in the late seventies at Regional Headquarters in Saskatoon. I can attest to the fact that, as stated in his obituary, he was "fun to work with and fun to be with". My condolences to Paul's family and all those who were close to him. (Don Tully – retired Director of Policy and Planning, National Parole Board)
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Mike Provan posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Vera and family:
Paul was a great supporter and colleague during my career. He was a good soundboard when I was at Central District in Ontario. Rest in Peace to a great correctional friend. (Mike Provan – retired warden Fenbrook and Warkworth Medium Security Institution, Ontario Region)
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Dan Kane posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Dear Vera and family:
Having begun my career in the Prairie Region I remember Paul well and affirm all that has been said about him. He was a joyful and fair-minded man who will be missed. (Dan Kane - retired Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Ontario Region)
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Anne and Marcel Chiasson posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
To Vera and Family:
We are deeply saddened to learn of Paul’s passing. We will never forget the welcome you both extended to our family as we moved to Saskatoon from the Maritimes and settled into new roles. We recall U of S football games to watch Lucas play, house parties, RHQ BBQs and a lot of golf. Paul, with Remi Gobeil, played a key role in my brief tenure in the Prairie Region. He mentored, supported and challenged us all. Paul was a true-blue gem. Our heartfelt sympathies to you and the family. Anne and Marcel Chiasson – retired senior manager positions with Correctional Service Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat and Public Works Government Services Canada.
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Roxanna and Dan Denis posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Dear Vera:
Paul and I go back to the early 70’s when he was a section supervisor with the National Parole Service in Edmonton, and I was at Grierson Center. When the Prairie Region was created, the first permanent RHQ staff member at the new regional headquarters was none other than Paul. At first, he worked out of the Grierson Center boardroom before he established first RHQ in the Lincoln Building in downtown Saskatoon. For about a year he had me join him 2 days a week to help set it up (we always thought that building must have been a former brothel). I admired Paul for his compassion, wit, fun loving spirit. His patience, fair mindedness and counsel were always appreciated. We shared so much, including the births of our youngest children in June 1978. Then 21 years later I returned to Saskatoon with the National Parole Board. I didn’t play golf, but Art Majkut, Remi Gobeil, and Paul did. They asked me to join along as a fourth, so I did. I cheated a lot, just to keep the game going. The most important thing was we had fun at work and at play. Vera, our heartfelt condolences to you and the boys, and family. Paul will be dearly missed. (Roxanna and Dan Denis – retired Regional Director, Prairies and Pacific, National Parole Board)
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Jan Fox and John Junker posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Dear Vera and Family:
Both John and I worked with Paul for many years including while he was on special assignment at Saskatchewan Penitentiary. When I moved to Edmonton to help build the new prison for women Paul came to help me convince Edmontonians that they really did want a prison in their backyard. Not an easy sell as you can imagine. We will always remember the pride and love he had for his sons always proudly telling us of their many achievements. I remember many fun times and laughs at work functions. We are both thinking of you in this very difficult time. (Jan Fox, retired District Director, Parole, Northern Alberta and John Junker retired warden Edmonton Maximum Security Institution)
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Jeff Christian posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Vera and family
I want to add my voice to many who appreciated Paul as a colleague and a friend. I always felt he was the glue that held us all together in a region as distant and divergent as the Prairies. (Jeff Christian – retired District Director Parole, Edmonton, Correctional Service of Canada)
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Art Majkut posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Dear Vera and family
I lost a very good buddy. Paul, I and our families spent many enjoyable times together. As I was leaving the Parole Board in Saskatoon I spent a number of months living with the Oleniuk’s. Paul and Vera were always willing to help someone out. Paul was a man who maintained high principles for achievement and encouraged those around him to do so. I need not repeat his achievements in Corrections as they are well documented. Terry Sawatsky, Paul and myself were known as the three amigos and remained so after retirement. He will be deeply missed but 50 years of challeneges, laughs and memories will always stay with me. (Art Majkut – retired Regional Vice-Chairperson, Prairies, National Parole Board)
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Terry Sawatsky posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Paul was my roommate at our parole officer orientation in Banff way back in 69 and we've been close friends ever since. Paul was truly the "solid rock" in his many years in the Prairie regional headquarters. Paul was one of the first parole officers to transfer to Penitentiary Service (CPS), first as Coordinator of Classification for the Pacific Region, and then when the Prairie Region was created as Deputy Regional Director, Inmate Programs. He managed to get me to leave the National Parole Service Regional Office to join the "dark side" (CPS) in 1976 as Coordinator of Classification.
Paul was one of the creative forces that did much to help the success of integrating the National Parole Service and Canadian Penitentiary Service into a new federal corrections agency, later called the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). Many of the initiatives such as Individual Program Planning were the first formalized integrated case management initiatives within CSC.
Paul was a consummate professional - and he truly loved his profession. He tolerated opposing viewpoints, criticism, and yet you knew he always "had your back". During crises and dark times, he was there for you - and his support never wavered (though he did not hesitate to have private "accountability sessions".) Paul always talked about the importance of "remembering them that brought you". By this he meant we need to appreciate our Service history, and that we in the Service were all so dependent on each other, on those that mentored us, and that few professions are as dependent on others (both superiors and subordinates) for their success.
And as everyone who knew Paul has mentioned, his humour, storytelling and enjoyment of moments of "libation" were always memorable. Our many fishing trips to Paul's BFJ lodge (with Paul's boys, Art Majkut and his son and my boys) were experiences that will never be forgotten. We will all miss this bigger than life former friend and colleague. (Terry Sawatsky – retired Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Pacific, Correctional Service of Canada)
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Lillianne and Rémi Gobeil posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Dear Vera:
Lillianne and I were very saddened to learn of Paul’s passing. We have very fond memories of the years we spent in Saskatoon. Paul was a wonderful man to work with and the period of time I worked with him were some of the best in my career. Mostly, Lillianne and I appreciated the friendship you and he extended to us. Our most sincere condolences and prayers. (Lillianne and Rémi Gobeil, retired Deputy Commissioner, Prairies Region)
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JOHN VANDOREMALEN posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Dear Vera and family:
Sad news for so many when we heard about Paul’s passing, the latest in a long list of former colleagues and close friends who have left us since we retired. I first met Paul at the graduate school of criminology at the University of Ottawa. That was 50 years ago. I remember he was wearing blue jeans and a faded blue denim jacket. It was an ensemble that he wore like a uniform for the next two years. I recall, he was sharing with a few of us his observation that people in Ottawa don’t seem to know how to read. He noted that rather than “WALK” and “DON’T WALK” at crosswalk lights, there were pictures of an upheld hand and a man strutting. He thought that was hilarious.
While at the university, a bunch of us also used to get up early Sunday mornings to play hockey. We joked that while we would occasionally miss a class by sleeping in, we were loath to miss our Sunday morning hockey game. You had to be up very early in the morning because that was the only available ice time. Paul related to us that he would go to bed very early Saturday night (around 9:00 PM) with his hockey gear next to the front door. He would work hard to sleep so he wouldn’t miss the alarm clock. This weekly hockey game culminated in a championship game between first- and second-year students. As a trophy, we found an old toilet bowl at a reclamation yard, cleaned it up and painted it gold. The names of the winning team were all displayed on the raised toilet seat. I don’t know what ever became of that trophy, but Paul was proud of the fact that our names would be forever inscribed on it.
Paul loved his sons. He talked about them often and was proud of their achievements. In many ways, Paul was really a big kid himself. He loved to do things that were outlandish and would relate them to you later. He enjoyed pranks and practical jokes and had a great sense of humour. Once, I showed him a bunch of “magic” tricks just using my fingers. He called me a few weeks later asking if I had any more since they were apparently a hit at one of the kid’s birthday parties. He would often come into Ottawa a day ahead of a conference or senior management meeting so we could get out and play a round of golf. He loved his work and enjoyed his life to the fullest.
Paul was not someone who pretended he could move mountains. But put one in front of him and he’d find a way around it, over it or through it. Paul did not consider himself a pioneer in corrections or a visionary reformer. But through his strength of leadership and perseverance, he built a team of professional and dedicated staff. He could see the vision and inspiration of others and work to encourage and motivate staff to make it become reality. He brought out the best in his people, was very supportive of staff and protected them. He once told me: “You know John, in this business, we have to look after each other.” Paul loved the field of corrections and criminal justice and dedicated his professional career in making it better. He was admired and respected by management and staff of the Correctional Service across the country.
His passing was not totally unexpected. He had suffered from dementia for several years and finally succumbed when he contracted the corona virus. So today, all of us mourn the loss of a man who was a boss and supervisor to some of us, a colleague and mentor to others, and a dear friend and confidant to all of us. He touched all of our lives in many different ways. We will miss him as a professional colleague and dearly treasure our memories of him as a friend.
Rest assured, our thoughts and our prayers are with you. (John Vandoremalen – retired Director of Communications, National Parole Board)
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Chris & Ron Krysa posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Ron, Kyle, Brynn & I were shocked and saddened by news of Paul’s passing. Of all the people who have lived in 22 Duncan, you two were our favourites! When he discovered that young Kyle was into drumming, Paul gave him a pair of his old drum sticks. When snow was forecasted during one of your vacation times, Paul paid Kyle a snow-removal retainer fee. Guess what? No snow fell during your absence, but Paul still paid young Kyle! You folks generously made your pool available to us; our kids eagerly watched for the “towel signal” .
We fondly remember Paul as a kind man gifted with a terrific sense of humour. While reading his poignant obituary, we learned more about his unique life, and how it positively impacted many others. His was a life well lived.
May he and his brother share peace.
Regards,
Chris & Ron Krysa
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Jon F Klaus posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, February 14, 2021
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Vera and family. So sad to read of Paul's passing. He was a good friend, colleague and mentor. I enjoyed his sense of humor from the farm, the BFJ cabin and remember the post Xmas football games at your home. The jokes and tricks at RHQ will be remembered. My lips are sealed May he rest in peace(RIP)
Jon F Klaus
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Bob and Agnes Gillies posted a condolence
Saturday, February 13, 2021
We wish heartfelt condolences to Vera and family.
Agnes and Bob Gillies.
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Christine and Jerry Kunkel posted a condolence
Saturday, February 13, 2021
We were saddened to learn of Paul's passing, Vera. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. I worked with him for almost 20 years and considered him a brilliant man. I will never forget how he would read through 20 or 25 inmate inquiries or staff claims over several hours and then, without referring to anything other than the name on the file, dictate a thoughtful, well laid out response. He never forgot anything. He did indeed have a great sense of humour and participated in several practical jokes played in the office. I remember a certain black, fabric chair soaked with warm water so the victim wouldn't catch on until it was too late... I also remember that fishing trip resulting in the pic of him with that awesome tuna! He had a few stories to tell about that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and hope your memories will bring you comfort. Christine and Jerry Kunkel
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Jim Phelps posted a condolence
Saturday, February 13, 2021
I am very sorry for your loss, Vera. Paul is fondly remembered by colleagues, family and friends.
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Barry posted a condolence
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Our deepest condolences from the Prokop Family he was a great guy. Barry & Bev
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Matt Adelmann lit a candle
Saturday, February 13, 2021
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Lucas uploaded photo(s)
Friday, February 12, 2021
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I am incredibly lucky to have had you as my father. Thank you, Pa.
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Vivien Jones uploaded photo(s)
Friday, February 12, 2021
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Marcus Oleniuk uploaded photo(s)
Friday, February 12, 2021
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You were a hell of a man, Pop, a wonderful father to me, and immensely loved. I am going to miss you terribly.
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